|
From: Tim Hable, Annandale
May 13, 2008
I find myself being drawn into the issue of the
1922 school building, and its future. Being a resident
here for only a short period of time, I was led to believe that
the structure had fallen into such disrepair that it needed to
be razed, and replaced by a new building. Now, I'm led to
believe that the structural integrity is not an issue. So the
question then becomes, "Why is it to be replaced?" My formative
years were spent enjoying life in a small town in Minnesota, a
town with a deep respect for the magnificent old structures
scattered about. That little town was Stillwater, and although
it's become one large boutique, its love of "old" architecture
never changed. New construction was required to conform with the
richness of the homes and commercial buildings that had been
there for decades. The old buildings were meticulously
maintained, and visitors always toured the areas, and never left
without being impressed. Annandale's history does not mirror
that of Stillwater, yet there are many older homes in the area
that have the character of yesterday very well preserved. The
1922 building, big and magnificent, is a candidate for
the wrecking ball instead of stewardship. Why? A new building
will be expensive and serve our school children no better than
the 1922. A new
building will not have the classroom space nor the openness
offered by the 1922.
The 1922 is
structurally sound! And so I'm forced to ask, "Why?" Only after
a building is destroyed do we realize what we once had. Everyone
loses when we lose a classic structure. Change, for the sake of
change, is seldom a wise decision.
Editor's note: Tim
Hable is part-time sports writer for the Advocate.
|