I'm wondering why it is so important to save this row of burnt out buildings. I pass it everyday on my way to work, and again on my way home. I think that having this at the center of historic Anacostia does nothing but bring down the entire community. For an area that is trying so hard to become stronger, this is just a constant reminder of its past. I understand they may be historic, but let them go.Am I completely insensitive and blind to the importance of historic buildings? I'm prepared for the answer to that question to be yes.
ps - there's been a discussion about saving these buildings for at least 10 years, and they are still sitting there in that condition. If the issue had just been raised in 2007, I might have been less skeptical of it all.
1 comment:
You are completely blind and insensitive!
Ok, anyone who knows you knows that you're NOT. :D
I do think it's important to keep and revitalize buildings like that. Just like in our personal lives, it is not healthy to demolish all signs of hardship in our history. It is much harder, but much healthier to reclaim, rise above, restore and integrate old deteriorating bits into new growth. What a rich tapestry is woven when the two stand side by side! How boring new cities look to me! How beautiful the glory of the old and the new standing proudly together! How noble old buildings look when care is applied to them, bearing the nobility of their age and historic weight! I love buildings, and I particularly love the buildings in DC.
Now of course, there is a point of decay beyond which a historic building goes when it should be called a good try and demolished. But a better try would be to interviene on behalf of the building before it reaches that point. Our lovely city is losing so many worth-while properties to neglect; they will have to be torn down. It makes me very sad that we are not doing more to retain our history in brick and mortar.
If I were independently wealthy I would buy up deteriorating buildings exactly like the ones you pictured, restore them to their historic beauty, and re-sell them at reasonable market value. I would loose tons of money, but the city would keep tons of history! That is what I dream of doing.
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