The building (described as being of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1890 as the finest performing theater in the upper Midwest. Now it's been turned into apartments and lofts.
The restoration of the Metropolitan Opera House was highlighted in an episode of Bob Vila’s “Restore America” program on the Home & Garden Television Network!
What I personally remember is that there used to be a store just down the block from this that was an old cafe. All along the walls were little framed displays of pencils. Hundreds and hundreds of pencils. I believe they were just random pencils that the owner decided to. . . well. . . . frame! My husband and I had one of our first dates here back in 1978! :)
I also want to thank all of you for the outpouring of support you've given me in the past days, watching and monitoring the rising Red River. I'm pleased to report that tonight the river stands at 48.44 feet, and declining. Unfortunately, tonight, the National Weather Service reports that the 2nd crest, expected around April 16th (3 days after my flood insurance kicks in :) ) will match or exceed the crest of 49.5 feet. And we have a 10% chance of reaching 56'!
This is what 54.4 feet did to us in 1997. BUT we have flood walls to 60 feet, possibly 63 feet, now. And I'm so very, very glad that the photo posted above includes a "dry" street, and not one like these again.
13 comments:
Let's hope that for once the forecast is wrong, and it crests lower than expected. That last shot of the cars is (sadly) amazing. I love love the detail on the opera house. That would be such a cool place to live!
I hope it is wrong as well! Very cool opera house!
Wow, what a beautiful building.
I hope the crest is less than forecast, your flood photos are so telling....
Very beautiful building and hope the forecast is wrong.
We'll still be praying for you and your town - that the weatherfolks are just wrong.
Neat building, too bad it isn't used for the arts anymore....
What a wonderful building! The rounded arches and terra-cotta colored stone put me in mind of a moorish palace in Cordoba, Spain, even though the style has a different origin. What a gem.
What an awesome building. Great to hear there is no flooding. Isn't flood insurance the best?
I love the building!
Those are amazing pictures you have from 1997. I remember the video you took and how high the water and how terrible the fire was. I'm so happy they built the extra protection.
The opera house is spectacular! Praying for a lower crest.
That is such a pretty building! I hope it is spared.
That is one beautiful building! And sending you good thoughts so that the water doesn't rise anymore!
Gorgeous building!
Here's hoping "they" are wrong! We've been hearing about another big storm much like last week's blizzard (which dumped 10+ inches of snow)due today. I just watched the news...um 3-6 is the new total predicted for our area. So much for the big dump they've been talking up! Let's hope the same happens for you all!
I have been thinking about you and the flooding.... so glad to hear that you are ok. What a beautiful building!
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