PROJECT PROFILE:
The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center
Hippodrome Theater
Location
Baltimore, Maryland
Description
The Hippodrome was designed by theater architect Thomas Lamb for exhibitors Pearce & Scheck. It opened on November 23, 1914, showcasing vaudeville and motion pictures complete with house orchestra. It enjoyed a long and notable history of performances through the 1980s, but closed in 1990 as the last operating movie theater in downtown Baltimore. The Hippodrome and two adjoining structures, the Western National Bank (1887) and the Eutaw Savings Bank (1888), were restored and merged into one building to create the new Frances-Merrick Performing Arts Center in 2004. A symbol of Baltimore city’s economic resurgence, the Center is once again a venue for liver performances, including Broadway shows and performing arts concerts.
Scope of Project
Hippodrome
- The brick, terra cotta an granite exterior was cleaned and repointed.
- The granite was patched where possible, and replaced when necessary, with matching stone.
- All terra cotta units at the parapet, frieze and ground floor were assessed. Units that were salvageable were repaired, patched and recoated. Fatally damaged units were replicated and replaced, including a large section of carved frieze.
- WEI removed select units for the installation of the glass canopy, and repaired the openings afterward.
- Windows were restored or replicated, depending on their condition.
Western National Bank
- The limestone and brick exterior was cleaned and repointed.
- After the paint was removed from the bronze windows, WEI repaired and restored the sashes and frames, and refurbished the security bars.
Eutaw Savings Bank
- Extensive patching and casting repairs of brownstone were required to restore the eroded decorative details.
- Deteriorated mortar between the brownstone units was removed and repointed.
- The bronze sashes were restored, and new glass installed where necessary.
- Cleaned, reset and repaired stained glass windows.
- WEI also repaired the ornamental tin ceiling.
Additional Information
Owner: Maryland Stadium Authority
www.france-marrickpac.com
