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August 15, 1977 Page 3 pointed out that Mr. Anderson was before the Commission at the caucus and didn't commit himself either way regarding landmark status for the. Odd Fellows Building. Mr. Overgaard thanked the Commission for the op -, portunity of stating his views. Ms. Price then informed the Commission that she had spoken with Mr. Brownell of the Redevelopment Commission and had gotten the impression' that the controversy of the Odd Fellows Building is "just the tip of the iceberg ". She said the Oliver Theatre Building and the Old Amer- ican Bank Building were likewise in jeopardy. And if the Odd Fellows Building is demolished, the J.M.S. Building will be isolated. She spoke about short term,nnd long term solutions to the problem. She said there should be an economic feasibility study with firm figures to rehabilitate the structure. Mr. Oxian mentioned that it costs $20: per squaxe foot to rehabilitate it and $50. to rebuild. Mr. Smith re- marked that Rehabilitation should do a feasibility study. It was point- ed out, furthermore, that buildings that are on the National Register have a tax break. Ms. Price spoke further on this subject and it was mentioned that the city needs a number of parking spaces to support the Mini 14a11 and perhaps some creative designs could be evolved around keeping the Odd Fellows Building. Mr. Oxian mentioned that the Commission has not been contacted by any of the agencies regarding the Odd Fellows Building and the plans for the city. It was stiited that the plans submitted by the architect, James Childs, had not been seen by the Commission. Next, Ms. Barbara Schankerman submitted a petition signed by approx- imately 200 downtown shoppers, employees, and merchants to urge the Historic Preservation Commission to take a stand on declaring the Odd Fellows Building an historic landmark. She likewise read this petition and a statement revealing her personal feelings in this matter. Mr. Smith made a motion to accept a copy of the petition and. include it in the files. There was discussion between Ms. Schankerman and Ms. Davisson regarding local landmark status. Ms. Davisson said landmark designation would delay demolition for only one year; it doesn't keep it from being torn down. Mr. Ted Wasielewski then had some comments on the caucus meeting. He said there were several things that concerned him about the present consortium of owners of the Odd Fellows Building. He said landmark status requires a certain amount of upkeep. The Historic Preservation Commission should take a position in this matter, he said. Ms. Davisson then spoke about professional responsibility for the greater community, and guarding individual property rights. Mr. Oxian, likewise, discussed property rights and said the Commission need not require the owner's consent for landmark status and said we should only take into considera- tion when deciding the fate of the Odd Fellows Building and its archi- tectural and /or historical significance based on Troyer's report. Mr. Oxian said the Commission should get more input. Mr. John Stamper, an applicant for the position of Historic Preservation Planner, who *as in the audience, then also spoke about the Odd Fellows Building and voiced a strong desire that it should be saved. He spoke