Kauffman Center for the Arts, Kansas City, Missouri, Interior

I feel like these images speak for themselves; it is one of the more amazing spaces I have visited in a long time.

Virginia Theater, Still Sitting Empty

Virginia Avenue, Dutchtown

I recently discovered the Virginia Avenue business district in my exploring, anchored by the old Virginia Theater above, and the Stork Inn, one of Anheuser Busch's restaurants.What I love about this neighborhood is how the residential and commercial properties segue seamlessly, without any evidence of massive parking lots that so often litter even the most stable neighborhoods in St. Louis.The Stork Inn is a gem, and is the perfect focal point for the strip of businesses.The houses above look at the Inn across the street. While more or less identical, they each have taken on a life of their own over the years.

Virginia Theater

I had always heard about this theater, but had never been by. In fact, Virginia Avenue is really amazing along this stretch, featuring some amazing architecture and still prosperous businesses.Originally built by Anheuser Busch, it was bought by Wehrenberg and operated as a theater for years. Supposedly several churches occupied the space as well, but I saw no evidence of occupation when I drove by in early February. Read about the theater here.If you look closely, you can see the back stage rising above the rest of the building.

Fox Theater Details

I love the ornament of the Fox Theater in Grand Center, but I get annoyed every time I hear its architecture described as Byzantine-Moresque. What the heck is that?In reality, it clearly shows the influence of the Churrigueresque style of Spain, a late Rococo, exuberant explosion of design and ornament.Take the time when you can to really look at this building, as it is dramatic as the movies it once showed.

Arena Stage, Southwest, Washington, DC

The Arena Stage, so-named because
it was originally housed in the arena of the Heurich Brewery in Foggy Bottom before it was demolished for the Kennedy Center, is once again undergoing a transformation. They're literally building the new Post-Modernist theater over the top of the 1960's one. Bizarre. See it from the air before the renovations began here.

The Block, Baltimore

"The Block" is the infamous red-light district of Baltimore, one block from City Hall and adjacent to the Baltimore City Police Headquarters. Some people don't think that's a coincidence, but like much in Baltimore, everything is tolerated, as long as it's an isolated corner--or right in the middle of downtown. The architecture of the old buildings is magnificent. See another image from an old post of The Block here.

Avalon Rotting Away

Seriously, the City of St. Louis can't even get one movie theater renovated in one of the most intact neighborhoods in St. Louis!?

Movement on the Avalon?

The Post-Dispatch reports that the city is moving on removing the historic Avalon Theater from limbo.

The Theater of Mysteries

Orpheum Theater

I remember the Orpheum Theater as the American Theater, the place where heavy metal acts used to play downtown. Those days are apparently long gone, as much of downtown strives for a more upscale clientele. The Roberts Brothers fully dominate the block; adding their stamp to one portion of downtown.It's funny, I remember waiting in line outside the Orpheum and looking up at the forlorn hulk of the Statler Hotel, with pigeons coming and going from its shattered upper windows.

The Loop