In the historic Melrose district in Iowa City, two houses are set to be demolished to set up a large parking lot for the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
The two houses that are set to be demolished are located at 711 Melrose Avenue and 15 Melrose Place. The Melrose Avenue home is over 100 years old and a specifically important part of the debate. Arguments have been made on both sides of the situation.
Those involved in the parking establishment argue that no other option is available. The building has to be demolished in order for the parking lot to be safe and effective. They also state that the house is in bad condition and unsafe anyway, so keeping it would be hazardous unless it would be restored, which is an expense.
Residents of the Melrose area and advocates of preserving historical Iowa City argue for the preservation of the building in any way that is possible. They have pleaded with committees to give any possibilities of keeping the building more consideration.
The Melrose Neighborhood Association has been campaigning particularly hard against the demolition. They have written letters and proposed the idea of moving the historical building to a vacant lot in order to keep it standing.
Thus far, the historic house, as well as the one located on Melrose Place, will still be demolished, despite the opposition. In an effort to please the Neighborhood Association, though, and preserve some history, the barn behind the house will remain standing.
The two houses that are set to be demolished are located at 711 Melrose Avenue and 15 Melrose Place. The Melrose Avenue home is over 100 years old and a specifically important part of the debate. Arguments have been made on both sides of the situation.
Those involved in the parking establishment argue that no other option is available. The building has to be demolished in order for the parking lot to be safe and effective. They also state that the house is in bad condition and unsafe anyway, so keeping it would be hazardous unless it would be restored, which is an expense.
Residents of the Melrose area and advocates of preserving historical Iowa City argue for the preservation of the building in any way that is possible. They have pleaded with committees to give any possibilities of keeping the building more consideration.
The Melrose Neighborhood Association has been campaigning particularly hard against the demolition. They have written letters and proposed the idea of moving the historical building to a vacant lot in order to keep it standing.
Thus far, the historic house, as well as the one located on Melrose Place, will still be demolished, despite the opposition. In an effort to please the Neighborhood Association, though, and preserve some history, the barn behind the house will remain standing.
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