Save Riverview Resolution to be Introduced at Florida AIA Annual Convention

A Sarasota representative (Mark Smith) to the AIA Florida Annual Convention will intrduce the following rersolution to the attendees for consideration.

RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION OF THE AIA FLORIDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS SUPPORTING THE EFFORT TO SAVE THE HISTORIC PAUL RUDOLPH DESIGNED RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA FROM DEMOLITION

WHEREAS, unique historic works of architecture create the cultural character of every community and are the focus of civic pride in every city; and

WHEREAS, Riverview High School, designed by Paul Rudolph in 1958, is an important part of Sarasota built history, an outstanding example of the modern architectural movement known as the Sarasota School of Architecture, a significant part of the architectural legacy of American buildings, and an international landmark of 20th century architecture; and

WHEREAS, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation has cited the Riverview Complex as one of 11 most endangered buildings in Florida and eligible for a listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and

WHEREAS, the Riverview buildings are structurally sound, with their current physical state reflecting a lack of historic sensitivity in past remodeling and a lack of proper maintenance over the years; and

WHEREAS, in a September 2004 memorandum to Sarasota County School Board Superintendent Dr. Norris from BMK Architects concluded in their extensive Long-Range Facilities Review of Riverview High School, lan on replacing all existing buildings on campus with the exception of the original Rudolph buildings, which should be rehabilitated and

WHEREAS, rehabilitating Riverview High School would bring the buildings up to today technological and academic standards, create a safe and secure environment while preserving its historic presence; and

WHEREAS, rehabilitating Riverview High School would be cost-efficient through federal funding, would conserve construction resources while promoting sustainability, and would not increase the time line for construction as temporary classrooms are already part of the new construction plan; and

WHEREAS, the Sarasota County School Board voted on 20 June 2006 to proceed with plans to demolish the historic Paul Rudolph designed Riverview High School; and

WHEREAS, the Sarasota County School Board has diligently worked in the past to save other historically significant buildings, including the original Sarasota High School.


NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE AIA FLORIDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Section 1. That the AIA Florida Board of Directors request that the Sarasota County School Board rescind its previous vote to demolish the original Paul Rudolph Riverview High School buildings and direct their architects to make a thorough and accurate evaluation of rehabilitating the historic buildings and incorporating them into the new school design.

Section 2. That the AIA Florida Board of Directors support the SAVE Riverview Committee in their efforts to preserve Sarasota history and an international renowned architectural treasure.

Section 3. That copies of this Resolution shall be forwarded to the Sarasota County School Board, Sarasota Board of County Commissioners, all Florida State Legislators, and the Governor of the State of Florida.

Section 4. That this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

Saving A Rudolph Home in Sarasota

There is a nice article about Sarasota's Martie Lieberman in the on-line Metropolis Magazine. Martie is the co-founder of Sarasota's Architectural Foundation

An enlightened real estate broker lovingly restores a Paul Rudolph house with the goal of preserving a masterpiece—and making a profit.

The Cohen House, in Sarasota, Florida, could have easily been a teardown. Designed by Paul Rudolph in 1955, the 2,300-square-foot house—sited on a double waterfront lot on the barrier island of Siesta Key—is about half the size of newer homes nearby.

This shows what can be done when an owner is enlightened andhas a sense of Sarasota's history and architectural legacy. We applaud Martiefor her endeavors.

We only wish that the Sarasota School Board had some enlightenment and a similar sense of Sarasota's architectural legacy - maybe they would not have made the decision to replace Rudolph's Riverview High School buildings with a parking lot.