BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore’s historical preservation commission has said it disapproves of the demolition of the downtown Morris A. Mechanic Theater.

The Baltimore Sun reports the vote Tuesday by the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation means the city will not be able to issue a demolition permit for at least six months.

During that time, the developer is expected to work with the commission on alternatives to demolition.

Developer David S. Brown Enterprises Ltd., of Owings Mills, and the Washington-based architecture firm Shalom Baranes Associates, released plans in the spring calling for the theatre to be demolished and replaced by two residential towers.

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