Used sound-proof glass finds a home

Dave Mariasy, center, being interviewed by Breanne Democko, right, about using audio technology to solve crimes.

Few people would probably give much consideration to a couple of pieces of glass that are only about two-and-a-half by five feet.

But Dave Mariasy, owner of Team Audio Inc. and Audiomatrix Recording Studios, knew the historic value of the sound-proof double panes that have had a few homes in Toledo during the past 70 years.

In 2008, when Mr. Mariasy -- University of Toledo senior lecturer who teaches and directs all classes in music technology and recording arts -- moved his recording studio from 29 South Erie St., the glass was among the fixtures he salvaged. When he saw the blueprint for the renovation and expansion project at the UT Center for Performing Arts, he was compelled to hand over the glass.

"I said, 'We have to turn that into a sound booth, and I have regulation glass which would be suitable to use,' and I donated it," he said.

Now UT is the new home for the sound-proof glass that provides a view between the isolation booth and the music tech lab on the second floor of the performing arts center.

Mr. Mariasy worked with contractors to retrofit the pieces into the new opening.

"I tell students that it's from a well-known radio studio, and some who are of age remember the 1940s and remember Bob Martz," he said. "People walk in [to the studio] and see it's the proper set up for what you want for a studio."

The glass is a part of the city's history that is readily embraced by residents who understand its importance. And as far as Mr. Mariasy can tell, it was installed in the studio when the old WTOD radio station started at a building formerly near Madison Avenue and Huron Street in downtown Toledo that dates to 1946.

"I worked in that studio when I was in college as a session player," he said. "Later, about 1983, the late Bob Martz, a radio legend, started a building at 29 South Erie. I'm pretty confident that in about the early '80s, that glass ... went to 29 South Erie," he said.

Mr. Mariasy opened his doors as a tenant for his first recording studio at that location, which he said was known in advertising circles. He worked there with Mr. Martz until the radio legend retired.

"When I moved out of Erie Street, which was at the end of 2008, I basically salvaged that glass and other fixtures in the building," Mr. Mariasy said.

He didn't use it at his Audiomatrix studio, but "I brought it to my current location in the Davis Building.

"I don't know where it was made, but would guess actually in Toledo, based on its age and what it is," he said.

And now, there's no more fitting place for it than the shiny new performing arts center at the University of Toledo.