Sep 03 2008
The Mechanic Theatre - To Preserve or Not?
I dug up this rendering of the conceptual design for what would replace the dormant Morris Mechanic Theatre in Downtown Baltimore.? The project is embroiled in disputes between preservationists and planners over whether the building should be saved, and if so, how much it could be altered through redevelopment.?
Click HERE to read the article in the Baltimore Sun
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7 Comments to “The Mechanic Theatre - To Preserve or Not?”
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ugliest building i’ve ever seen
were we on war-ration cement in the 60’s?
was there a paint shortage?
the architect should be first in line to tear it down
it looks like a set for a gang movie in the slums of brazil
The above comment is an example of the lack of cultural and historical knowledge paging this city in search of development. The Mechanic building represents a style widely used in the 60’s as “functional”. I just hope we don’t go around tearing down all and any example of past architectural styles just because some people don’t have the means to appreciate it. THe reason why this building is now “ugly” is because it is unkempt, dirty, boarded up and dead inside. If I had a contact to reach I would suggest sandblasting it to clean it up. Take an organic approach to a concrete structure like the artist Hundertwasser (http://blogs.jsonline.com/blogs/artcity/hundertwasser.jpg). Use the front wall for event publicity like the long sashes hanging from the Metropolitan Museum, install a couple fancy modern furniture stores along Charles, pack a few cool restaurants on the Mall side, and make the whole thing a venue for cultural events: gallery, architecture museum, classical music and hot Jazz performers,etc. This could be a cultural center. be creative instead of destructive!
i agree with whynot because this is just a bad picture of the theater in the post, after looking on flickr i can see that there is a lot of architectural interest in this building and it should be restored and updated. perhaps then the mall and condos could be built nearby.
This part of downtown really needs an anchor - a public attraction of some sort. The area isn’t defined well but has some things going for it: 1) exisiting and new hotels, 2) new residential, 3) Metro stop that serves Johns Hopkins Hospital 4) renovated office buildings nearby and 5) near the site of the new arena. The Inner Harbor clearly has a focus - the water - and every lively neighborhood has some sort of focal point. This area doesn’t not. Hopefully we can preserve the Mechanic as a public attaction and build some functional open space to serve as the draw. A reflecting pool might work. Or an ice skating rink. Retail is great, but a Bed Bath in Beyond in an architectural landmark would be criminal.
The building was an eyesore even when it was open for business. I really see no redeeming qualities. It has its back towards Charles St., with a couple of unsightly garage entrances on what should be Baltimore’s equivalent of 5th Avenue. It doesn’t at all fit in with the buildings around it, which are nice mix of historic and modern. I’ve also heard that the acoustics were terrible as a theater, so I don’t really see how it is “functional.” There are plenty of other buildings in B-more more worthy of saving.
you know i really dont care that much about the mechanic to get into an argument about it, but christ, do you think you could be a little more condescending (ps - the style is brutalist)
in my opinion it is an ugly, vacant, eye-sore
it would be better served as a parking garage or a christmas tree farm
in your opinion it is worth saving as a theatre. i can accept that, although the furniture stores and banners seem a little iffy. and its not really prime location for anything other than a lunch spot. but…
de gustibus non est disputandem
Update - The Baltimore Planning Commission voted today to NOT grant the Mechanic Theatre landmark status. This clears the way for developers to proceed with a planned 30 story tower at the site. Follow the link:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-mechanic0911,0,6554695.story