Editor’s note: Wausau Pilot & Review gladly publishes commentary from readers, residents and candidates for local offices. The views of readers and columnists are independent of this newspaper and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wausau Pilot & Review. To submit, email [email protected] or mail to 500 N. Third St., Suite 208-8, Wausau, Wis. 54403.
Thanks to Christine Martens for bringing to readers’ attention the plans to demolish the Christian Science Church at 404 Franklin St. for a hard surface parking lot.
I think those making the decision on the future of this property should consider the following:
This is not a dilapidated building with no feasible use. It’s a fine, sound structure completely restored by the previous owner as a home and office. The interior is beautiful. The newly constructed garages, compatible in architecture with the building, are first-rate and very usable. In the last transaction, the property sold for $570,000.
It’s a striking building and is considered an architectural gem in the near east side neighborhood. All of the property surrounding it in its block have historic significance. Surely it could be put to good use again.
The proposed parking lot will be relatively small, designed for 29 spaces according to plans that have been made public. Actually, there are several parking spaces already on the existing property, so the net gain of spaces will be less than 29.
The Y, advocating for the parking lot, states that their programs are growing rapidly. If that’s the case, will this small parking lot have much of an impact on long-term parking issues? Is it worth the sacrifice of such an attractive and usable structure?
An essay at strongtowns.org says this:
“Parking lots take a large part of a finite supply of land out of productive use. Land is the base resource from which community prosperity is built and sustained. Most cities are unable to expand their boundaries and thus have a finite supply of land. Every bit of it not put to productive use carries an opportunity cost.”
James M. Force, Wausau
