Charles Gwathmey Visits Riverview

Members of the Save Riverview group met with Charles Gwathmey today at Riverview High School.

Shown are Carl Abbott (architect), Charles Gwathmey, Guy Peterson (architect), Richard Storm (architecture critic) and Lee Byron (former Sarasota School Board member).

Gwathmey was visiting Sarasota to participate in an awards ceremony honoring Abbott, Peterson and other architects. One of his current projects is restoration of Paul Rudolph's School of Art and Architecture Building at Yale University.

Gwathmey had previously written to the Sarasota School Board urging them to reconsider the decision to demolish Rudolph's Riverview High building.

Gwathmey said in his letter : "Riverview High School is a historic building and modernism is now a critical and legitimate period in the continuum. The architectural legacy of the "Sarasota School" is a laboratory for students and architects, and Riverview is a pertinent, iconic representative work.

The building also pioneered "green architecture" initiatives, that were both intuitive and visionary, that could be restored, refined and reinforced as examples of environmental awareness and sensitivity."

In the News

The following appeared in the on line version of Building Design - an United kingdom architectural magazine.

An international campaign to save a Florida school designed by Paul Rudolph is gathering pace on this side of the Atlantic following interventions from the Twentieth Century Society and Norman Foster.

By Ash Dosanjh

Foster, who alongside former partner Richard Rogers was tutored by Rudolph, has written to the school’s governors asking them to save the Riverview High School in Sarasota, completed in 1958 and a prime example of American modernist architecture.

He called Rudolph “the single most formative force in my life”. The Twentieth Century Society has also intervened in the American saga an unprecedented move prompted by the building’s unique worth.

“Despite its present state of disrepair, the underlying structure of this strikingly innovative building is sound. It could easily be restored to its original condition,” Foster’s letter said. “As even [a consultants report commissioned by the governors] has indicated, the ‘rehabilitation’ of the Rudolph buildings should be incorporated into the future of the Riverview site... Modern building technologies allows us now, more easily than ever, to adapt older structures to moderns use.”

The Save Riverview Group, which has been set up to fight for the building, has called for the rehabilitation of some of the Rudolph building structures, rather than the total restoration of all the buildings on the campus. It will soon be seeking the support of the RIBA. A complete rebuild would cost $135 million (£72 million), whereas restoration costs are estimated at just under $15 million (£8 million).

“I have been so upset about the state of the building,” said Carl Abbott, a founding member of the group and former schoolfellow of Foster’s.

“It’s been abandoned over the years and apparently maintenance has been withheld for at least a couple of years. But all these things can be rehabilitated. The structure of the building itself is in wonderful shape.”

The Sarasota School Board voted 5-0 earlier this year to demolish the building, which they believe fails on maintenance and safety grounds.

Florida Trust Endangered Site Listing

Florida Trust For Historic Preservation has listed Riverview High School, Sarasota as one of the 11 most endangered sites in Florida for 2006.

http://www.floridatrust.org/endangered

Riverview Cost Estimates Climb Dramatically

The projected cost for the new Riverview High School (assumes tear down of all existing buildings) has dramatically increased to $135, 000,000. This is discussed in a story in Sarasaota's Herald Tribune:

The globalization of the construction industry, with high demand for steel and concrete from China, has fueled construction inflation in recent years. But while many school districts in Florida are dealing with double-digit increases in the price of construction materials, Sarasota County has been hit particularly hard because it is a coastal community.

Florida building code says the district must construct schools able to withstand a higher wind speed, and that adds significantly to the bottom line, said the district's construction services director, Charles Collins.

School district officials hope the price of construction materials drops before they break ground on the project this spring.

The new school will be built on the current campus while students attend the old building. The 1958 Paul Rudolph structure, which architects and local developers petitioned to save this year, will be demolished once the new school is finished.

The architects associated with Save Riverview have long maintained that there is great value in the concrete, steel and glass already in place in the Rudolph building.

This latest cost estimate shows that this value is very important and must be retained. We are working with the school board to make sure they are aware of the value.

