Whalers Wharf Rotunda Ideas

One of the unique features of Whalers Wharf is the massive three-story rotunda located towards the beach side of the building. The potential for this space is limitless, and yet it has gone largely unused since the building opened in 2000. While I cannot speak directly to the original intentions of the rotunda (I wasn’t around when the plans were drawn), I must conclude that the designer was envisioning an outdoor venue for performance, art exhibition, and other gatherings of the public. As some local musicians (one guitarist in particular whom I’ve noticed likes to strum a tune or three early in the morning during the summertime) will tell you, the acoustics in the Whalers Wharf Rotunda are fantastic. One thing is clear to me, we’ve not begun to utilize this resource to its fullest potential.

I will admit that, in the past, I’ve been approached by several individuals or groups interested in using the rotunda for one thing or another. For one reason or another, we’ve never successfully put an event together in the space… at least in recent memory. The truth is that I have always been concerned about how a public event in the rotunda would impact my tenants with respect to their business. This question could be debated from either side until the cows come home, but the fact is that we do not have any hard evidence supporting a positive or a negative impact on business during a public gathering in the rotunda.

I’m writing this article today, in advance of the 2009 season, because I am anxious to hear ideas and get opinions from the public on potential uses for the rotunda and thoughts on how such uses may impact my tenants in the building. It is clear to me that 2009 will be a challenging season; and when faced with a challenge, I believe that we must all get our creative juices flowing. Let’s have a conversation about a better way to use a beautiful part of our building. I encourage both my tenants and the public at large to comment on this article.