City Presents Plans for Union Avenue Opera House
Havre de Grace Economic Development Manager Meghan Simmons presented the following slideshow at the Feb. 19 City Council meeting.
Havre de Grace Economic Development Manager Meghan Simmons presented the following slideshow at the Feb. 19 City Council meeting.
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John Franco
1:20 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
You need to stop posting articles that can only be viewed using Flash. Too many devices no longer support Flash
Karen green
12:02 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Are all dressing rooms and restrooms on first floor only? Will those who are performing and who may have a disability need to take the eleveator to the 1st floor for restroom use and costume changes? Wiil the elevator (single) be shared with those attending events for this purpose? Naturally the diagram shows stairs remaining for access and emergency evacuation as well as transport of musical instruments and some set construction items.
Will a sound system be built in or will it be a stored portable item to be shared by group? What about stage lighting? Built-in or portable or a combination?
The plans look impressive but having all restrooms and dressing areas on the first floor for actors, speakers, etc. is a concern if a quick change or unexpected urge occurs and the alternative is an eleveator that will also be used by he General Public.
Great addition to the downtown landscape and cultural arts.
Fred Cullum
12:29 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Karen, I believe the restrooms were located on the first floor because to meet ADA requirements they would have taken up room needed for increased seating. Not sure if it is all part of the 2.6 mil or not, but the original plan was to have all lighting and sound systems built in so available to all users.
Irmgarde Brown
11:21 am on Friday, February 22, 2013
I am so excited about this project. It is one of the most exciting things happening in Havre de Grace and yippee, it's right across the street from the library. Thank you, thank you! It's all good.
Tom Barnes
8:16 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
Irm, I envy that you will be able to look out every day and see what they have done to preserve the building. Simply beautiful. It truly is going to be a change on Union Avenue.
Tom Barnes
8:09 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
Evidently, because I am never short on words, I will need to post my comment in a few posts..
Having been involved in the process of providing input on the Opera House (as the president of the HDG Drama Guild) and having the plans explained last night at a meeting with potential users of the building, I have to say that I am *extremely* impressed. I, like others, shared a concern about the dressing rooms and bathrooms on the first floor. That concern is greatly diminished. In fact, each time that one of us brought up a concern, the architect (and Meghan) took note and those concerns were addressed with potential solutions. This is not being done haphazard. It's a true revitalization of the Opera House. The hard work and the thought going into this project is definitely a labor of love (continued below in "reply")
Tom Barnes
8:10 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
I have read and heard neigh sayers question "Why are there tax dollars going to support the rehabilitation of the building?" Before a person questions, they have to consider it is an historical landmark, in the historic district of Havre de Grace. The building is and always has been a part of the community, used in various capacities throughout it's long and rich history. Currently, it is not suitable for use under ADA standards and many things inside and outside the building need to be brought up to current safety standards. The building has been neglected to some degree and to breathe life back into it, make it safe, efficient, and accessible to all, it will cost money (as everything does). Do not think "Oh, they are just building a theater" as that is not true. It is so much more than "a theater". It is a preservation of history. And rather than being an underused building serving a few in the community, it will soon be put to use as an even bigger asset of our town (and our county) that will live on for many generations to come. (continued below in "reply")
Tom Barnes
8:11 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
I, for one, congratulate and thank all those at city hall, Bill Price, Baxter Leppert, Randy Craig, the mayor, etc (the list truly does go on and on) for all the hard work they have put into this project. And to the architects involved? Thanks so much for listening to the concerns, addressing them, and offering up such wonderful and thoughtful solutions. You are all preserving a rough gem that deserves it's "3rd life".
Tom Barnes
8:19 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
And " neigh sayers" should be "nay sayers", I know. IPads and auto correct... Gotta love it.