City officials deserve credit

The Knutson Metal Company building on the west side banks of the Cedar River has been given a second chance at life. To their credit, city officials have chosen to sell the building at 525 H St. SW to a qualified developer rather than raze it, as has happened to more than 1,000 structures since the flood of 2008.

The Knutson building is one of several historic buildings the city has agreed to sell rather than raze in recent months. Three city-owned buildings in New Bohemia and four in Kingston Village are being sold to private developers instead of being added to the flood demolition list.

City officials deserve credit for their willingness to pause, listen and act when the community and developers pointed out the historic importance and economic viability of this latest round of irreplaceable buildings. This kind of open dialogue and cooperation is key when it comes to saving historic buildings.

The Knutson building is an especially promising turn of events on the preservation scene. Last year, one city official called the 1887 building and its surrounding salvage yard “an eyesore.” These days, the city sees instead the artful arch windows, corbeled brick cornice and lasting workmanship, and has plans to use the first floor for space compatible with the neighboring amphitheater.

Investors will be needed to fully secure the building's future. But this chance to have a future is courtesy of city officials willing to be flexible for the sake of preservation. That is laudable.

Beth Chacey DeBoom

President,

Save Cedar Rapids Heritage