Stamp of Approval

Post Office by Eric Badis 

Letter Lane - (BTT) Black Friday sales were down while Cyber Monday sales were up. It seems like anything brick-and-mortar is slowly going the way of the dinosaur, and certainly this website isn't about to advocate spending less time online. Despite the seeming doom and gloom, there is one physical establishment that couldn't be happier about the news - the post office. After all, those packages aren't going to walk themselves to your front door unless they are first in the hands of a postal carrier. As grey as the skies during those days with rain, snow, and gloom, this building stands strong in an uncertain world (until Google and Amazon perfect strapping boxes to drones).

Belles and Whistles

Beloved Belle by Kristel

Union Square - (BTT) For an item of clothing that is ideally only purchased and worn once, the wedding dress really exists a word apart from other apparel - it's hard to imagine a cable TV show devoted to people bickering over the perfect pair of tube socks after all. This author won't pretend to understand the difference between eggshell and ivory, but the employees of Beloved Belle have encyclopedic knowledge of every shade of white out there. As elegant on the inside as it is on the exterior, this shop has everything needed to make brides-to-be the center of attention on their special day. Upstairs, two apartments (and a neglected attic) fill out the rest of the building, hopefully with sufficiently soundproofed floors for the times tempers run hot below.

Checking Out

The West Eagle Grand Hotel by eyescream54

Avian Avenue - (BTT) In a world where some websites allow homeowners to become (legally questionable) private hoteliers while others advertise "couch surfing" to try and make sleeping on something that isn't even a bed sound like an extreme sport, one has to wonder what the future holds for all the standard hotels out there. Call this author old-fashioned, but there is still appeal in room service, fresh towels, and pillow mints. As splendid as the name implies, the West Eagle Grand Hotel remains proud to serve those of us who think sleeping on a mattress isn't an unreasonable request to have.

Not Quite Dead

If the old adage “absence makes the heart grow fonder” really is true, then Brick Town Talk’s fondness level is at an all-time high, so at least there’s that.

Clearly that isn't the reality, but this extended hiatus has certainly made me miss this little site, and what could be better timing to stage yet another comeback than with the leak of the next modular, the Detective’s Office, due out early next year (thanks to Eurobricks for the pic below).

Detective's Office courtesy Eurobricks

This past year and a half have seen a fair amount of changes in the world of Lego blogs, with the death of a few of my favorites (goodbye Classic-Town) and the creation of some new ones (hello Modulars by Kristal). Still, I don’t think that there really is another site quite like this one, celebrating all the wonderful Lego architecture out there regardless of scale or style, so it’s worth keeping around, at least in my opinion.

For now, expect the usual reporting from me with a few minor tweaks here and there to margins and removing some dead wood. Don’t expect these every day, but definitely more than once every 18 months. Going forward, I am thinking about other features that would make the site more interesting to both the audience and the author so this isn’t just a series of images you’ve already seen on flickr. If there is anything you would like to see, feel free to email me (and if you have emailed in these last months, I am slowly getting through them).

As for my own Lego creations, those also took a year off. I am happy to say that I am slowly getting back in the MOC game, starting with the completion of my jewelry store, pizzeria, and bike shop (lovingly inspired by the official Bike Shop and Café set). Expect to see it soon in the Rockefeller Center Lego Store, and look forward to some new modulars in 2015.

Jewelry Store, Pizzeria, and Bricklyn Bike by Jonathan Grzywacz

State of the Art

Courtesy Art Gallery by crises_crs

Old Industrial District - (BTT) As Andy Warhol once said, “Art is what you can get away with” - this author doesn't disagree. There is certainly nothing wrong with different people liking different things though, and perhaps no other place proves that as well as your local art gallery. Opting for a converted loft space with tons of natural light, this gloriously green gallery is constantly acquiring new pieces, much to the chagrin of the delivery men that need to navigate the stairs without damaging the work. 

