Hit the pause button on Knutson

The Knutson Building has been standing on the west side of the Cedar River downtown since 1887. We think it should be allowed to remain there a while longer.

The Cedar Rapids City Council has been presented with a trio of options for the building, which has been home to several manufacturing businesses over the years. It can accept a development proposal from KHB Redevelopment Group, tear the building down or hit the pause button and mothball the structure.

City staff is recommending demolition. KHB has proposed a plan that would include $750,000 in city funding, a 10-year property tax break and hopes for the city to lease a large portion of the revamped building for restrooms and other amenities serving the McGrath Amphitheatre next door.

We don't support either option.

We agree with advocates, including Save CR Heritage, who contend the building is among a rapidly dwindling list of significant, historic west side properties reflecting the city's commercial heritage. Of nine Kingston Village area structures identified in a 2009 assessment as being eligible for National Register of Historic Places status, five already are gone. Knutson would be the sixth, and once it's demolished, there's no going back.

But we also believe the KHB proposal isn't in the best interest of taxpayers. The city spent $1.5 million to acquire the Knutson property in 2012. Now, it would be asked to pump $750,000 more into an estimated $2.5 million restoration and provide a decade of tax breaks. And when it's finished, the developers hope the city will lease space. That's a lot of public dollars for one preservation project.

The city still is awaiting word on federal funding for east side flood protection, which could have a direct effect on the scope of a west side protection. It's possible that the city won't have the dollars to make changes in its protection plan that would be needed to shield a redeveloped Knutson Building.

And yet, with its proximity to the amphitheater, a future recreational trail and riverfront, we think it's still possible for the city to hammer out a development deal less costly to taxpayers.

We'd like to see the city go back to the drawing board. We see no reason to rush into an irreversible demolition or a costly deal.

Pushing for preservation is vital in a city with deep historic roots. It's not yet time to give up on the Knutson Building.

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