Brick Town Talk

Grub Fiction

2012-02-12T20:18:00.000-05:00

Quentin Beach, Hawaii - (BTT) With all the burger joints out there, from the well-known fast food chains to the local restaurants with their own signature sandwich, it can be hard to stand out in the crowd. The Hawaiian-themed Big Kahuna Burger might not have the snappiest of slogans, but they sure know how to make a mean patty - it's no surprise that their food is a favorite among the Hollywood elite, especially while on the job.

Inspiration of the Day - 2/12/12

2012-02-12T18:44:00.001-05:00

Courtesy Riverview High School by RTC1

Sarasota, Florida - (BTT) We've covered a lot of buildings that have had near misses with the wrecking ball over these last few months, but not all buildings have been so lucky. Riverside High School was completed in 1958 by architect Paul Rudolph - that same year he was appointed Dean of the Yale School of Architecture. This example of International Style architecture became the poster child of a movement which was later dubbed Sarasota Modern. Although there were a few undesired quirks associated with the building, especially when it rained, the use of covered walkways and sunshades over the windows made this a true pioneer in the field of green architecture. Unfortunately the building was demolished in 2009, despite the best efforts of preservationists and other architects, proving that we still have a lot to learn in terms of protecting important modernist works.

Fighting the Good Fight

2012-02-09T21:23:00.000-05:00

Courtesy Minifig Rights Movement - Dutch HQ by Neverroads

The Netherlands - (BTT) It seems like everyone these days is part of some group or movement out to change the world - whether or not they truly are is a matter best left to other sites. In order to be truly organized, though, you need a proper headquarters, and thankfully the Minifig Rights Movement has a real beaut. Especially nice is the large spiral staircase enveloped by a three-story bay window on the rear facade - a space as inspirational as their cause.

What's Old is New Again

2012-02-07T20:20:00.000-05:00

Courtesy Brown Brick Recycle Plant by pabloglez

Waste Not Avenue - (BTT) While some attempts to save the planet seem a little out there, others just make perfect sense. The Brown Brick Recycle Plant has been turning our refuse into useful, wanted goods for years, long before "going green" became the fashionable thing to do. A quick tour of the factory floor shows every step of the process, from initial scrap to finished brick, while the building itself is environmentally friendly with its ample windows and well-insulated masonry.

Revisiting a Classic

2012-02-07T19:39:00.001-05:00

Courtesy Modular Western Town by marshal banana

The American West - (BTT) For those of you with a strong feeling of déjà vu, you have good reason - marshal banana's masterwork above has been featured on the site before. Not one to be left out on a worthy cause, I am pleased to join several other LEGO blogs in supporting this build on CUUSOO. At the time of writing, there are currently 2,600 supporters - more than a quarter way to the 10,000 needed to get the attention of LEGO with the hopes of seeing production. If you like what you see (and if you don't, what's wrong with you?) please click here and join the movement!

Accessible Accessories

2012-02-07T00:14:00.000-05:00

Courtesy Minifig Maison by dita_svelte

Fashion District - (BTT) You've put on your pants, shirt, socks, and shoes. You've got your keys in your hand, ready to head out the door, when it strikes you - something is missing. Accessories are what truly completes an outfit, and no one has a better selection than the Minifig Maison. Inside the store is everything from stuffed bears to live monkeys, in addition to the more standard fare, while the top floor features a bachelor pad with access to the roof.

Comfy Cafe

2012-02-05T15:15:00.000-05:00

Courtesy Europe Style Cafe by Opabinia

Back in The Old Country - (BTT) It's hard to really pinpoint what exactly gives an old European building like the one above that certain level of charm not found here in America, but boy does this have it. On the first floor is a bustling cafe, providing a warm and inviting space to meet up with friends and enjoy some top notch nibbles. An apartment occupies the second and third floors above, currently owned by an avid collector of art and antiquities who clearly spared no expense when it came time to decorate.

Inspiration of the Day - 2/5/12

2012-02-05T14:06:00.000-05:00

Courtesy Jefferson Market Library by Stuck in Customs

Greenwich Village, Manhattan - (BTT) A gorgeous example of Victorian Gothic architecture, the Jefferson Market Library, designed by Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux and completed in 1877, is yet another Inspiration that is lucky to still be standing. Originally built as the Third Judicial District Courthouse, the building saw its fair share of prominent trails, including that of Harry K. Thaw for murder of architect Stanford White, who has previously been featured on this site. Abandoned in the mid 1940s, the building was set to be demolished around 1958 until it was saved by a campaign to convert it into a branch of the New York Public Library. As seen by the scaffolding around the base in the picture above, the building might need a little touch up now and again, but thankfully won't have to worry about meeting a bulldozer ever again.

Block Party

2012-02-04T20:35:00.001-05:00

Courtesy Happy Hour Avenue by Richard van Leeuwen

Goes, The Netherlands - (BTT) The work week is finally over and the people on this street are ready to make the most of it. Three buildings comprise the block, each unique in both form and function, and each teaming with activity. These are not just beautiful facades mind you - take a step inside the post office, apartment building, or cafe and prepare to be blown away by the level of detail found within.

