But I am in a quandary over how to make the facilities shuffle work without put
ting city offices there. I don't think it's practical to have half of the city
folks two blocks away in the Whitworth Building. (I know it's tough with the engineers and finance people half a block away at the old City Hall, now the an
nex.) Perhaps Pam could shed some light on the staffing difficulties that
accompany the current arrangement.
My primary concern is finding a way to put the Whitworth Building to a
productive use (and prevent its demolition). Since the School Board has not
shown any interest in Wendy McClure's excellent plan to convert the Whitworth
Building to classrooms, labs and faculty offices for the high school, turning
it over to city and county use may be the best hope to save it.
The old gym of the Whitworth Building has similar dimensions to the existing
community center, and restoration of its orginal oak floor might provide a
better surface for dancing. The architect has also mentioned the possibility
of small conference rooms and even offices for community groups.
Admittedly, it's two blocks farther away from the heart of downtown, and
parking is not as convenient. But I'm urging 2020 members to keep an open
mind about the proposal until we can see just what the possibilities are
for a new space.
As for the first floor of the community center, the Moscow Historic Preservatio
n Commission is considering guidelines for the entire City Hall building that
would preserve its historic and architectural character. (They include
getting the folding chair storage, the pop machine and the old couches out
of the lobby.) The commission would most certainly frown on any remodeling
that tampered with the windows or the millwork. Perhaps the cubicles could be
in the basement?
Anyone interested in expressing an opinion on this topic is invited to two meet
ings:
* Thursday, Feb. 2, 4:30 p.m., conference room next to the council chamber,
2nd floor, City Hall, for a meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission.
* Thursday, Feb. 9, 4:30 p.m., Centennial Annex, across from McConnell Mansion.
Friends of the 1912 Moscow High School (Whitworth Building) will review the s
hared facilities plan and its implications for the building. (We may tour the
gym and look at the proposed Community Center space if there's interest.)
For more information about either meeting, call Jack Porter or e-mail to me.
Thanks,
KENTON