HomeMy WebLinkAboutA004 - Email from Jack Hanson opposing historical designation "Jake Hanson" To <bobanncamp@aol.com>, <tom@tomwacha.org>,
<jake@hansonhomesinc.com <jlarson101@aol.com>, <rmahayni@isunet.net>,
> <matthew@eatfightingburrito.com>,
09/27/2010 03:27 PM cc
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Subject Historical Designation on
Council,
I wanted to express my concern on the proposal of the historical designation for the Adam's property. I
understand that the Adam's themselves were concerned over the possibility of their property being bought
by a developer and they planned accordingly.
I'm confused, however, about the actual historical value the home and land that is described in the report.
The report itself calls into question the historical value of the house. It admits that it follows no single style
of architecture but is "a sophisticated" representation (really????)of a Frank Lloyd Wright home, and used
cutting edge building technology of the time. The report seemed to be grabbing for some semblance of
history without really being able to find it.
There are homes built every year that use the latest technologies. I don't believe that deserves a historical
designation.
Athough I have no doubt that the Adam's were fine people and citizens of Ames, what was their significant
contribution to the community that hundreds of others don't do every year.
I think the larger concern for the proposal is preservation. They don't want anything to change. They're
scared of the possibility of someone using the site in a way"they"don't see fit. So they are willing to take
away the other alternative of using the area for something great.
We can't go around designating everything historical in the name of preservation.
That land can be used for whatever you deem necessary. But I don't see how it warrants a historical
designation.
Jake Hanson
657 Xenia Place
Ames, Iowa 50014