Primarily Primary Pigments

2012-02-03T22:56:00.001-05:00

Courtesy Mondrian House by Jeroen_K

Neoplasticism Avenue - (BTT) Some people are afraid of color - not in terms of their physical well-being (I hope) but certainly enough to stick to the blander hues when designing a building. Others, however, aim for something bolder. Clearly inspired by the works of artist Piet Mondrian, the architect of this house used the trademark primary colors with striking black and white backgrounds to create a dwelling worthy of display.

Annual Passes for LEGOLAND Discovery Center - Now Available!

2012-02-03T11:52:00.002-05:00

Annual passes are now available for LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta. Here's the full scoop:

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ANNUAL PASSES NOW ON SALE FOR LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta

LEGO Fans Who Purchase Early Receive Early Access to the Buckhead Attraction

ATLANTA (February 1, 2012)—LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta has your ticket to fun this year! Opening on March 17 in Phipps Plaza, the highly anticipated attraction has just announced Unlimited Annual Passes will be available. By visiting www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com, guests can select a single pass for $54 or a family pass (four people) for $180 (excluding taxes).

Unlimited annual pass holders will receive special advance admission into LEGOLAND Discovery Center before it opens to the public! The attraction will host member sneak previews on Tuesday, March 13 and Wednesday, March 14. Other annual pass benefits include a 10% discount in the attraction’s LEGO store, 20% off café purchases, unlimited access to the attraction and more!

Make Spring Break plans now! LEGOLAND Discovery Center is also offering a limited-time discount on single tickets. Through Sunday, February 5, single visit tickets can be purchased online for $12.50 (savings of up to $6.50 per ticket).

WHAT: Unlimited Annual Pass to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta

WHEN: Available Now!

WHERE: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta

3500 Peachtree Street | Atlanta, GA | 30326

HOW: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta Website

http://atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

$54 Individual or $180 Family (four people) plus taxes

Please note: LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a children’s attraction, and only adults visiting with a child and/or children will be admitted to the center. Beginning in May, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta will host an adult night on the second Thursday of every month.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta is scheduled to open in Phipps Plaza on March 17, 2012. This will be the third LEGOLAND Discovery Center in the United States. Described as stepping into the biggest box of LEGO bricks in the world, the $15 million, 30,000-square-foot interactive attraction will feature a MINILAND exhibit which recreates landmark buildings in Atlanta out of LEGO bricks, hands-on play areas, a 4D Cinema, master classes from the LEGO Master Model Builder, LEGO rides and special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations. This highly interactive and educational two-to-three hour indoor experience is ideal for families with children.

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Thank you Jennifer Walker!

Mint Condition

2012-02-02T19:03:00.000-05:00

Courtesy Corner Shop & Apartments by BrickCityDepot

Muntplein Square, Amsterdam - (BTT) Having provided you with a romantic dinner suggestion previously, what about an appropriate Valentine's gift? Once again, this site has your back! Swing by the first floor jewelry store in this historic Neo-Dutch Renaissance apartment building to find that special something for that special someone. While the appeal of shiny rocks is a bit lost on this author, they seem to be a big hit with the fairer sex.

Table for Two

2012-01-29T19:42:00.000-05:00

Courtesy Maca & James Restaurant by valgarise

Restaurant Row - (BTT) Valentine's Day is fast approaching - have you made dinner reservations yet? Allow me to suggest Maca & James, surely one of the classiest places in town, assuming they aren't already booked up. The beautifully detailed exterior, with its bold use of green and red, certainly draws the eye - step inside and expect to find the well-groomed waitstaff always willing to open a bottle of wine to help you celebrate any occasion. Certainly a night to remember!

Inspiration of the Day - 1/29/12

2012-01-29T19:25:00.001-05:00

Courtesy St. Vincent Street Free Church by dalbera

Glasgow, Scotland, UK - (BTT) When you think of great Greek Revival architecture, chances are the first place to pop into your mind isn't Glasgow, but perhaps it should be. One of the greatest architects of his time, the appropriately named Alexander "Greek" Thomson, only recently gained the fame he deserved outside his home town in Scotland - certainly better late than never. His St. Vincent Street Free Church, completed in 1859, is the most intact of his three monumental churches he built in Glasgow, providing a very nice contrast to the less traditional (to put it nicely) buildings in the neighborhood.

Breaking the Fourth Wall

2012-01-27T22:07:00.000-05:00

Courtesy In Den Vergulden Turk by pj_bosman

Leiden, the Netherlands - (BTT) It really is true - they don't make 'em like they used to. Clocking in just shy of 400 years old, this townhouse shows no signs of going anywhere anytime soon. For those of you with voyeuristic tendencies, the missing wall allows a great view into the lives of others, as well as a great chance to appreciate all the fine interior detailing.

