Johansen was also known for his modern commercial buildings. The Morris A. Mechanic Theatre in Baltimore (1967) was characterized as “a highly sculptural centerpiece among more reserved office buildings.” It was the beginning of a series of buildings that stressed and embraced the functional parts of the buildings, allowing them to emerge, while being increasingly identified and emphasized. The facility, unused since 2004 and deemed unsuitable for a theater, saw demolition activities commence in 2014. It had been considered for landmark status and adaptive reuse, while its owners proposed to redevelop the site with residential and retail development. Celebrated by some and criticized by others for its Brutalist-style architecture, the building was listed on VirtualTourist's 2009 list of the "World's Top Ten Ugliest Buildings". Demolition was proposed in 2012, delayed, and ultimately commenced in September 2014.