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No further discussion. <br />The motion passed unanimously. <br />• 5. Historic Landmarks <br />Mr. Oxian announced that 710 N. Cushing had been approved for designation as a local Historic <br />Landmark by the Common Council on May 10, 1993. <br />Mr. Holycross distributed plans recently compiled by the planning committee working on the <br />renovation of Madison Elementary School. He explained that staff had attended two such <br />meetings. He explained that the submitted drawings were preliminary plans submitted by their <br />architects, Hebard and Hebard. Mr. Holycross stated that he wanted to allow NPC members an <br />opportunity to comment on the pians before he attended the next meeting on the following day. <br />He explained that he thought the plan was appropriate because it did not affect the historic <br />facade of the structure on the north, west and south sides; the east side consists of 1950s <br />additions that also would only be affected in a minor way. The interior of the structure would <br />be changed dramatically. <br />Discussion ensued as to the specifics of the plan. <br />Mrs. Sporleder asked if a motion was necessary. Mr. Holycross replied that he was merely <br />allowing the opportunity for comment; he thought the plan as submitted was probably as good as <br />could be expected; with present requirements placed on the school board, it was unrealistic to <br />expect that the building could be saved and utilized while retaining historic features of the <br />interior. He further explained that school employees saw this plan as inadequate for their <br />needs; it seemed that most would prefer a new building; the architects told the committee that <br />the building was well-built and worth saving but would require compromise on the part of all in <br />order to accomplish that. He also stated that Mr. Ron Farrand repeatedly spoke about the "sixty <br />percent formula" wherein the school Corporation would be "forced" to consider a new building if <br />renovation plans exceeded sixty percent of the cost of new construction. <br />Mr. Oxian stated that they could not build a new structure on this space; Mr. Holycross <br />answered that they would then abandon the building for another site. <br />Ms. Hostetler asked if the landmark designation had been approved; Mr. Holycross answered that <br />the measure had been tabled at the Common Council. <br />Ms. Hostetler stated that there were many local families that depended on the school. Mr. Oxian <br />answered that there were many teachers "who wanted the Taj Mahal." He then described the <br />problems at Clay Middle School, including leaks. <br />Ms, Hostetler replied that everything possible should be done to keep schools such as this in <br />the neighborhoods; this area contained three historic districts and was heavily populated by <br />young families with children who needed the schools adjacent to their homes. <br />Mrs. Choitz stated that Cathy Thompson, a teacher at the school, was very much in favor of <br />saving the building, it was evident that not all of the teachers were in favor of losing this <br />building. <br />Mrs. Sporleder stated that the plan "looked good" as it presently stood; it "looked like a good <br />way to ga." There was general agreement among HPC members. Mr. Oxian directed staff to take <br />that message to the committee. <br />6. Standards and Maintenance <br />