Fiscal Balcony

Courtesy Tax Office by fuchsp1

Certainty Street - (BTT) We're just a few hours into the new year, and already there are a bunch of people in a panic over the state of their taxes. However, not everyone is doom and gloom it seems. Here at the Tax Office, business has never been better nor has the future ever looked brighter. Housed in a building the same color as your hard earned dollars, the head honchos are always willing to go over your deductions (and help you improve your putting). Refunds are hard to come by, but if you have long arms and a decent vertical leap, you might get back a little of that paycheck.

Emerald City Accommodations

Courtesy Lion Heart Hotel by kjw010

Not In Kansas - (BTT) Appropriately named for a tin man in the lobby, the Lion Heart Hotel boasts some of the finest in hospitality on either side of the rainbow. Easily recognizable by its dark green exterior with a pair of lions standing guard at the crown, the simple but polished details give an excellent sense of what to expect inside. Grand lobbies and spacious rooms make this a cut above your standard home away from home - there really is no place like it.

Living Large

Courtesy Herenhuis by PoweredbyNorth

Amsterdam, Netherlands - (BTT) Amsterdam might not be the largest city in the world, but you'd never know that by reading this blog. Once again we find ourselves wandering the great canal town only to stumble upon an architectural gem. Perhaps the first thing that pops out on this wonderfully designed facade is the shutters - the blue diamonds adding an extra richness to the already beautiful composition. Once you go inside, you'll quickly realize that this is more than just a pretty shell. The diamond motif carries through to the pattern on the ground floor, and the upper levels are no less compelling.

Streamline and Seam Lines

Courtesy Streamline Moderne Shop by snaillad

Century Drive - (BTT) Not all Art Deco buildings are cut from the same cloth. Trading decorative panels and sharp angles for smooth surfaces and elegant curves, this Streamline Moderne shop is the perfect showcase of the style. Speaking of style, those wanting to make a fashion statement are strongly encouraged to step inside and pick up one of their signature pieces - perhaps not cheap, but can you really put a price on looking so good?

Streets Ahead

Courtesy City Module 1 by Tavernellos

Courtesy City Module 2 by Tavernellos

Rainbow Road - (BTT) While this site has occasionally featured multiple buildings at once, I do believe this is a new record. Fifteen buildings make up two sides of a street, each one different from the next in terms of color, style, and detailing. Like all urban planning success stories, it is the mix of uses that really brings life to the area. Traffic is looking a little slow, though, so perhaps you better opt for the tram instead if you're planning a trip. 

Back From The Dead

Apology Avenue - (BTT) It's been a looong time. Far from being abducted by aliens or going on a secret government assignment to save the world from some genetic experiment gone wrong, alas these two months off are for a far less worthy reason - I've been busy playing with plastic bricks. I'm guessing I'm not alone, though. What started as one week off turned to two turned to many more, and I do humbly apologize for the complete lack of updates. I know many of you have been checking in regularly only to leave without your Lego architecture fix, and to that I say sorry and thank you for your patience.

As a small consolation, I submit below a peek at my own latest creations - two cast iron inspired modulars that those who live in or around the NYC area can currently see in the flesh by visiting the Lego Store at Rockefeller Center - they should remain there through November. These were originally done as part of ILUGNY's stunning display at the recent New York Comic Con, but sadly only the grey one was ready in time.

Courtesy Cast Iron District by sonicstarlight

If you created a stunning project that you feel was unfairly ignored in the BTT hiatus, or if you want to nominate someone else's work for consideration, please email me, send me a flickr mail, or just respond to this topic. Again, thank you all for your continued support - it really is appreciated.

Going for Gold

Courtesy Sherlock Holmes Pub by p e d

London, England - (BTT) The Olympics have come and gone, so Londoners once again can return to their local pubs without being outnumbered by a flock of tourists. Occupying the ground floor of this gorgeous Georgian townhouse is the Sherlock Holmes Pub, named for a character that has seen quite a spike in popularity as of late. The gold trim along the entry facade as well as the golden accents on the floors above give this place a certain touch of class lacking in most buildings - not to mention the fact it compliments so many of the medals handed out to the great people of Britain these past weeks. 

