Past worth preserving

Once again, the city of Spokane has expressed disinterest in preserving the city’s stock of historic buildings (“City seeks to skirt law to raze buildings in roadway’s path, “June 13).

The engineers say the extension of Riverside Avenue will reduce traffic, and without the destruction of the buildings, SIRTI’s precious parking space is at stake, something that could be resolved by simply adding on-street parking.

When will our city government finally come to realize that the built environment plays a vital role in our community’s culture? A building is still historic without it having a reputation. It’s historic simply because it has a past. In other cities, the residents would be clamoring to save places like these. The rehabilitation of them preserves historic character and allows for possible economic vitality – in the warehouses’ case, an area of town that has seen better days.

If you care about Spokane and preserving its history, let the city of Spokane know that this project doesn’t improve the city. Tell the city-county of Spokane Historic Preservation Office to get on the case. Support Spokane Preservation Advocates. Whatever you do, Spokanites, don’t let this turn into another Rookery Block.

Eric M. Crowell

Creston, Wash.