MODERNIZING THE MEYERHOFF
So much of the Hall remains timeless, but this is a living and breathing facility that demands ongoing care, consideration, and investment.
TO REALIZE a more flexible, efficient, and modern back of house experience, the BSO entrusted the teams at Ziger | Snead Architects, whose office is within a 5-minute walk from the Meyerhoff, along with the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. Whiting-Turner is the original constructor of the Hall, and has generously supported maintenance and all capital projects over the past 43 years.
“ The primary design goal was to create environments that fully support the daily work of the musicians and staff,” said Claire Edelen, associate at Ziger | Snead.“ Acknowledging the physical demands of their craft and the long hours of rehearsal and performance days, we prioritized comfort and efficiency while elevating these spaces to match the elegance of the front-of-house.”
Another strategic priority— and logistical challenge— for the project was phasing construction to minimize disruption around the Meyerhoff. With rehearsals during the week and concerts and events nearly every weekend, all construction at the Hall had, and continues to be completed while the Orchestra season is in full swing.
Thanks to private and public support, including several Capital Budget grants from the State of Maryland, additional phases are already in planning. Future improvements will include a new footprint of administrative offices and meeting rooms, more updated practice rooms, and a modernized Gidwitz Recital Hall with ADA access. Each project embraces energy efficiency considerations wherever possible. While not visible to artists, administrators, or patrons, the replacement and / or repairs of the Hall ' s original mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems have also been identified as requiring strategic attention and investment.
Mike Ernst EVP of The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company; Chair of the BSO ' s Building & Ground Committee
Musician Locker Room | After
MODERNIZED IN 2023
ABOVE AND RIGHT: The Hall ' s original locker rooms were six smaller rooms divided by locked doors, with more space for men than women. Today, the two new locker rooms provide equal space and amenities— with updated soloist rooms providing ADA accessible and gender-neutral artist restrooms.
“ As the current stewards of the Meyerhoff, we take great pride in proactively maintaining and improving public and back-of-house areas,” says Mark C. Hanson, President and CEO of the BSO.“ Guided by important MEP, ADA, and Acoustical Studies, the BSO is embarking on a multi-phase project with our design and construction partners. As we invest significant public and private support, including the Bloomberg grant and ongoing distributions from the Joseph Meyerhoff Memorial Fund, we thank BSO patrons, musicians, and staff for their patience.”
Musician Locker Room | Before
Truly a‘ Hall for All’, the Meyerhoff was born as a public / private partnership in 1982 and continues to benefit from community investment as we modernize the building for the 21st century.
Mark C. Hanson President and CEO, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
8 | OVERTURE | BSOmusic. org