The Endi, Kenwood Village and Bluestone residential-retail developments underway in east Duluth look smart, sophisticated and well-designed. I especially like the curb appeal of their contemporary architecture, their sensitive site planning that integrates well with their surroundings, and the mix of apartments and shops that benefits walkability, owing to high density.
My biggest gripe with all these projects is the timber framing used above the concrete and masonry foundation, parking and commercial spaces to envelop the living accommodation. How “luxury” are paper-thin partition walls and flexing floor joists? Wood is just not as durable and solid as ICF construction and steel and/or aluminum framing. More importantly, wood is combustible, and I have grave concerns about timber-framing any multi-occupancy dwellings where fire can quickly spread.