Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre | Washington St | Downtown Crossing

Re: Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre

I stopped by the open house last weekend, anyone else?

It was a little disappointing. Beyond the restored facade, nothing of the original building survives--the interior is 100% new construction. The jewel-box theater's sole distinguishing characteristic is a custom, hand-painted wallpaper mimicking the original theater's decoration. Aside from this post-modern flourish, the theater struck me as bare-bones and utilitarian. Which is fine. However, the photos of the original Blackall/Sabine theater hanging throughout the foyer highlight the stark juxtaposition between what was and what is, casting an unflattering spotlight on the latter, IMO.

That said, I'm elated that the facade has been saved. As I've said before, this block of Washington looks amazing, by far better than it's ever looked in my lifetime.
 
Re: Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre

1909_Boston_Opera_House.png


Where were the lions?

I only searched for a picture because Harvard found some old stone lions as it excavated for the Science Complex; said lions, or some of them, now going to be part of a fountain in the new Library park Harvard is building in Allston.

You are correct, I saw three of them the other day. I'll try to put pictures on that thread, but to be honest I find posting pictures on here a pain.
 
Re: Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre

The old theatre wasn't especially well-suited to live stage productions, though David Archer tried making a go of that in 1978-81.
 
Re: Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre

The institutional entrance kinda subtracts from the sign's pizazz...
 
Re: Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre

if only there wasn't a gigantic landscraper across the street
 
Re: Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre

I think this area, once Hayward Place is constructed and the sidewalk fixed, would look amazing.
 
Re: Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre

I still think a small/mid-size jazz club and/or live music venue would be a hit in the downtown crossing area. How about in the old Barnes & Noble space on Washington st.? How many years is that storefront going to be vacant for? Is the landlord asking an arm and a leg or are there just no viable options for tenancy?
 
Re: Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre

Could a city ordinance require Washington Street owners to light of their buildings with signage?
 
Re: Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre

My question is, would the future residents of Hayward Place complain about the lights?
 
Re: Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre

My question is, would the future residents of Hayward Place complain about the lights?

There's lights already there, if they have a problem they need to either fuck off or close their curtains.

There were some area residents (from the Millennium towers, I believe) at the meeting for Hayward Pl which were actually excited that the theatre lights will be reflecting off of Hayward Pl.
 
Re: Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre

Could a city ordinance require Washington Street owners to light of their buildings with signage?

Yes, if it wants to add to the reasons business are vacating / refusing to locate in DTC.
 
Re: Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre

thanks :) really enjoyed that!
 
Re: Suffolk Dorms / Modern Theatre

Fabulous!!!

MORE ... More... MORE!!!!
 

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