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Bill May Limit Demolition Of Historic University Buildings

Posted by: Nate Berg

16 February 2007 - 12:00pm

In an effort to limit the destruction of historic university-owned properties, the Indiana state legislature is considering a bill that would add a six-month public review period to any planned demolition that may have historic significance.

"A bill sponsored by state Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) would give local preservation commissions the power to slow down the planned destruction of historic structures owned or leased by state colleges and universities."

"It would create a six-month cooling period during which a school could not demolish the structure. Public hearings would then be held on the structure's value to the community and whether it can be saved."

"The legislation was prompted in part by Indiana University's razing last April of the Kappa Sigma house, where Hoagy Carmichael -- the jazz composer best known for "Stardust" -- entertained fraternity brothers in the 1930s."

"IU's demolition of a 100-year-old house to build a classroom-office building also played a role in Pierce's decision to sponsor the bill, he said. The university owned both buildings."

Full Story: Preservation plan targets universities
Source: The Chicago Tribune, February 11, 2007
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