Smokestack crossroads

The Sinclair smokestack stands dead center in a community crossroads.

On one side of the intersection are nostalgic residents who want the structure to be preserved as a memorial to workers at what was once among the four largest meatpacking plants in the world and the city's largest employer.

On another corner are city officials who intend to demolish the site's many buildings that have become a public safety and health nuisance and neighborhood scar after the 2008 flood and two major fires.

Then there's the State Historic Preservation Office, telling the local preservationists that up to $200,000 in federal mitigation funds for historic properties may be available and should go to some kind of commemorative project for the site.

At another turn is cost: $420,000-plus to repair the 101-year-old brick smokestack, which is leaning, has many large cracks and may be a danger to crews when site demolition begins this spring.

What to do?

In January, we wrote that the smokestack's time has come. It should not further delay demolition of the plant. And now, unless restoration supporters are willing to stand the cost - more than $200,000 even with federal funds - it's still time to move forward. Too many other priorities stretch our city government's budget and time and will for years.

Nonetheless, tribute of some kind is appropriate.

Last week, Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation Commission Chairwoman Maura Pilcher noted that 11 Sinclair structures other than the smokestack are eligible for the National Historic Register, which precludes qualifying for federal mitigation funds. We wonder: Might not it more prudent to save one of those buildings instead of the smokestack? Perhaps convert it into a memorial - or even a museum that honors not only the Sinclair smokestack and plant history, but this community's extensive labor heritage. A long-range project that doesn't delay site cleanup.

One that also could complement two nearby icons: the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, being rebuilt after extensive flood damage, and the African American Museum of Iowa.

Could this be a viable route through the crossroads?