Tis a real shame that they didn't use the benefit of local wisdom, like yours, prior to engaging said architect. There's so much architectural talent in the city, too...
Sue | Homepage | 07.27.05 - 7:11 pm | #

Unfortunately, the original management of this project left a lot to be desired. That is one reason it has taken this long to get a shovel in the ground.
Patrick Eakes | Homepage | 07.27.05 - 7:43 pm | #

I read that the cost will be $10,000,000 to restore this site. My advice would be to take the 4 seats to the museum and tear down the building. With the $10,000,000 saved build 1,000 homes costing $100,000 each and sell to those who otherwise could not afford. Who cares if our local gov. gets repaid considering the alternative and the benefit or lack of?
thanks
me
me | 07.27.05 - 7:57 pm | #

I believe the original budget (including some staff salaries) was $10 million, but now it is $16 million.

When demolishing and replacing Dudley High School with a state of the art building was proposed, we learned that was politically undoable (the same would have been true if a similar proposal for Grimsely had been announced). I think demolishing the Woolworth Building would be equally undoable politically.
Patrick Eakes | Homepage | 07.27.05 - 8:14 pm | #

Patrick,

If you feel comfortable doing so, can you specify why Gravely's repuation is so poor?

This is one of those projects I strongly believe in, but it sure is depressing to know how things have gone up to this point.

Something needs to be done soon to restore public trust.

Regardless of what's done, this project will never be popular with some people--I just hate that opponents have been given so much ammunition to argue against the project and its funding.

Sincerely,

Hardy
Seymour Hardy Floyd | Homepage | 07.27.05 - 11:46 pm | #

Ed note: I answered Hardy with specifics off line.
Patrick Eakes | Homepage | 07.28.05 - 3:30 pm | #