One of the most common directional questions we get (after the location of the restrooms) is, “Where is the Mezzanine?” Followed closely by, “Why do you call it that?”
Our mezzanine perfectly fits the first definition of mezzanine in the 4th edition of Cryil M. Harris’ Dictionary of Architecture and Construction: “A low-ceilinged story or extensive balcony, usually constructed next or above the ground floor.”
Why don’t we just call it the second floor? Because Youth Services is on a lower level, we have to be sure to distinguish the mezzanine level from the ground floor. Also, it really is an “extensive balcony” which is open on one side to the floor below. Theater goers may be familiar with the use of the term to refer instead to the lowest balcony, or of a space under the stage used to lift scenery into place.
If you’d like to declaim from the mezzanine edge, Shakespeare’s plays, including Romeo & Juliet, are on that level for easy reference.
If you think mezzanine is a bit of an obscure term, be thankful that we didn’t use its synonym, “entresol.” You can learn even more architectural terms on our mezzanine by looking at the books shelved in the Dewey Decimal 720s.
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