Save Riverview Efforts Continue

The following was sent to all the AIA Florida members yesterday:

The SAVE Riverview Committee in Sarasota continues its efforts to preserve a school that has set a standard for architecture in Florida. Paul Rudolph's Riverview High School is important to Sarasota's history and a significant part of the architectural legacy of American buildings, as well as an international landmark of 20th century architecture.

The Committee has received support from many members of the community, state and nation.

The National AIA Board of Directors has drafted and submitted a resolution to "...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."

Additionally, all state legislators have been asked to support the rehabilitation of this landmark. Several have or are in the process of sending letters and expressing their concerns about losing such a historic building, including Riverview High School graduate Rep. Gayle Harrell (R) Port St. Lucie.

AIA Florida's Efforts
AIA Florida continues the effot in conjunction with the SAVE Riverview Committee, the AIA Gulf Coast Component and AIA at the national and international levels. Read the AIA Florida Resolution

You Can Help
Please write letters to the Sarasota School Board and contact any state legislators in your area. Please provide copies of all correspondence to Michele Straw at mstraw@aiafla.org.

School Board Contact
Chair Dr. Carol Todd
1960 Landings Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34231
[Carol_Todd@sarasota.k12.fl.us]

National AIA Resolution to Support Saving Riverview

The American Institute of Architects, representing 76,000 architects, urges the Sarasota County School Board to rescind their vote to demolish the historic Rudolph building on the Riverview campus:

RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS 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 20^th 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 MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS AND ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Section 1. That the American Institute of Architects Board of Directors, representing its 76,000 plus members, 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 members of the American Institute of Architects, and its 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.

ADOPTED by the American Institute of Architects Board of Directors this 9th day of September, 2006.

_______________________

Kate Schwennsen, FAIA

President,

The American Institute of Archtitects.

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.

World Renowned Architect: SAVE Riverview

Article published in the SHT Jun 24, 2006
by Harold Bubil

Lord Foster weighs in on Riverview

The short list of the world's greatest architects would have to include Norman Foster. Based in London, he is among the most decorated people in his profession, and has done so much for Britain that he has been knighted by the queen and made a lord.

The Pritzker Prize-winning architect's works include the Millennium Bridge in London, Hong Kong's huge airport and the rehabilitation of the Reichstag in Berlin. Our Real Estate section on Sunday will include a feature on the new Hearst Tower by Foster and Partners, his 700-person, 18-office firm.

So when a letter by Lord Foster crosses my desk, it merits close attention and consideration. This one is dated June 21 and addressed to the Sarasota County School Board, two days after that panel voted 5-0 to tear down and replace Riverview High School's existing buildings:"I am writing to lend my support of the campaign to preserve Riverview High School from the impending threat of destruction," the letter says.

"Designed by Paul Rudolph, undoubtedly one of the great American architects of the second half of the twentieth century, it is a building that has served as an inspiration not only for me, but for generations of architects."

Despite its present state of disrepair, the underlying structure of this strikingly innovative building is sound. It could easily be restored to its original condition and brought back to life as a focal point for the expanding school campus. As even BMK Architects' report into the school has indicated, the 'rehabilitation' of the Rudolph buildings should be incorporated into the future planning of the Riverview site. This point is supported by the fact that modern building technologies allow us now, more easily than ever, to adapt older structures to modern use."

For many of us, growing up in the 1950s, the glass and steel buildings of the Modern Movement embodied a sense of optimism and liberation. Latterly, however, some people have come to revile these buildings as much as we revered them. But we should remember that such perceptions change with time, and we should not allow the vagaries of architectural taste to threaten the future of a building of undoubted architectural quality."

The extent to which we, as a society, can identify our best architectural works, and then work to preserve, adapt and maintain them, seems to me an index of our ability to forever improve our physical environment."I would therefore strongly encourage the School Board of Florida's Sarasota County to re-examine their decision to demolish this wonderful, iconic building and instead to make every effort to preserve it."

It should be noted that Foster is a friend and former college classmate and colleague of Carl Abbott, the Sarasota architect who has been leading the effort to save Riverview.

