Church more valuable than parking spaces

The First Christian Church building was bought by St. Luke's Hospital to be demolished and replaced by a parking lot for the Physicians' Clinic of Iowa medical pavilion. Louis Sullivan, a renowned architect, was a consultant on the church's design. The windows are works of art worth thousands of dollars and were created by Louis Millet, a famous artist who often partnered with Sullivan. If Zinser is allowed to demolish this church (starting as soon as March 12), these windows will probably go to a New York firm for auction.

The city council lowered the parking requirements for the PCI complex. Two nearby churches offered their parking lots for use during the week. The city's historic preservation committee, City Council members and other people tried to reason with PCI and St. Luke's leaders. Yet it appears their minds are set.

St. Luke's and PCI executives, Second Avenue is blocked as you wanted. You have gotten $13.24 million in upfront assistance for the parking ramp and street improvements. How about giving something back? Save this church!

Allow it to serve and house the poor as Mission of Hope. Let this church stand as a beautiful piece of our history and art, and as a place where PCI patients and others can find comfort.

Are these 50 parking spaces more important than our history, our poor, and what the people desire?

I encourage all of the Linn County residents to call St. Luke's and PCI and tell them to stop the demolition.

Liz Motsinger

Marion