Stopping urban sprawl means making our downtowns attractive to people, not
just convenient for automobiles. Saving historic buildings is a major element
in creating a viable downtown.

Any Des Moines area people on this listserve should contact the city council
members listed.

The Des Moines City Council has this on their agenda at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow,
Monday, Sept. 10.

Tom
--------------------------
[The following was forwarded to me by Jane Clark--tm]
Tim Urban has completed his PROPOSAL FOR RENOVATION of the AIB building at
10th and Grand Avenue.  The building can be renovated for a combination of
uses.  The Historic District Commission recently repeated their position on
saving the building and requested the City Council to make a decision to save
it.

Here are some of the reasons for saving it:
    * The AIB is a significant, sound, historic structure suited to continued
good use.
    * The Masonic Temple and AIB together make a more attractive, viable unit
than either separately and the aesthetics of the Masonic Temple are enhanced
by the AIB building
    * Together the two can create a "Carnegie Hall synergy" to compliment the
proposed new library and provide a dynamic unity of commercial and non-profit
arts and education activities and services along with housing and service
amenties for discriminating urbanites.
    * There is absolutely no rational argument for destroying a such a
unique, historic asset.
    * The AIB has become a symbol of civic character and integrity vs.
irresponsible politics.

The focus needs to be on calls and emails to Vlassis, Coleman, McPherson,
Preston Daniels, and Brooks.  Brooks and Hensley probably won't waver, but
keep the pressure on them anyway.

Vlassis and Coleman are mutable, and McPherson despite his agreement to vote
against the AIB can abstain.

Just tell the City Council members there is no reason AIB needs to come down.

There is no reason to destroy more historic treasures when they can be
rehabilitated for housing and commercial office space.

Tom Vlassis <[log in to unmask]>
Tom Vlassis <[log in to unmask]>
Mike McPherson <[log in to unmask]>
Chris Hensley <[log in to unmask]>
Archie Brooks <[log in to unmask]>
Preston Daniels <[log in to unmask]>
Chris Coleman <[log in to unmask]>
Chris Coleman <[log in to unmask]>
George Flagg <[log in to unmask]>

Points to include:

1.) Lost Tax Base

After abatement, $100,000 a year in property taxes if the building is saved
and remodeled vs. ZERO plus the cost of
demolition, and perpetual park maintenance if the building is demolished.

2.) Affordable Downtown Housing

16 affordable units with rents of $750 per month. Targeted at young
professionals. One of the stated goals of the Gateway Plan.

3.) Saving a significant and beautiful piece of Architecture

Built in 1923, this building is one of the first examples of Art Deco Style
west of the Mississippi. Designed by prominent architect Norman Vorse.

4.) Enhances the Masonic Lodge by giving it historic context

AIB covers up the ugly north wall of the Masonic Lodge. Removal of the AIB
makes the Masonic lodge look lonely and silly. It's the same height. The
brick facade is complementary to it's neighbors. The Masonic Lodge was meant
to be part of a city block.

5.) More "urban" than grass.

Mixed use is the hallmark of truly urban living. The suburbs have elected to
separate housing from commercial uses. Let them live with the problems of
suburban sprawl. The Des Moines metro area needs an urban alternative. A
sense of history. A place to live and work without the need for a car. Young
professional people thrive in the city. Yet we continue to remove their
habitat.

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