Don’t tear down reputation

I ask Washington State University President Elson Floyd to reconsider his decision to demolish the historic Jensen-Byrd Building. I think he would be surprised to know the amount of disappointment and anger this decision has generated in Spokane.

Dating from 1909, the building is a grand testament to Spokane at the peak of its early growth. The Spokane Preservation Advocates recognized the Jensen-Byrd Building as one of the top historic buildings in Spokane County. Similar buildings have been renovated and found new life in cities nationwide, including Spokane. Indeed, local developer Ron Wells has offered to buy and preserve the building.

But WSU has chosen instead to tear down a piece of Spokane history, simply (according to press reports) because it was a “cleaner deal” and WSU would get the money more quickly.

It is not too late to reverse this decision, which is a disaster not only for Spokane but also for the reputation of WSU. President Floyd, if you tear down this building it will take a generation to repair the damage to your institution. For your sake as well as ours, please spare the Jensen-Byrd Building.

Larry Cebula

Spokane