Angular, glassy look. Preservationists don’t see a fit with the 1899 domed neoclassical library next door, dwarfed down Fifth Street at the far left in this rendering. The library was the gift of Winona lumber baron WilliamLaird. Construction at the time: $50,000.
Doubt whether design comports with locale’s personality
WINONA, Minn. – The city Heritage Preservation Commission put off certifying the proposed Masterpiece Hall concert venue because the sleek minimalism of the plan doesn’t seem right for the character of the Fourth Street site. The Commission scheduled itself to revisit the issue in June. The delay was a setback for Bob Kierlin and Mary Mary Burrichter, who have put up $35 million for the project. They were planning to begin construction soon. After reviewing architectural sketches, the 15-member commission didn’t see how it complement the neoclassical library next door and the site of the former school that already has been leveled to make room for the concert hall. The postponement decision followed almost two hours of discussion.
Earlier: Master plan taking form for Masterpiece Hall
Neoclassical library. Designed by Warren Power laird, dean of architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, and Edgar Viguers Seeler a prominent Philadelphia architect. The building is capped with a dome rising 56 feet. The brick walls are faced with Indiana limestone. The entrance steps, curbs and walks were laid with Winona limestone. The columns at the entrance are Creole marble from Georgia. Floors in the bookstacks are glass. Shelving and stairs are ornate and copper-faced.