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Preserve Jensen-Byrd

Washington State University has long aspired to be a full member of the Spokane community. It has been advertising that goal and working hard on it at the Riverpoint campus for at least 25 years.

In surveying Spokane opinion about Riverpoint expansion, WSU learned that the Jensen-Byrd Building, a century-old vestige of Spokane’s railroad era, was highly valued by Spokane. Just a few months ago, WSU assured Spokane that the building would be preserved in any plans it adopted for Riverpoint.

Now we learn that WSU has sold the property to a Texas firm that proposes to tear down the Jensen-Byrd and put up a student dormitory. A student dormitory!

I urge WSU President Elson Floyd to ask some questions about this matter. WSU should not make a place for itself in Spokane by destroying something of value that is already here.

William Stimson

Spokane

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