‘Heroes’ honored at Municipal Auditorium celebration

ALBANY — David Maschke admitted he was caught totally off-guard Saturday night after receiving the Distinguished Hero Award given by the city of Albany during the Centennial Celebration of the Albany Municipal Auditorium.

“If I’d had any idea that was going to happen, I wouldn’t have eaten so many meatballs at the reception before the event,” Maschke said, only half-joking, Sunday.

There was an up-side, though.

“I’m glad I got a haircut Saturday,” the architect said.

Maschke, who headed the restoration project of the now-100-year-old building that led to its grand reopening in 1990, original Freedom Singer Rutha Harris, the Albany Symphony Orchestra and the Albany Area Arts Council were honored by the city as “unsung heroes” during a gala celebration that featured music, dancing, tributes and recognition of the century-old structure that Albany-Dougherty Historic preservation Committee member Greg Fullerton said would be a “cornerstone of any effort to redevelop downtown Albany.”

Maschke said he was humbled by the recognition.

“I’ve received awards from architectural groups and historic preservation groups in the past, but it’s rare that a city recognizes an architect for his contribution to a project like this,” he said. “It’s humbling and greatly appreciated.”

The architect, whose office is located in downtown Albany, said restoring the Municipal Auditorium was a challenge, but the kind of challenge he thrives on.

“It was down to the building’s skeleton, to the studs and rafters,” Maschke said. “That presented a challenge, but it’s the kind of challenge that motivates me. It was exciting to do the research and study the methods used when the building was built in 1916 and to try and recreate that look while enhancing the project with modern technology.

“Although it was a restoration and not a design project, this was probably one of my top projects to work on personally. That’s because of the wide array of challenges and the importance that building has to our community.”

Harris received the Unsung Hero in History award at the celebration, while the Symphony Orchestra and Arts Council were recognized as unsung heroes in Arts and Culture, respectively.

The evening included music by the Albany Symphony Orchestra, the P&W Trio — which featured Albany-born singer Willy Moody — cast members of the Theatre Albany production “Ring of Fire,” and a tribute to Albany-born “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips by Christopher Hendley.

Members of Ballet Theatre South also took part in the celebration, which was emceed by Karla Heath-Sands, who also sang the national anthem to start the program.

“When this building re-opened, you know who was the first person to perform here … Albany’s own Ray Charles,” Heath-Sands said. “But do you know who opened for him? That’s right, Willy Moody. And we’re so glad that Willy is here tonight for the 100-year celebration of this building.”

During a video presentation entitled “The Auditorium,” which was filmed and edited by the Albany-based LeVee Studio, Maschke and Thronateeska Heritage Center Executive Director Tommy Gregors gave a historical overview of the 100 years of the Municipal Auditorium, which had been condemned by the city of Albany in the 1970s and was scheduled to be razed before being saved from the wrecking ball.

“I hope in another 100 years, in the year 2116, the city of Albany is holding another celebration, just like this one,” Fullerton said.