DATE: Sunday, July 13, 1997                 TAG: 9707110036
SECTION: COMMENTARY              PAGE: J4   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letters

                                            LENGTH:   84 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

TAYLOR SCHOOL

Why this historic structure should be saved

I am writing to clarify some points made in a recent letter from Frances Beckner, concerning the proposed demolition of Taylor School.

Unlike Mrs. Beckner, I did not attend all of the public hearings, which seemed to generate more heat than light. Instead, I have done my own research.

Mrs. Beckner asserts that a variety of organizations have agreed upon a new school. A past president of the West Ghent Civic League tells me that its membership split and that the final count is still in dispute.

As to the vote of the Taylor PTA, only 39 parents of the approximately 400 or so children at the school actually voted in favor of demolition.

The public record shows that the Design Review Committee was divided. One member abstained because of conflict of interest. Another member was out of the country. The remaining votes split 3-2. One member of the committee felt compelled to read a remarkable personal statement into the public record of the proceedings, presenting her strong feeling that the decision to demolish Taylor School was the result of a deeply flawed process.

I have requested information concerning the soundness of the structure from the city pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act. Norfolk City Hall's responses to my inquiries, coupled with conversations with two architects of my acquaintance who are familiar with the building, convinced me that renovation is not only possible but overwhelmingly preferable.

Finally, as to whether Taylor School is in fact historic; I spoke with the director of Hunter House Victorian Museum, who is expert in historic properties and personally knowledgeable about Taylor School. That conversation convinced me that Taylor School is not just an ``old building'' but a genuinely historic landmark that deserves our protection.

Cathryn Bearov

Norfolk, July 8, 1997

An architectural treasure

As my husband and I were sitting on the porch of our Ghent home one recent night, when it was too hot to do much else, we commented to each other how glad we were that we made the move to Norfolk seven years ago and settled in the Ghent neighborhood. We can walk to the Naro. We frequently visit Van Wyck library and the Chrysler Museum. We enjoy volunteering at the Hunter House Victorian Museum. Often we choose to walk to these places just to enjoy the architectural treasures along the way.

We are disappointed to think that Norfolk may allow demolition of Taylor Elementary School - one of those architectural treasures - designed by a noted architect of the early 20th century. Although we have no children at Taylor, we have been in Taylor's wonderful auditorium on numerous occasions, as we are supportive of our neighbors' children as they have sung and danced and played violin and received awards on that stage. What a noble building.

Why would Norfolk not choose to renew, renovate and expand the existing building? I understand that the current architects have practically duplicated the original facade. The Planning Commission has requested even minute details be replicated. Obviously the design was and is worthy; reports state the building to be sound. Let's put it back in shape and take care of it properly. It will serve all of Norfolk well for many more decades. Allow it to continue to be a source of architectural, cultural and historic pride.

Suzanne Ingersoll

Norfolk, July 7, 1997

Norfolk will regret destroying a landmark

You published a letter from a woman in North Carolina who thought that those wishing to renovate Norfolk's W.H. Taylor Elementary School are history buffs. Well, I've been called many things in my life but history buff is not one of them.

But if knowing that valuable schools can and are being renovated to provide students with the tools needed for education in the coming digital millennium, along with handicapped access, large classrooms and bathrooms on every floor, while still retaining the character and quality of the architecture, then so be it - I'm a history buff. Lincoln too, was probably a history buff when he cited architecture as our only physical link to the past.

I would rather think of myself, along with other parents and neighbors, as enlightened citizens armed with the facts and alarmed at a city that's been too hasty to demolish its stately buildings, only to regret it later.

It seems like the wishes of a few influential parents who object to the temporary inconvenience of having their children bused a few miles up Hampton Boulevard will prevail upon City Council to throw good sense out the window - and build an expensive school that will try its darnedest to look like that which it can never be.

Elizabeth M. Powell

Norfolk, July 1, 1997

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