ArchWeek - D.C. Chinatown Restoration

[Kevin Matthews]

This forum thread is for discussion of the ArchitectureWeek article:

[Landy]

Not far from the National Building Museum D.C.'s Chinatown makes it's prescence clear. Still predominantly not the best zone within the urban canvas. Glimps of XL buildings claim Chinatown is worth urbane spectacles. A few buildings like the MCI center and a Megaplex/shopping mall give Chinatown the activity it needs. Most of the façade restoration is for fastfood restaurants and boutiques like Bennetton to name one. My perspective to the historic character of the place falls short to near by Old Town Alexandria. Chinatown holds identity by Asian iconography which jeopardize any restoration aesthetic.