Preserve our city's historical assets

In 1961, Cedar Rapidian planners' appreciation for the past was eclipsed by the promise of contemporary building, and the city's historic train station was erroneously demolished. Since then, community members have lamented over the loss of this historic, architecturally significant and beautiful structure, believing that had Cedar Rapids known then what it knows now, the train station would have been saved.

I have evoked this anecdote because once again Cedar Rapids finds itself in the midst of change. With the construction of the new federal building, library and medical mall, and the renovations being made to the Paramount Theatre, convention center, and the Czech and Slovak Museum, Cedar Rapids is making noticeable improvements. However, in the midst of such development Cedar Rapids needs to acknowledge the importance of preserving its historical assets.

A multitude of historic buildings are threatened by demolition as developers and city officials focus on new construction. The city's Historic Preservation Commission has identified more than 50 endangered historic sites that, if lost, would greatly diminish Cedar Rapid's aesthetic individuality.

Let us remember the train station and recognize that in order for superlative progress to occur, the completion of new buildings must be celebrated equally with the preservation of old.

Corbin Beastrom

Cedar Rapids