SOCIAL - POLITICAL COMMENTARY: Transitions: Attic Door

Memorial Hall Over the Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio. All images in this collection were taken prior to the 2016 renovation.This image of the attic area which was typically not accesible to patrons. As I left the vintage parlor behind the performance stage at Memorial Hall, I noticed even narrower, diimly lit steps leading up to another level. I was reluctant to venture into the darkness since this area was clearly the path less travelled. I proceeded with caution, although the space was very dusty and smelled a little musty. There was a single closed door at the top of the stairs and this image is what I saw when I opened the door and entered the space. The natural light from the open window against the rugged brick, iron and masonry interior was irresistable. An alluring yet eerie scene.The Hamilton County Memorial Building, more commonly called Memorial Hall OTR, is located at Elm & Grant Streets, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The building is next to Cincinnati's Music Hall and across from Washington Park in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. It was built by the Grand Army of the Republic and Hamilton County in 1908, as a memorial to the military of the city and county. The building was built in the Beaux-Arts style. The building, including the Annie W and Elizabeth M Anderson Theater, is used for 300+ events per year.Constructed according to a design by Samuel Hannaford and Sons, the Memorial Building was intended to commemorate members of all branches of the U.S. armed services, as well as the pioneers who had established the United States. The hall contains a 556-seat theater that was designed for speaking, but is also used as a venue for concerts, film screenings and theatrical events. The theater's small size produces a sense of intimacy among the audience, and its acoustics are exceptional: words spoken on stage in a normal voice can easily be understood even at the back of the balcony.In late 1978, the Memorial Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, qualifying for inclusion both because of its architecture and because of its place in the area's history. Its location on Washington Park places it in the historic district that embraces most of Over-the-Rhine, which was added to the Register five years after the Memorial Building was individually added.An $11 million renovation to the building was completed in December 2016 and allowed for the preservation of its historic character. Additionally, extensive improvements have been made to increase audience and performer comfort, modernize amenities, and enhance performances. The renovations include new, larger restroom facilities, a new HVAC system to accommodate year-round events, new and more comfortable seating, the addition of a contemporary catering kitchen and backstage crossover space for performers. Lastly, the acquisition of new equipment, audio/visual components, and technology to ensure the best possible event experience.
Attic Door

Memorial Hall Over the Rhine Cincinnati, Ohio. All images in this collection were taken prior to the 2016 renovation. 

 

This image of the attic area which was typically not accesible to patrons. As I left the vintage parlor behind the performance stage at Memorial Hall, I noticed even narrower, diimly lit steps leading up to another level. I was reluctant to venture into the darkness since this area was clearly the path less travelled. I proceeded with caution, although the space was very dusty and smelled a little musty. There was a single closed door at the top of the stairs and this image is what I saw when I opened the door and entered the space. The natural light from the open window against the rugged brick, iron and masonry interior was irresistable. An alluring yet eerie scene. 

 

The Hamilton County Memorial Building, more commonly called Memorial Hall OTR, is located at Elm & Grant Streets, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The building is next to Cincinnati's Music Hall and across from Washington Park in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. It was built by the Grand Army of the Republic and Hamilton County in 1908, as a memorial to the military of the city and county. The building was built in the Beaux-Arts style. The building, including the Annie W and Elizabeth M Anderson Theater, is used for 300+ events per year. 

 

Constructed according to a design by Samuel Hannaford and Sons, the Memorial Building was intended to commemorate members of all branches of the U.S. armed services, as well as the pioneers who had established the United States. The hall contains a 556-seat theater that was designed for speaking, but is also used as a venue for concerts, film screenings and theatrical events. The theater's small size produces a sense of intimacy among the audience, and its acoustics are exceptional: words spoken on stage in a normal voice can easily be understood even at the back of the balcony. 

 

In late 1978, the Memorial Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, qualifying for inclusion both because of its architecture and because of its place in the area's history. Its location on Washington Park places it in the historic district that embraces most of Over-the-Rhine, which was added to the Register five years after the Memorial Building was individually added. 

 

An $11 million renovation to the building was completed in December 2016 and allowed for the preservation of its historic character. Additionally, extensive improvements have been made to increase audience and performer comfort, modernize amenities, and enhance performances. The renovations include new, larger restroom facilities, a new HVAC system to accommodate year-round events, new and more comfortable seating, the addition of a contemporary catering kitchen and backstage crossover space for performers. Lastly, the acquisition of new equipment, audio/visual components, and technology to ensure the best possible event experience.