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Nov 2& 2007 8:25HM Preferred Finishing, Inc. (574) 299-1917 p•2 the cost equation, generally we have found that renovation is less expensive than new construction when all of the factors are taken into consideration. It is important to secure architectural services from a firm with some track record in the renovation of schools, as prejudices against old buildings abound within the construction industry. ©Sen renovation, coupled with sensitive additions and alterations to meet tomorrow's programmatic and technological needs, is the right answer — essentially providing the students with the best advantages from both worlds. Beyond the importance of preservation, the renovation of Marquette also makes.sense environmentally. Demolition of an almost 60,000 square foot building will result in hundreds of truckloads of debris being needlessly hauled off to a landfill. Renovation will avoid the loss of the embedded energy that was first used to manufacture the materials that constructed the building. It will reuse materials and reduce the amount of new energy and materials required to build a new school. All of these are valuable lessons to teach our children. With our extensive experience with the issues faced byhistoric schools around the nation, we would be pleased to consult and participate with the South Bend Community School Corporation to assist in the decision making process. We can also consult on strategies for renovation or adaptive use to overcome obstacles to preservation through creative design. By working together, we are confident we can help South Bend achieve the goal of a quality school environment for all children without sacrificing historic merit. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable and providing leadership, education, advocacy, and resources to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize communities. Our Washington, DC headquarters staff, six regional offices and 28 historic sites work with the Trust's more than 270,000 members and thousands of local community groups in all 50 states. JA Midwest Director Cc: Mayor Stephen J. Luecke South Bend Common Council Staff Timothy S. Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend & St. Joseph County Todd A. Zeiger, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana