In another move to save a few bucks, the Times is once again closing the ornate main entrance to its historic building—shutting off public access to the Globe Lobby and renowned Hugo Ballin murals (pic is on Sha in L.A.'s blog), as well as a small newspaper museum. Just last year, the Times celebrated re-opening of the lobby. The Times' own website calls the Globe Lobby "an aesthetic highlight" of the building. It's also the door most convenient to the publisher's second-floor suite. Somehow I doubt the Chicago Tribune's nicest, most historic and most convenient street portal has been locked to save the cost of a security guard. The memo follows:

* Changed their mind!: New memo here. Took less than twenty-four hours... 11:40 am

TO: Times Employees
FROM: Security Department

RE: Closing of the Globe Lobby Entrance & 213 Garage, Broadway Side

After Dec. 2, 2005, the exterior doors at the Globe Lobby, 202 W. First St., will no longer serve as an entrance to the Times Building.

This change is necessary to enable the Security Department to provide adequate coverage at other entry/exit points around the Times Building and the garages.

Though the exterior doors will be not be used, the Lobby itself -- and its elevators -- will remain operational and accessible from inside the Times Building.

In addition, effective Dec. 5, 2005, the Broadway exit driveway of the 213 Spring St. parking structure will no longer be open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., lanes 3 and 4 will be open on Spring Street for exit, along with lane 2 (next to the guard station). Thus, during peak afternoon traffic times, a total of three lanes will be available to exit onto Spring Street.

Mark H. Kurtich
Sr. Vice President of Operations