Howard County, Maryland changed forever with the birth of Columbia, and the Columbia Exhibit Center, in many ways, represents that birth.

Built in 1965-1067 and designed by the noted architect, Frank O. Gehry, the "downtown" Exhibit Center was the unofficial gateway to the planned community of Columbia, Maryland. For long-time County residents, this was their glimpse into the future. For many prospective residents, the exhibits in the Center were their first introduction to Howard County's past.

As Columbia nears completion of its planned construction, the importance of original structures such as the Exhibit Center may be overlooked. PHC is concerned about the future of the Center and hopes to ensure its continued existence and visibility as an integral part of Columbia's heritage.

The Center is one of four Columbia structures that Mr. Gehry designed for Mr. Rouse. The other three, also extant, are the Merriwether-Post Pavilion (1966-1967), Rouse Company Headquarters (1969-1974) and the Public Safety Building (1967-1968). It is PHC's view that the Exhibit Center should be preserved and considered for adaptive reuse. Furthermore, should the Center ultimately be razed for new construction, PHC believes that the "spirit" of the structure and its association with one of the most eminent architects of our age not only should, but must, be preserved through appropriate interpretation and modeling.

Update

An editorial in The Baltimore Sun criticized this selection and PHC responded with its view. Read more

The selection has generated controversy from two aspects: its relative newness and its value as a representation of Mr. Gehry's professional and artistic development. An editorial in The Baltimore Sun states that the choice of the Exhibit Center is "laughable." While recognizing the Center's importance, the editorial staff suggests that the Center does not belong in the same category as much older and "historic" structures.

Readers' responses to the editorial initiated more extensive media coverage, focusing mostly on the architectural assets of the Center. That was not the intent of the Top Ten list. PHC is indeed honored to be able to include a structure designed by Mr. Gehry on its list, but would have included it regardless of which architect was responsible. The emphasis of PHC's Endangered list is on Howard County's historical assets and how best to preserve them. Architecture is but one aspect. For example, the list also includes a deteriorating slave quarters. Truly, even if one knew who "designed" the slave quarters, that fact would pale in comparison to its cultural and historical significance. PHC believes the Center was and still is a significant landmark in the county's history and that while Mr. Gehry's association with the Center is deserving of recognition, the Center merits recognition independently of that association and of its age.