Demolition of 1875 Building Is Wrong

To the Editor:

Imagine demolishing other historic buildings in our state that are important records and connections to our past. Historic buildings are much more than brick and mortar—they connect us to who we once were, memorialize the lives of the people who built them and spent time in them, and help tell the story of a unique community.

The E J Knesek building, which has been slated and approved to be demolished by the City Council, is not just a building, it’s an integral part of Fayetteville’s story—past and future. Might the council be misguided, in not trying to preserve as much as possible of our town’s cultural past?

Demolishing this building is short-sighted decisionmaking on the part of Fayetteville City Council. Not only that—the decision was really made by a few—not the many. All the people who live here should have a say in possibly saving this building—sending flyers and questionnaires would have been a good idea.

Fayetteville is a place with a long and interesting history dating back to the 1800s— the few buildings that are left from that time remind us of what has made our town so unique and special. The group planning a Community Arts Center/Performance first stated that they would restore the building, but then decided to save costs by demolishing it. Doesn’t architecture fall under the “cultural arts”?

Demolishing this building is wrong, and once it’s done, it can’t be undone. Please reconsider, City Council, and do the right thing and stop the demolition of this building.

Kathleen McShane Bolton Fayetteville