Star Tribune: Delasalle Design Is Improved, But Concerns Remain
In a Star Tribune Commentary subtitled "A new design for athletic fields on Nicollet Island in Minneapolis doesn't meet preservationists' objections but softens the impact on the landscape" Linda Mack writes:
Minneapolis architect Tom Meyer, famed for his award-winning Mill City Museum, stepped into the fray when he agreed to redesign the controversial football stadium that DeLaSalle High School wants to build on Nicollet Island.
The debate over the stadium has simmered for three years, since the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board agreed to the Catholic school's desire for athletic fields adjacent to its classrooms.
The many-headed fracas has touched on such big issues as church and state, parks funding, youth athletics, environmental and neighborhood impacts.
The overarching one: Is historic Nicollet Island the place to build a sports facility?
That's really the crucial question, indeed. Ms. Mack continues:
Preservationists, including the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, have said no, that it would irreparably harm the island's historic character.
On the opposites are those least qualified to make such a judgement. Most elected officials doing so have obvious conflicts of interest but refuse to recuse themselves from votes on the matter. Still:
The Park Board, DeLaSalle officials and the city of Minneapolis have said yes.
Read the entire Commentary at the Star Tribune website.
Comments
It's unfortunate that architect Tom Meyer was dragged into this mess. I wonder what kind of influence was required to have Meyer try to put lipstick on this pig?
Posted by Chris Johnson | Sun, 04/29/2007 - 10:59am | Login to post comments