I realize the irony of promoting preservation on a development forum buuuuuuuut I’m going to be a devil’s advocate. Will keep my rant short-ish.
Despite my support for most developments and some demos in downtown, I am fully opposed to this demo. The property is too important a piece not only for the remaining downtown fabric but its legacy. Too much of the historic downtown has been ripped down for the current monoliths that, in this day and age (especially in light of the pandemic), have left us with dead-zones and single-use tenants.
It’s not so much that the structure is “old” why I advocate for its protection but because it embodies everything we criticize so many newer projects downtown for lacking. Zero setbacks, lacking off-street parking, 100% lot coverage, as well as aesthetically pleasing IMO. I understand it was built to accommodate its era but aren’t these are fundamentals that both planners and urbanists are trying to return to?
Granted, not all development is good nor is all preservation, see the pink liquor store on the 7th Ave in Melrose for a perfect example, but I’m not for its demolition because it’s been boarded up for a long time. There needs to be some checks/balances with developers in downtown as interest in the core grows. If the envisioned tower can somehow incorporate the existing building into its base, I am 100% for it! And we’ve seen cases where developers can incorporate historic structures for unique projects like the Stewart and upcoming Home 2 Suite in the Warehouse District. We’ve also seen where advocates and residents focus on preservation and have won here such as the 1918 home on north Central Ave and the David-Gladys Wright House in Arcadia.
I don’t propose the perfect solution nor do I have the funds towards its continued existence but I will be contacting city hall and relevant sources to state my case.
This post isn’t targeted at anyone, just my opinion, and for some, insight into why some people advocate for old buildings vs replacing them when they become burdensome.
Rant over