A couple of weeks ago I posted a blog entry on the Sewell House located in the lower West Side. Today’s TJ has an article about the work being done on the property, and some folks are not happy. They feel an important historical landmark has been spoiled.
I have to admit that during my many years as a Westsider I have never seen any obvious attempt to publicly mark this as a heritage property, or promote the historic value of the building. I have seen a brochure (West Side Walk & Drive written by David Goss and sponsored by the Heritage Preservation Review Board) that mentions the house, but I can’t think of another example where it’s been highlighted. The condition of the house, on the outside at least, has deteriorated over the years. I didn’t even know the province owned the building; I read it’s being used as non-profit housing.
Today's article acknowledges the passion some citizens and groups take in heritage conservation and advocacy in Saint John, at the same time I have to wonder about the footprint the builders or architect of this home considered when it was being built all those years ago.
I enjoy our local history, and I appreciate the importance of heritage buildings, but in the big picture it's a delicate balance to marry the practicality and fiscal responsibility attached to preserving the many unsafe, cast-offs that have an historical significance with the passion demonstrated by those who advocate for heritage initiatives.
No comments:
Post a Comment