One of the buildings to have recently gained a ‘listed’ status by the government, the now empty building that once housed a department store, has caused quite a controversy. When the government declares a building ‘listed’, that building can not be altered nor destroyed, only restored to its original state if need be. Many cities do this with their historical buildings, to ensure that history be remembered and protected and not bulldozed over. In the US, some cities adhere to this idea, and others do not. The city of Manhattan restores rather than destroys, and in the historical, and now very trendy neighborhood of Wicker Park, in Chicago, many of the houses are not just historic in architectural design, but historical sites for the city as a whole. Many of the early politicians and influential citizens of Chicago lived in this neighborhood during the beginning of the 1900′s, and now, the buildings may be restored, and not demolished, but they must be restored to their original state, including the color of the paint used on the intricate lattice work surrounding many of the porches and windows.
The problem in Sheffield is that many feel that the building at Castle House is modern, too modern to be considered a landmark. The Co-op department store was closed down about a year ago, and the government has decided that it should remain as is. Which means that neither the outside of the building may be changed, nor the interior. Stating that the presence of the building is strong, with clean lines and individualism. Stating that the design is innovative. Council leaders are strongly opposed to the ‘listed’ status of the Co-op, stating that this severely limits the use of the building, as the only other business able to go into the building would be simply, another department store. The area and the building, they state, are both in need of regeneration. They are questioning the common sense of the government’s decision. They go on further to point out that other buildings in Sheffield are being destroyed, beautiful buildings, such as some Sheffield hotels and older historical sites. They are asking the government to reconsider some of these decisions.
Jan Wilson, Labor leader, states that what it all comes down to is personal taste. The city is attempting to become more ‘green’, not wasting resources by restoring existing structures, and not just simply knocking buildings down, only to build new ones. The public remains divided as well, some calling the Co-op an eyesore, while others maintain that the building is beautiful and should be saved from demolition . Many cities may face similar disagreements in the future, as the ‘green’ construction takes hold in various cities around the world.
No related posts.