"The bottom-line concern is whether or not this is the appropriate use [of development] in our transition zone," Kline says. "We want to maintain the balance and character of uses."
Residents are also still concerned about the appearance of the proposed Knafel building. Besides the building size issue, which is being addressed with the new two-building plan, many aspects of the layout and exterior surface of the building have yet to be resolved.
Architect Harry Cobb has proposed a light terracotta surface for the building, instead of the brick or stone that he said were "too institutional in this setting." However, some residents disagree.
"They think Harry's wonderful," Kline said. "But we think what they want looks like a hospital or some other bureaucratic, institutional structure."
The finalization of plans for the Knafel Center is still months away, with formal approval still needed from the city. If approved, construction of the Knafel Center would not begin until January of 2001.
Planning Ahead
Some of the controversy surrounding the development of the Knafel Center has occurred because of the way the University originally approached the project, with some members of the surrounding neighborhood feeling that it was thrust on the community without its consideration.
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