Thirty years ago I dreamed about building over the Mechanic Theater. In the 1960's the Mechanic's original architect, John Johansen, had proposed a visionary future that he called "Leapfrog City". His drawings were what architect's did.... they were visionary sketches filled with energy, powerful light and shadow. Seeing them as a student, I was inspired by his energy. In the 1980's in Baltimore, with the introduction of 'air rights' transfers, I thought, 'this could be the beginning of Leapfrog City-over one of Johansen's own buildings!' But this week the razing of the theater began, ending my dream. I hope the parking lot that replaces it grows up to be a building.
