CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation Commission, tasked with advising the city on preservation issues, is sending a letter to the City Council, encouraging options to save Harrison Elementary School.
“We strongly encourage and implore City Council to advocate for the consideration of all options to
renovate and reuse this building,” the letter from the commission states. “Harrison Elementary is an ideal building worthy of thoughtful preservation and renovation.”
Related: Costs for new school to replace Harrison soar
The letter, approved at the last commission meeting in late January, was included in the meeting presentation and is considered a public record.
Typically, the City Council has no authority over matters involving the Cedar Rapids Community School District, but the Harrison property would need to be rezoned so the district can move ahead with its plan to demolish the school and build a new school on the site.
In January, the City Planning Commission heard the school district’s rezoning request, but decided to table the matter until February to provide the School District more time to solidify their request.
The School District, however, pulled the item from the Planning Commission’s February agenda.
More: Planning Commission tables vote on Harrison rezoning
A rendering shows the proposed school that would replace Harrison Elementary.
Save CR Heritage, a nonprofit that is separate from the Historic Preservation Commission, has advocated to save Harrison — considered the most architecturally significant elementary in Cedar Rapids — since the Cedar Rapids School Board last spring overturned a task force recommendation to update the school.
The group hosted petition drives, held a demonstration in support of Harrison, and has asked the School Board to reconsider its decision to demolish the school, which was deemed structurally sound.
Despite thousands of petition signatures and hearing from numerous residents who have attended meetings and sent emails, School Board members have reiterated their intention to demolish Harrison.
More: Half of school board members who voted to demolish Harrison skip meeting to hear from supporters
Demonstrators protest the demolition of Harrison Elementary in October 2023 during an event organized by Save CR Heritage. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Members of the Historic Preservation Commission have periodically discussed the issue, including an architect member who questioned the cost estimates that were said to be higher for renovation than for a new building, but the commission’s letter will be the first time they have made public their views.
Previous letters that have been in the works were reworded by commission member Caitlin Hartman, and received final approval at the last commission meeting.
The letter compares Harrison to buildings at historic university campuses, references building losses in Cedar Rapids that are still remembered and lamented, and cites an example of Horace Mann Elementary in Iowa City. “Following renovations, it was awarded the Excellence in Archaeology and Historic Preservation Award from the State of Iowa,” the letter states.
“As a commission, we understand and appreciate the importance of providing the highest quality
facilities to support our students,” the letter continues. “We firmly believe that Harrison Elementary has fulfilled that purpose and can continue to do so. We stand at a pivotal moment with a chance to make an incredible contribution and commitment to our community. We encourage the Council to embrace what we have and look intentionally to steward this resource for another 100 years of successful schooling.”
Read the full letter here:
Dear Mayor & City Council,
On behalf of the City’s Historic Preservation Commission, I am pleased to provide information and
context related to the matter of Harrison Elementary School. Per the powers and duties outlined in the
City’s Municipal Code, Chapter 18, I appreciate your taking the time to consider this information.
Harrison Elementary opened its doors in 1930 – almost 100 years ago. Designed by local architect, Harry
E. Hunter, the building is a dramatic example of the English Tudor style. The two-story red brick building
is rich with local history. It has served our community well for nearly a century, and we are confident it
can serve another 100 (or more!)
The architectural elements of Harrison are special and irreplaceable. Entrances boast dramatic
limestone ornamentation; windows feature the iconic muntins of this unique architectural style; inside
is a mural, “Transportation”, completed by William E. Henning, a contemporary and mentee of Grant
Wood. The building’s presence is grand, reminiscent of historic university campuses, making for an
inviting and warm school home – something students and parents can be proud of. Thanks to its
numerous unique characteristics, the school was determined eligible for the National Register of Historic
Places under Criteria A and C as part of the Public Schools for Iowa: Growth and Change, 1848-1966
Survey.
Over the years, Cedar Rapids has sadly lost many important historic buildings. Whether to natural
disaster, neglect, or making way for modern structures, many of these losses are widely seen as tragic,
avoidable, and unnecessary. The downtown train depot and the original Washington High School are
two losses that Cedar Rapidians lament to this day. Old photos of the originally outdoor Lindale Mall
make us nostalgic for this quaint shopping experience common nowadays in successful and attractive
communities across the country. Standing in stark contrast to such losses are the many examples of
cherished buildings and neighborhoods this community has loving saved and preserved. The Ausadie
building on First Avenue is a sought-after place to live. The Museum of Art proudly displays its treasures
in our original library. The Paramount Theatre, lovingly restored and commonly referred to as “the jewel
of the city,” contributes on a grand scale to city pride and economic activity – attracting residents and
visitors to the area. The New Bohemia and Czech Village neighborhoods are prime examples of
embracing and celebrating our heritage and its buildings; an important part of cultural vibrancy.
The commission believes that the idea that we must demolish and start from scratch to provide the best
facilities for our students is inaccurate. In 2016, the City of Cedar Rapids hosted Edward T. McMahon for
a community conversation. Mr. McMahon is a renowned scholar and global leader in sustainable
development, smart growth, and historic preservation. With decades of research and real-world
experiences, Mr. McMahon insists that “neighborhoods with…historic buildings can be economic and
cultural powerhouses when given a chance to survive and evolve.”
Studies show adaptive reuse is viable, economical, and green. The greenest development is to use what we already have.
The Historic Preservation Commission is tasked to advise the Mayor and City Council regarding
important matters of historic preservation. We look collectively at structures and stories; recognizing
not all buildings can or should be saved. That said, Harrison Elementary is an ideal building worthy of
thoughtful preservation and renovation.
We strongly encourage and implore City Council to advocate for the consideration of all options to
renovate and reuse this building. Resources are available on local, state, and national levels to explore
opportunities, consider cost comparisons, assess green initiatives, and look at neighborhood and
community impacts of choosing to restore rather than start over. Your Historic Preservation
Commissioners stand at the ready to assist.
As previously noted, Harrison is eligible for listing on the National Register. As such, the necessary due
diligence should, at a minimum, be conducted expediently to evaluate alternatives to the demolition of
the structure. Recent preservation projects demonstrate the possibility of preserving the historic
significance, while making renovations to improve the usability of the structure. A local example is
Horace Mann Elementary in Iowa City. Following renovations, it was awarded the Excellence in
Archaeology and Historic Preservation Award from the State of Iowa.
As a commission, we understand and appreciate the importance of providing the highest quality
facilities to support our students. We firmly believe that Harrison Elementary has fulfilled that purpose
and can continue to do so. We stand at a pivotal moment with a chance to make an incredible
contribution and commitment to our community. We encourage the Council to embrace what we have
and look intentionally to steward this resource for another 100 years of successful schooling.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Diana Pagan
Chair
City of Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation Commission
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