Image: Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Ward Avenue, Kakaako, Honolulu, HI
Description: Completed in 1964, this Modern convention center was designed by Merril, Simms & Roehrig as part of a larger cultural and convention complex known as the Honolulu International Center until 1976, when it was renamed in honor of former Honolulu Mayor Neil S. Blaisdell. Heavily renovated in 1994 with the addition of new windows, major changes to the interior, and the addition of Postmodern-style entrances and facades, destroying the original modernist aesthetic of the building. However, the original sculptural concrete roof of the building remains intact, as does the original rear facade, with the front of the building being renovated with an arched glass roof and curtain wall at the front entrance, a circular domed box office, and a rectilinear concrete frame on the front of the rest of the building. The convention center is endangered by a proposed redevelopment of the Blaisdell Center property that would see the demolition of the building. Additionally, the plans call for major alterations to the adjacent Blaisdell Concert Hall and Blaisdell Arena, irreparably damaging the Saarinen-esque arena and irreparably harming the historic modern design of the concert hall. Hopefully, a design far more sensitive to the original design of the modernist structures will be carried out.
Title: Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Ward Avenue, Kakaako, Honolulu, HI
Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/59081381@N03/52262966172/
Author: w_lemay
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0
Attribution Required?: Yes
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