10 Comments
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Lisa's avatar

I read this piece interested less in the architectural angle than in the memories it evoked growing up a Navy brat in North Charleston. Any interest in more stories like these? Or has that been done? I also love your blog and miss your reporting.

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Paul Bowers's avatar

Hmm, I bet there's plenty to tell. I'd be curious about life on the base during the Cold War.

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Paul Bowers's avatar

And thanks! I miss reporting too. I have to do it in my spare time now, unfortunately.

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Lisa's avatar

We lived off base. Dad retired in 1967. But that base was apart of my life, from fellow students at St. John’s Catholic School right outside the gates, to the “hospital”/drs visits (actually a series of individual clinics), to Sterrett Hall gym and ship visits in port. My husband was also stationed there when we met. We used to play golf at the par 3 by the Officer’s Club. The disrepair and subsequent attempts to reimagine that space has been interesting.

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Paul E. Russell.Jr's avatar

Price is a consideration, but it's a book that's long overdue. Brutalism has been neglected in the history of the Southern built landscape.

P.S. your blog is wonderful.

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Paul Bowers's avatar

Agreed! It's out there if you know what you're looking for. Atlanta has some great examples.

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Katie Thompson's avatar

I think a book is a fantastic idea. There are some great brutalist gems out here!

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Paul Bowers's avatar

I'll be scouting for gems. The Chapel Hill building you pointed out the other day looks promising. I'd love to highlight brutalist buildings in unlikely places where the contrast is obvious.

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Edna Mae Boroski-Siehl's avatar

I’d consider buying such a book depending on price, but it would require buying a coffee table.

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Paul Bowers's avatar

Haha, no table necessary! I just meant that it would be bigger than a standard paperback and would have nice glossy photos in it.

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