Urban areas are rarely a part of my world but they are part of Our World. A recent tour of wildlife refuges found us spending the night in San Jose, California.
It is not so much the urban landscape that I don't care for but the masses of people and traffic we often encounter. I appreciate the man made landscape. I love the mirror like reflective quality of many new buildings.
I am not particularly enamored with the building on the right. It reminds me of the uninspired architecture of my youth.
The building on the left is what draws my attention. It is the old Bank of America Building. Built in 1925-1926 it is said to be the first earthquake resistant skyscraper.
I like the detail in this Mediterranean Revival-Beaux-Arts Archeticture. No central air-conditioning here, an eclectic mix of window air conditioners poke through the windows.
The 25 foot high diving lady was first painted on the building in 1951 to advertise the hotel's heated pool.
If one tires of the urban scene the nearby Guadalupe River Park and Gardens is a lovely place to relax. The Heritage Rose Garden still had a few blooms in early December.
To see more views of our world, go to Our World, Tuesday, hosted for us by Arija, Gattina, Lady Fi, Sylvia and Sandy.
21 comments:
What terrific captures, Martha, as always! I love the old Bank of America and for the same reasons you do. Most architecture today is just so "flat and rather dull" -- in most cases! Gorgeous rose! Have a great week!
Sylvia
Not much for urban sprawl either but do appreciate interesting architecture. Haven't been to San Jose in many years. Great reflections.
Really different for you, but most enjoyable. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Ah, I know the song very well, Martha. This is an interesting contrast of architecture. The older style buildings have much more personality in my view than the modern more simplistic buildings … although I, too, love the reflections, especially when they capture the sky. It gives a much-needed illusion of openness in the city. Thanks as always for sharing your world. :)
Now, I am singing the song too. Thansk for sharing your trip. The reflections on the mirror buildings is awesome. I had to laugh at all the window air condition units. Great captures!
The constructed landscape is a marvel, to be sure. The images you share here are delightful. So that's beautiful blossom!
Thank you very much for this colourful journey.
Please have a good Tuesday you all.
daily athens photo
We have similar tastes's in buildings maybe. I love the older art deco and other buildings that have a little style and I like the newer buildings that are so creative with their reflections but the plain jane beige high rises of the 60's to 80's don't do a thing for me.
Thank you for the tour of San Jose, through your eyes it is a most charming city. The fifties skyscraper architecture of the fifties is not my favourite stile either, bland , angular and mostly altogether ugly. The glass boxed certainly enhance the reflected old buildings and that David Austin 'Heritage' rose is a dear delight.
Happy days!
Wonderful shots from the city. The architecture is beautiful.
Glad to see a city i may never see through your eyes, Martha. The buildings are beautiful! So also is the rose!
I like the variety of architecture styles you showed us in the tour and what a gorgeous rose to end with.
Beautiful pics. My OWT is up too.
Happy New Year from New Zealand.
I sure enjoyed your photo tour of San Jose, Martha. You have a real eye for a great shot even in a city setting.
K
I don't think I've ever been to San Jose, but I do remember the song. Lovely tour, those Art Deco designs on the Hotel De Anza are gorgeous!
i like the older buildings, too. the diving lady is quite interesting.:P
thanks for showing us around.
Beautiful architecture, Martha! Maybe I should visit San Jose - we pass it on our way to our daughters.
You have done a good job with all those buildings! I love the reflections, and the diving lady, especially!!!
That's a pretty City -- we have never "found our way" to San Jose (driven past .. used to have an Auntie in Santa Cruz). Maybe next California trip. So many places.....
One thing I enjoy about cities is the interesting reflections that show up--sometimes even in the dull boring architecture--but more often in the old classics and the newer buildings.
I never enjoy the traffic.
Thank you for this excellent architectural tour. As much as I love nature, I am also a fan of interesting architecture.
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