Gaming Goodness

Courtesy Brickin' Games by DarthNick

D-Pad Drive - (BTT) The gaming industry is certainly at a bit of a crossroads lately. Physical copies or digital distribution? $60 epics or 99¢ time wasters? Analog sticks and buttons or motion controls and touch screens? Whether this is exciting or frightening is a matter of opinion, but the fine folks at Brickin' Games have done their finger exercises and are ready to code the next great blockbuster. Working in their Mies van der Rohe-esque modernist headquarters - the dark steel exterior contrasting brilliantly with the bright and cheery interior - this company truly has an office as slick as their products.

Model of Health

Courtesy Modular Hospital by cecilihf 

Wellbeing Way - (BTT) Let's be honest - going to the hospital is rarely a pleasant occasion. The stench of disinfectant everywhere, the food that makes that on airplanes seem like fine dining, the whole getting poked with needles and scalpels and whatnot - certainly no stay at the Ritz. Still, think of where we would be without them. Located in what must be the Spanish section of Oslo based on those beautifully arched windows and stucco facade, this healthcare facility has thankfully seen many more people come into this world than they have seen depart it.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Courtesy Terrace Apartment by Myko-

Setback Street - (BTT) Apartment living can have its perks, but often times any positives get outweighed by the simple fact that you have no outdoor space to call your own. Not so for those dwelling here - both the second and third floors feature ample terraces for everything from growing a garden to getting some rays. Those who can't afford such luxurious living but can afford a hair cut are in luck - a barber shop takes up the majority of the ground floor and get your locks looking lovely in no time.

Extra Extra

Courtesy The Evening Brick by snaillad

Reporters Way - (BTT) Dating back from the era when all reporters wore fedoras with the word "Press" tucked into the band, the headquarters for The Evening Brick has seen (and reported) more history than most. Journalists are hard at work researching the latest scoop in their second floor offices while the Editor-in-Chief keeps an eye on things from his lavish top floor suite. Time is everything in this business, and with the clock in the tower ever ticking away the minutes, these employees never forget that the news waits for no man.

I'll Drink to That

Courtesy Ollivander's Pub by _Matn

Ye Olde Towne - (BTT) It's refreshing to see a place that serves refreshments that is quite content to keep it simple. Ollivander's Pub has been around for centuries, and so long as there remains a desire to grab a beer and munch on some snacks (which is possibly the most certain thing in life after death and taxes), expect to see it around for a few centuries more. Additional outdoor seating can be found beyond the arched passage, and behind the gorgeous white and black timber facade above lies an apartment that is as cozy as the pub below.

Beach Day

Courtesy Life's a Beach by Dakar A

1296 Bayside Ave.- (BTT) The summer just hasn't happened yet in coastal areas until you make a trip to the beach. The sun, sand, and waves provide a great atmosphere, and the people are usually friendly. There are all sorts of things to do on the beach, from sunbathing to building a sandcastle, and even fishing! The boardwalk is original, and the setup is modular in three places: the walls, and the water. It can be connected to a 32x32 baseplate to add to the scene! (This is a MOC I made, but I just couldn't resit tooting my own horn!)

Homely Hospitality

Courtesy One Brick Plaza by anupher

Texture Corner- (BTT) Hotels. The home away from home for many a weary traveler. What makes us love them so much? The warm, supple bedding? The free, delicious breakfast? Or the helpful, kind staff? Whatever it is, hotels are often a great place to spend the night during one's travels, and this one is amazing as well! The unique plated glass doors, the great use of the 'brick brick', the foliage creeping slowly up the side of the building are all excellent. Let's just hope they have enough supplies for an extended stay!

Smells Like Success

Courtesy Perfume Shop by alex54

Aroma Avenue - (BTT) Despite having taken many trips on public transportation that suggest otherwise, people are willing to shell out big bucks to smell like something more appealing than an armpit - thankfully this Perfume Shop will make sure you are stimulating the olfactory glands of your peers in all the right ways. Virtually anyone even remotely famous seems to have his or her own signature scent, so if you've always dreamed of smelling like a Kardashian (hopefully not, but this author is not one to judge), then look no further. On the upper floors of this art nouveau stunner is an apartment absolutely flooded with light thanks to the oversized windows of the facade and skylight on the roof.