The Third Church of Christ, Scientist in Washington, D.C., has filed suit against the city to remove the landmark designation on their building, which limits what can be done to alter the site -- or demolish it completely, which is the church's hope.
"'Little is more representative of a church's theology than its architecture, and this building is not us," said Darrow Kirkpatrick, the church's lay leader."
"The church has sought to demolish the Araldo Cossutta-designed chapel since 1991, making way for a smaller and more energy-efficient building. Those plans were disrupted when local preservation groups filed an application to designate the building as an historic landmark. The landmark application was essentially tabled until April 2007, when the church headquarters in Boston sold the land beneath the chapel to ICG Properties. ICG, a District-based developer, has proposed redeveloping the site to include a smaller church, as well as separate office and retail space.
The new plans revived the landmark application, and D.C.'s Historic Preservation Review Board voted unanimously in December 2007 to landmark the building."
FULL STORY: Christian Science Church sues D.C. over landmark designation
The Top Urban Planning Books of 2021
Planetizen's annual list of the top urban planning books of the year is here—maintaining a tradition that dates back to 2002.
The Roadway Expansion Paradox
Motorists want expensive roadway expansions provided that somebody else foots the bill, but when required to pay directly through tolls, the need for more capacity often disappears. What should planners do?
Urban Exodus: Data Don't Support the Popular Pandemic Narrative
Americans fled cities in waves during the pandemic, right? Not to so fast.
Austin's Tallest Tower Rising Quickly
Sixth and Guadalupe, which will top out at 875 feet, will soon be crowned the tallest building in Austin, and the fifth-tallest building in Texas.
How Boosting Biking Could Improve London's Economy
A new study outlines the potential economic, environmental, and public health benefits of increasing cycling mode share in London, which has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
Peter De Fazio, Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, to Retire
The end of an era for Oregon in Congress.
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Hand Drawing Master Plans
This course aims to provide an introduction into Urban Design Sketching focused on how to hand draw master plans using a mix of colored markers.
