Geotype Submission

The Geotype project charts the rich history of lettering and type forms that have established the identity of cities and towns around the world. Explore the map

How does this letter-form communicate its location?

Bel Air Armory was build 1915 and resembles a medieval castle. The rusticated exterior, built of Port Deposit granite, features two great octagonal towers with corbels and battlements and between them is a wide segmental-arched portal. Following the Wars, the armory became primarily a community center which also housed town services, including the Red Cross, the county library and, until somewhat recently, a recruiting office for the modern Maryland Army National Guard. In August of 2004, the Armory was donated to the Town of Bel Air. As caretakers of this iconic landmark, the Town has been dedicated to maintaining and renovating the building, and preserving its military, cultural, and community heritage. In November of 2015, the Town celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the historic building. https://www.belairmd.org/499/History The letters on the front of the building ‘MNG’ remind me of the old Roman style font. Architectural lettering like this ones are designed to last as long as the building - so, even although the building has been renovated and the name changed, the original welcoming letters outside of it, are left to be there and make the connection with the past. The serif font is bold and extra expanded. Diagonal stroke and stem has the same width. The font that is used today for signs outside the building is sans serif and very modern. The Geometric style attracts the viewer and helps for better readability. Looks like Gotham font.

Location

37 N Main St, Bel Air, MD 21014, USA