Baltimore Landmark May Be Removed For Blocking The View
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Like fashion, the public spaces in urban areas change with time.
Now, as Mike Schuh, reports, a recent Baltimore landmark could come crumbling down.
Broken pumps mean the McKeldin Fountain will probably stay dry this summer and perhaps forever.
"It blocks views from in and out of the city," said Kirby Fowler, Downtown Partnership. "If you come in on Conway Street, which millions of people do every day, you see the back of this fountain. You don't get to see the great T. Rowe Price building or the Gallery or anything else."
Built around the time Harborplace went up, times and tastes have changed.
Trash, vomit and feces are now the norm. It's a less than welcoming space for tourists.
"There's darkness there that might be perceived as a lack of safety there, so if you open things up, it gives a perception of safety," said Fowler.
The Downtown Partnership is raising money to flatten the fountain, and in doing so, open up the views in all directions.
"So we've learned the past few years, you take things down, open the views, it's a better experience for everyone," said Fowler.
Artistic renderings have been made of what a new open space might mean to those who are just visiting, or have lived in Baltimore all their lives.
Right now, there is enough money to do the engineering drawings to lay out what needs to be done. Pending city approval, demolition could begin late this year or early next.
In all, it's estimated to cost $3.5 million to rebuild McKeldin Square.
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