Bob Barzan: Consider re-using courthounse, not just tearing it down

Re “Former mayor has thoughts on future” (Opinions, May 10): Those calling for the demolition of the courthouse and the creation of a Union Square-type park are grounded in fantasy. People flock to Union Square not for the square, but for what surrounds it – one of the most popular retail areas in the world. The only retail flanking the courthouse is Carquest Auto Parts, a great shop, but hardly a big draw. To know what will happen to a park on that site, check out the park at 15th and I.

In 1958 we demolished our Victorian courthouse. People said the same about that courthouse as they are saying about the present one: I don’t like that architecture; it’s an eye-sore; it would cost too much to re-purpose. This is common. Sixty years after a public building is completed, people tire of it, they disparage it, they tear it down. Later it’s regretted. Present buildings are valuable examples of the mid-century modern design that once gained a national reputation for Modesto.

Any conversation about the future must consider the creative re-use of those buildings, not just to preserve our heritage but because re-using buildings is often the most economical, sustainable and environmentally friendly choice.

This story was originally published June 9, 2015 at 11:15 AM with the headline "Bob Barzan: Consider re-using courthounse, not just tearing it down."