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Joan Downs-Krostenko: My name is Joan Down-Krostenko and Ilive at 849 Forest Avenue, South Bend, Indiana. I am a member of the Chapin Park Historic District Board, the Near Northwest Neighborhood Board and the Portage Avenue Steering Committee Board. I have a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan; I am a professor at MO and an architectural historian. I stand here tonight to voice my support for bestowing landmark status on Marquette Primary School. I address myself not only to the Historic Preservation Commission but to the members of the public and the School Corporation who are present here tonight... Many points can be made regarding the benefits of preserving, refitting and renewing an existing historic school building. Among these points is the one proven to be fact more than 600 times in Chicago, namely that it is cheaper to renovate than rebuild. In the last decade the CPS have embarked on a massive school rehabilitation program and saved more than 600 of their 19 and early 20 century schools from the wrecking ball, primarily because it was that restoration would cost less than half of new construction per square foot. What kind of message do we send when we over spend, and spend over and over, to buy a new product (a school)? What kind offuture citizens are we cultivating when we say with our actions that all things are considered things eternally replaceable? Are we declaring our fiscal responsibility? Are we loading up the land -fills with ourpast with the broken remains of buildings constructed and designed by craftsmen in order to line the pockets of contractors and consultants? What kind of message do we send our children when we do not conserve and preserve our architectural patrimony? What institution is more central to a child's experience ofpublic life than their school? The preservation of a school is a message of conservation of energy, tradition, community and history. It is a way of showing respect for the efforts and energies of those came before us. It is a way of saying we value and respect our own talents and endeavors and expect them to be similarly lasting. Everyone knows that historic preservation stabilizes and enhances property values. Progressive and economically vital areas have been preserving and conserving for 50 years. No one in San Francisco or Boston was bulldozing 19 and 20 century buildings in 1960, why are we considering it today? The Montessori curriculum can be implemented in any kind of educational space. While certain features of space and light and other practical amenities are useful, there is no stipulation that I know of which says that Montessoris are only successful in classrooms and other educational spaces of restricted specifications. Marquette School can be refitted to serve a Montessori Academy, something which will indeed make a fine contribution to the magnet school line up here in South Bend. , President Klusczinski: Thank you. Any other members of the public wishing to speak in support? Jerry Niezgodski: Hello, my name is Jerry Niezgodski and I reside at 2930 Bonds Avenue, here in South Bend. I am just echoing what the previous speaker. just said. If Chicago can move forward rehabbing over 600 schools there is no reason why can not do the same here in South Bend. I am particularly concerned that the building that they would replace it with would have a life expectancy of 70 to 80 years which is already the age of this school, and this school is structurally sound. And I would also suggest, that if the school corporation would seek out the gentleman from the firm in Chicago and have a presentation from he and his firm regarding how they have been able to do what they have done in Chicago and see some of the dramatic photos of before and after of school that had been abandoned for 10, 15 years and yet were still rehabbed. Marquette is structurally sound. Yes it needs work, but it will last a lot longer than what we can do for new. I understand the corporation's desire to have all options open but it is imperative that we preserve what is left. We've destroyed too many buildings especially in the school corporation in the last decade. Lincoln School after all the work the Rotarians did to see that destroyed was a sad day, as far as I am concerned. And, I think again we are setting a wrong example for our youth: Everything's gotta be new, everything's gotta be now. Well, new isn't always better and I am 100% in favor of this Commission granting landmark status to Marquette School and to preserve the Northwest side of South Bend and the integrity of the neighborhood and the integrity of the building and the integrity of all those who live around Marquette School. Thank you. 6