Terre Haute has known for some time now that Indiana State University’s master plan includes creation of student residential centers off-campus in the nearby downtown area.
In principle, the plan has been met with support and anticipation from varying segments of the community, even though few specifics were available for further review.
But details have now begun to emerge that could result in the razing of several downtown buildings. It should come as no surprise that not everyone is pleased with that direction.
ISU is interested in creating a student residential/retail complex on the north side of Wabash Avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets. Local attorneys/property owners Mike and Kal Ellis either own, or have options to purchase, the property and buildings that now stand there. They are exploring an agreement with ISU that would include local development firm Thompson Thrift developing and operating the complex for ISU.
Current controversy, however, stems from the anticipated — but not assured — demolition of the historic buildings in the area if the project comes about. Preservationists, including downtown property owner and City Councilman Todd Nation and the Terre Haute Landmarks organization, say they will actively oppose the project and try to convince ISU to adapt its plan to preserve current facades.
This is an issue that will stoke passions and linger throughout implementation of any project — and beyond if the preservationist approach does not prevail.
Let’s hope progress does not get derailed by such a dispute. At stake is a tremendously positive strategy of downtown development that will not only benefit ISU and its students, but the entire community as well.
Ultimately, ISU trustees and officials will make the final decision on the project based on what’s in the institution’s best interests. If the decision produces a residential center on Wabash Avenue, downtown’s interests will also be well served.
In recent decades, ISU has taken a number of momentous steps that have had a profound and enduring effect on Terre Haute. Whether closing streets to create a greener campus, renovating old buildings or constructing new ones, whatever ISU does ripples throughout the town.
With respect to the current question of historic preservation, ISU has shown a willingness to renovate, refurbish or remove structures, depending on the situation. While such pragmatism may annoy some, we find it to be a responsible approach.
Preserving landmarks is a noble cause, and we applaud those who champion the practice. Their influence has undoubtedly produced a number of successful development ventures that have preserved historic structures downtown and elsewhere. We have no quarrel with their efforts, and we doubt ISU does either.
Still, progress for downtown will assuredly require a mix of approaches. Preservation will work in some cases. We’ll be pleased when it does. But it won’t always work. And when it doesn’t, the community needs to be able to move on with confidence and a commitment to the future.
Remarkably, ISU’s master plan and downtown revitalization and redevelopment have been in sync in recent years. Mutual interests are producing positive results. We hope it continues.
Editorials
EDITORIAL: Pragmatic approach to downtown development benefits community
Don’t let preservation dispute halt progress
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news: Dashing finish for the Sycamores
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EDITORIAL: Doc’s prescient prescription
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EDITORIAL: Good news for downtown
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READERS’ FORUM: April 26, 2013
• Pence’s tax cuts benefit wealthiest
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news
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MARK BENNETT: Littered with irony: Why do people callously discard their trash, and who are they?
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EDITORIAL: Doing the dirty work to clean up tossed trash
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news
Indiana’s parks need your help.
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EDITORIAL: The return of terror
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EDITORIAL: ‘Women of Influence’: 2013 selectees have given much to their communities
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news: A new honor for our veterans
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EDITORIAL: Shifting view on marriage
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MAX JONES: The American Newspaper: Changing? Yes. Dying? No way!
It happened again this past January when all those “looking at the year ahead” stories started popping up on Internet “news” websites and broadcast “news” programs. Under a provocative headline reading something like “Five industries/businesses doomed to tank in the coming year,” there it was, a prediction based on an unsubstantiated “expert” analysis that the newspaper industry will continue in 2013 to suffer its slide into oblivion.
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EDITORIAL: A chance to change our bad cultural habits
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EDITORIAL: Maintaining high standards
Standards
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EDITORIAL: Crack down on dumpers
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Noteworthy in the news: MVC tourney an event worth having
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