Ye Olde Modular

2012-01-22T17:57:00.000-05:00

Courtesy Medieval Modular by myko82

Peasant Trail - (BTT) At first glance, it appears that we have traveled back in time. Looking at this building, with its half-timbered facade and stone base, there is surely no doubt that we are looking at a scene straight out of the Middle Ages. Even the owners out front seem to be decked out in period appropriate garb. Turns out that they are just on their way to the local Renaissance Festival, and this building is just a wonderful homage to the era - minus the plague and religious persecution, of course.

Inspiration of the Day - 1/22/12

2012-01-22T17:31:00.000-05:00

Courtesy Cadet Chapel by athenius22

US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs - (BTT) In stark contrast to last week's Inspiration, the Cadet Chapel at the US Air Force Academy is a true triumph of modernist architecture. Designed by SOM's Walter Netsch and completed in 1962, the building was extremely controversial when initially completed, but has since been recognized for its importance - it even became a National Historic Landmark in 2004. Although there are several places of worship found within, the Protestant Chapel is easily the grandest, taking full advantage of the space located beneath the 17 iconic spires.

All That Glitters is Gold

2012-01-21T11:25:00.001-05:00

Courtesy Modular Bank by dita_svelte

Fortune Lane - (BTT) If you've wondered why the interest rate on your savings account continues to be next to nothing, now you know why - opulence like this does not come cheap! Anything not gilded in gold has been painted in a vibrant Art Deco palette, including the four iconic columns that both figuratively and literally are holding the weight of the world upon them. The interior is no less grand, with sconces that would bankrupt lesser financial institutions.

LEGO on National Geographic Channel

2012-01-20T11:19:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, when the desire to build just isn't quite their, our minds wander and wonder. Staring at all these little bricks with such precise dimensions and shapes with such easy to follow instructions baffles us. How are they made? What's the process behind these endless varieties of bricks and colors and a toy that has morphed into a timeless hobbies for thousands of people all over the world.

LEGO on Ultimate Factories this Saturday at 8pm!

Well thankfully, the long unanswered question is finally being answered! Ultimate Factories, a television series on the National Geographic Channel, has set on finding out how this tiny little brick, that has transcended generations, is made. Based in the LEGO factory in Billund, Denmark, the show follows the design, implementation, packaging, and distribution of the new LEGO Police Station.

The show will air this Saturday at 8pm on the National Geographic Channel.

I would personally like to thank Kristin Montalbano of the National Geographic Channel for bringing me this news!

Witting Pawn

2012-01-19T21:59:00.001-05:00

Courtesy Pawn Shop by zaberca

Desperation Boulevard - (BTT) If there were ever a recession-proof business, this is it. Unlike many others in the field, this pawn shop has gone out of their way to create an inviting atmosphere, from the attention-getting crown to the clean and uncluttered interior - even if it does feature a rather large amount of weapons. Rumor has it that the owner is in talks for a new reality show, as the public has been quite adamant that the number of TV shows about pawn shops finally overtake those about cake decorating.

Above the Clouds

2012-01-15T20:43:00.000-05:00

Courtesy Maison de Campagne by Theolego

The Wild Blue Yonder - (BTT) Owning a house is great and all, but should you decide you would rather be in another location, you can't exactly bring it with you - or can you? Not letting things like noisy neighbors or the laws of physics impede on their dreams of a perfect home, these happy dwellers seem to have found their little slice of heaven. Literally.

Inspiration of the Day - 1/15/12

2012-01-15T15:51:00.000-05:00

Courtesy Cathderal of Learning by steveh30

University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - (BTT) While some institutions consider education to be an almost spiritual experience, few take it as literally as the University of Pittsburgh. The 42-story Cathedral of Learning, designed by architect Charles Z. Klauder and dedicated in 1937, was not only planned to be the tallest building in Pittsburgh when it broke ground, but remains to this day the tallest educational building in the entire Western hemisphere. Before you head off for class, make sure you write down the room number carefully - with over 2,000 rooms inside, it could take the whole semester finally find your way.

10224 Town Hall

2012-01-11T21:00:00.000-05:00

10224 Town Hall courtesy Caramidute

The rumors were true - the next official modular is a indeed a Town Hall! Clocking in as the largest release in the line to date, both in height and piece count, LEGO has also included 8 minifigures - quite an impressive number. Start saving your pennies (or currency of choice) now so that you can pick one up when they start showing up in stores come March. Huge thank you to Mikey26 on the Eurobrick Forums for being the first to discover these photos - please visit their forums to see more and join in on the discussion.

LEGO in the Classroom!

2012-01-11T14:46:00.000-05:00

LEGO is slowly making its way into the classroom. Whether you're an 8 year old or a graduate student, chances are you might stumble into these little plastic bricks at some point. It makes perfect sense. They can help students understand science, mathematics, engineering, and simple team work. View the 20 examples here!

London Calling

2012-01-11T00:23:00.000-05:00

Courtesy Georgian Townhouse by snaillad

Belgravia, London - (BTT) They sure don't make them like they used to - not that any of us could afford such a lavish home today. Certainly the height of luxury back when it was finished in at the turn of the 20th century, this Georgian townhouse spared no expense. Inside the opulence continues - from the reception area to the dining room to the master bedroom, every space has been thoughtfully considered.