Sledgehammer swing at Banjo Block strikes wrong chord

As a historic preservationist, it will be no surprise that I was saddened by the Dec. 16 unfortunate but understandable demolition of the “Banjo Building” at 515 Fourth Ave. SE. But what really struck a nerve was the Dec. 15 gathering of developers and city officials celebrating the demolition with sledgehammers and photo ops. Such a callous display seemed reminiscent of the gleeful leveling of history during Urban Renewal.

I am not opposed to economic development, but city leaders and I have often failed to agree on what defines progress. To be fair, the Banjo Block project will provide housing for a variety of income levels, something I support. But let’s not forget that preservation is also key to progress, and Cedar Rapids has been notoriously shortsighted in saving its history as it builds a future. That’s old news.

What is new is happy snapshotting of a building’s demise. I find this tasteless, pointless, and a PR misstep. It reveals a mindset that we have always suspected existed, and only adds fuel to an often-leveled criticism against the city — callous disregard for venerable buildings that may have economic viability.

If and when there is another such “celebration,” I will be there. With a sign. Protesting as the politicians don hard hats, sledgehammers swinging into buildings so well constructed that they don’t budge. My hope is that these party-like events do not become a norm. Thoughtful urban development that integrates historic preservation is an achievement much more worthy of celebrating.

Beth Chacey DeBoom

Cedar Rapids