Kalet's can be something other than a theater.
- Rating: No Rating
The prevailing concept within the city of Auburn appears to be one in which modernization will cure its ills.
First, let me briefly point out the differences between Auburn's downtown and similar cities. Look at Canandaigua, and Skaneateles, for example. Aside from the fact that these two are much smaller in population, you will not find one "modern" building within its core commercial district. These towns are pleasant and inviting because they have kept their heritage. The history is fully visible and intact. Tourists find the unified character of each of these towns appealing.
Conversely, Auburn's downtown area does not have that same appeal. The modernization that masks much of downtown's original facade is the result of repeated attempts over the course of many years to bring about change. That effort was intended to revitalize the city, give it a fresh look, and make it more appealing, which would in turn encourage people to frequent the city's business establishments.
The architectural style that Auburn has chosen most often for its remodeling purposes is modern. Much of modern architecture is uncomplicated, sleek, and progressive. With the correct balance of mass and detail, it can, if executed properly, present a powerful statement. However, these admirable features have a remarkably brief lifespan. The long clean lines, and large unbroken masses soon appear more weathered and worn than the century old facade that it conceals, and for good reason, contemporary stylings depend heavily upon cleanliness to convey its elegance. After years of rain and snow, the design that was foreseen to be classy long into the future, now simply looks dated and unspectacular.
Auburn should take a long look at what it has done to its appearance in the past and learn from its mistakes. We have an opportunity to make an historic decision. We have two locations in which to have one more theater. Let's not forget that the Auburn Public Theater is in the process of creating a significant value to our community. It already has theaters for 68 and 200 people, along with an open space for a multitude of events. The renovation of the Schine's Theater to its original time-tested beauty, which will uphold a claim to Auburn's longevity, is a much wiser choice for many reasons. Unlike the Kalet's, the Schine's is already a theater, a brilliant architectural statement, would not overlap functions already established by the APT, has seating for more than 1,500 people, and substantial parking is relatively close.
Most notably, the Kalet's can easily be something other than a theater. Auburn should embrace the legacy it possesses. Let's focus on the future by retaining our past.
Tim Tucker
Auburn, NY
First, let me briefly point out the differences between Auburn's downtown and similar cities. Look at Canandaigua, and Skaneateles, for example. Aside from the fact that these two are much smaller in population, you will not find one "modern" building within its core commercial district. These towns are pleasant and inviting because they have kept their heritage. The history is fully visible and intact. Tourists find the unified character of each of these towns appealing.
Conversely, Auburn's downtown area does not have that same appeal. The modernization that masks much of downtown's original facade is the result of repeated attempts over the course of many years to bring about change. That effort was intended to revitalize the city, give it a fresh look, and make it more appealing, which would in turn encourage people to frequent the city's business establishments.
The architectural style that Auburn has chosen most often for its remodeling purposes is modern. Much of modern architecture is uncomplicated, sleek, and progressive. With the correct balance of mass and detail, it can, if executed properly, present a powerful statement. However, these admirable features have a remarkably brief lifespan. The long clean lines, and large unbroken masses soon appear more weathered and worn than the century old facade that it conceals, and for good reason, contemporary stylings depend heavily upon cleanliness to convey its elegance. After years of rain and snow, the design that was foreseen to be classy long into the future, now simply looks dated and unspectacular.
Auburn should take a long look at what it has done to its appearance in the past and learn from its mistakes. We have an opportunity to make an historic decision. We have two locations in which to have one more theater. Let's not forget that the Auburn Public Theater is in the process of creating a significant value to our community. It already has theaters for 68 and 200 people, along with an open space for a multitude of events. The renovation of the Schine's Theater to its original time-tested beauty, which will uphold a claim to Auburn's longevity, is a much wiser choice for many reasons. Unlike the Kalet's, the Schine's is already a theater, a brilliant architectural statement, would not overlap functions already established by the APT, has seating for more than 1,500 people, and substantial parking is relatively close.
Most notably, the Kalet's can easily be something other than a theater. Auburn should embrace the legacy it possesses. Let's focus on the future by retaining our past.
Tim Tucker
Auburn, NY
Add a Comment
Sign in
About
© 2009 Created by Thomas Richard Hoey on Ning. Create Your Own Social Network
You need to be a member of Cayuga County Arts Council to add comments!
Join this social network