As a futher note to the comment above regarding the commercialization of the theatre post renovation, I can say that much of the naming rights issues that you mentioned were a result of the non-profit Hippodrome Foundation using the naming as a fundraising tool to help fund their contribution to the product. I’ll take responsibility for the car. Regardless, the project is a true public/private partnership, which state and local government, local philanthropists, corporate intersts (including Clear Channel Entertainment, for whom I work), and private individuals coming together to put together the approximately $68,000,000 to fund the project. Amazing, if you ask me, and much cheaper than trying to construct a new facility of this size (150,000 sq feet), which would have been more than double to money.
Regarding movies, we have been show movies every quarter, with the next taking place in February. Tickets are always $7, and available only at the theatre box office. Our general philosophy at this point regarding the films we show is the try and appeal to the widest audience possible. We try to schedule a true “classic” film, a family title, something the appeal to the African-American audience, and some type of contemporary “classic”. Attendence thusfar has been slim, but we continue to persevere and hope that it will build. Check our website for the annoucement of the films. www.france-merrickpac.com
And by the way, the correct phone number for the facility is 410-837-7400.
My name is Marks Chowning and I am the Executive Director of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, the centerpiece of which is the beautiful Hippodrome Theatre. I have made a career of almost 20 years being a part of a process of reconstruction, restoration and/or revitalization of historic movie palaces. These magnificent facilities hold some a place in the heart of the communities in which they still exist, including the Hippodrome. While I must agree with RedDawg with regards to the comments regarding some of the less attractive production related elements that were added to the theatre in order to make it commercially viable in today’s greatly changed and tremendously different entertainment environment (including the violation of the mural), I also suppport those of you who acknowledge the reality of what sometimes must be done to save these important structures. You should also consider the project in its larger context, that being the preservation and restoration of now only 3 other historic buildings that are part or our complex, but the fact that an entire city block across the street (including the Towne Theatre) are almost completely renovated into a mixed use development that saved over a dozen historic structures. Overall, the theatre project that includes the Hippodrome has been the catalyst for approximately $500,000,000 (yes, a half a billion) dollars of historic restoration to save structures that by and large date the the end of the 19th century (NOTE: Much of downtown Baltimore was destroyed in a massive fire in 1905 with the area around the Hippodrome complex being one of the few areas downtown that has 19th century structures still intact.) While the asthetics of the facility have been compromised in some respect, it has played a huge part in the revitilization of the westside of downtown Baltimore, as similar projects have done in numerous other communities. As a side note, we should all be saddened and concerned regarding the status and future of one the grand dames of all movie palaces/vaudeville houses, namely the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. Having operated that facility for 6 years during the 1990’s, and personally directed over $4,000,000 worth of restoration work on the building, I am greatly saddened that the theatre is likely is extremely bad condition post Katrina. The interior of the theatre is all hand worked plaster, and once wet, does nothing but start to slough off until cut our and replaced, as many of you most likely know. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the Saenger is once again restored to its rightful place as the showplace of the South
As a futher note to the comment above regarding the commercialization of the theatre post renovation, I can say that much of the naming rights issues that you mentioned were a result of the non-profit Hippodrome Foundation using the naming as a fundraising tool to help fund their contribution to the product. I’ll take responsibility for the car. Regardless, the project is a true public/private partnership, which state and local government, local philanthropists, corporate intersts (including Clear Channel Entertainment, for whom I work), and private individuals coming together to put together the approximately $68,000,000 to fund the project. Amazing, if you ask me, and much cheaper than trying to construct a new facility of this size (150,000 sq feet), which would have been more than double to money.
Regarding movies, we have been show movies every quarter, with the next taking place in February. Tickets are always $7, and available only at the theatre box office. Our general philosophy at this point regarding the films we show is the try and appeal to the widest audience possible. We try to schedule a true “classic” film, a family title, something the appeal to the African-American audience, and some type of contemporary “classic”. Attendence thusfar has been slim, but we continue to persevere and hope that it will build. Check our website for the annoucement of the films. www.france-merrickpac.com
And by the way, the correct phone number for the facility is 410-837-7400.
To one and all:
My name is Marks Chowning and I am the Executive Director of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, the centerpiece of which is the beautiful Hippodrome Theatre. I have made a career of almost 20 years being a part of a process of reconstruction, restoration and/or revitalization of historic movie palaces. These magnificent facilities hold some a place in the heart of the communities in which they still exist, including the Hippodrome. While I must agree with RedDawg with regards to the comments regarding some of the less attractive production related elements that were added to the theatre in order to make it commercially viable in today’s greatly changed and tremendously different entertainment environment (including the violation of the mural), I also suppport those of you who acknowledge the reality of what sometimes must be done to save these important structures. You should also consider the project in its larger context, that being the preservation and restoration of now only 3 other historic buildings that are part or our complex, but the fact that an entire city block across the street (including the Towne Theatre) are almost completely renovated into a mixed use development that saved over a dozen historic structures. Overall, the theatre project that includes the Hippodrome has been the catalyst for approximately $500,000,000 (yes, a half a billion) dollars of historic restoration to save structures that by and large date the the end of the 19th century (NOTE: Much of downtown Baltimore was destroyed in a massive fire in 1905 with the area around the Hippodrome complex being one of the few areas downtown that has 19th century structures still intact.) While the asthetics of the facility have been compromised in some respect, it has played a huge part in the revitilization of the westside of downtown Baltimore, as similar projects have done in numerous other communities. As a side note, we should all be saddened and concerned regarding the status and future of one the grand dames of all movie palaces/vaudeville houses, namely the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. Having operated that facility for 6 years during the 1990’s, and personally directed over $4,000,000 worth of restoration work on the building, I am greatly saddened that the theatre is likely is extremely bad condition post Katrina. The interior of the theatre is all hand worked plaster, and once wet, does nothing but start to slough off until cut our and replaced, as many of you most likely know. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the Saenger is once again restored to its rightful place as the showplace of the South