Preservation a priority at Memorial Hall panel
Applause is commonplace at Memorial Hall.
But the audience cheering for radiators and air conditioning Thursday night? That just might have been a first in the Over-The-Rhine performance venue's 115-year history.
The 150 people gathered for the Pints for Paint fundraiser and panel, produced by Enquirer Media, however, did not make a conventional crowd.
They were engaged, beyond curious, about how the planned $7.8 million renovation to the elegant 600-seat theater would affect both the ornate details and iconic identity.
From floor to ceiling. From inside to out.
The fate of radiator to the specifics of sound. And that long-awaited debut performance of air conditioning.
The prosaic nature of the concerns almost clashed with the poetry of the space, one celebrated for its grand Tiffany & Co. lights, opulent gold accents and decorative murals.
The hall's elegance struck Laura Houston, of Cincinnati, when she walked into the seats for the first time.
She's attended prom in the downstairs reception area. But that's it. Her sister, Ellen, hadn't even gotten that far.
Before the panel, they gazed toward the murals on the ceiling, calling it exquisite. Beautiful. Welcoming. And unexpected.
Robert Radon, who was introduced to Memorial Hall Thursday by fellow Cincinnatian Larry Cline, celebrated the charm.
And like the others in the audience, they said they hope that charm and the impact of those details remains for the next 115 years.
"I want it to be refreshing," Cline said. "Just some fresh lipstick and a little bit of rouge. I want the same feel and look."
When the Beaux Arts building re-opens in spring 2016, expect more comfortable seats. Expect a stage, originally conceived for turn-of-the-century speakers, that can host not just more performances, but more diverse offerings.
A panel of experts and stakeholders in the project was hosted by Enquirer reporter Sharon Coolidge. Panelists including Enquirer arts reporter Janelle Gelfand explained the historical significance of the Samuel Hannaford & Sons-designed building.
They spoke of the vision for the future of the hall, which officially closed May 4, and how the updates will accommodate that ambitious, inclusive plan.
One goal is that the Hamilton County-owned space can belong to more of the community, said Sara Bedinghaus, senior development officer of Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC).
"This is a public facility and should be enjoyed by people of all kinds," she said. The renovation is a collaboration with 3CDC, Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society trustees and Hamilton County Commissioners.
Bedinghaus stressed she wants to give more people more reasons to come here. Memorial Hall, although a performance home for a variety of local arts groups, is still a hidden, historical gem, she said.