About 30 years ago, Abbott took Foster to Riverview during the latter's visit to Sarasota.

Critics of the building, including parents and teachers who have spoken out about its current deplorable condition, will argue that Foster has never had to teach classes in the building or deal with the rust, water stains and mold.

But when an architect of his stature says such a building can and should be saved, his opinion should be given careful study before the demolition company is called in.

Norman Foster's Letter to Sarasota School Board

This is a "picture" of Norman Foster's letter to the school board. If you click on the letter you sgouild get a latger and clearer view.

Message From AIA

They know not what they do...

The Sarasota School Board voted 5-0 to demolish Paul Rudolph's original Riverview High School buildings on Tuesday night.

The presentation from the Save Riverview side was excellent. The Sarasota Architectural Foundation (SAF) and the Sarasota Historic Alliance both offered funds to the school board toward paying the architects to do further studies to save the Rudolph buildings. John Howey, FAIA and Joe King, AIA, both of which have written books on Rudolph's work, gave compelling historical reasons on the importance of the Riverview buildings. Guy Peterson, FAIA, Riverview grad, told of how his firm has recently renovated Rudolph's Revere House and added an addition that compliments Rudolph's work because of the owner's insight of its historical importance. Carl Abbott, FAIA presented a diagrammatic site plan developed by his committee that illustrated how the existing Rudolph buildings could be worked with a new school design that satisfied the school board's requirement of centralized parking and single entrance onto the campus.

On behalf of AIA Florida, President-Elect Mark Smith, AIA gave a plea that these historic buildings, once gone, can never be replaced, and that these historic buildings belong to the entire world not just Sarasota.

A handful of teachers and parents spoke on how they wanted a new school. Many could not seem to understand that saving the school and designing a 21st century school were not mutually exclusive.

Mark Smith, AIA commented that, “It is extremely disappointing and disheartening to watch the irreplaceable be deemed irrelevant. To watch our past be disregarded. To watch history be erased.”

Thank you to the Save Riverview Committee for your valiant efforts.

It is unfortunate that the School Board members could not see the value in restoration and preserving a piece of Florida history.

email: aiaflanews@aiafla.org
phone: 850-222-7590
web: http://www.aiafla.org

News Articles About School Board Decision

Here are links to articles about the Riverview decision in the Sarasota Herald Tribune:

Riverview to be torn down

Construction Options

Board criticizes schools chief

School Board Decision

Tonight the Sarasota School Board voted 5-0 to demolish the Riverview school, including the Rudolph buildings.

We are all very disappointed.

Letter To The School Board

20 June 2006

SAVE – RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL (The Historic Rudolph Campus)

After studying the Estimator’s Report dated 16 May 2006, we feel that both time and money can be saved by incorporating the Historic Rudolph Buildings into the new School Complex. We are not attempting to save all of the Historic Rudolph Buildings.

One of the School Board Members stated that our group should have responded earlier. The first time we heard of the proposed demolition was in the February article in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Until that time it was our understanding that the School Board was rehabilitating Riverview as outlined in the letter of September, 2004 to Dr. Norris from Stu Barger of BMK Architects stating “… Plan on replacing all existing buildings on campus over time with the exception of the original Rudolph buildings, which should be rehabilitated.”

Our group first met with Dr. Norris and Dr. Todd on 14 April and reviewed the cost savings and grants that are available with the Historic Designation and Rehabilitation of the Historic Rudolph Structures. There are many examples of successfully rehabilitated educational facilities throughout the United States with historic landmark designation.

The Estimator’s Report listed Restoration not Rehabilitation of the Historic Rudolph Structures. There is a substantial difference in cost and time between Restoration (Estimator’s Report) and Rehabilitation (what we are requesting). The Estimator’s Report makes no mention of any of the Historic Designation credits we reviewed. Why was the Estimator’s Report carried out without this important cost consideration and without input from either the Sarasota County History Center or from the Save Riverview group? Additionally, we have found inconsistencies in the Estimator’s Report that should to be clarified.

Following the Workshop, we have spoke with Darrell McLain of BMK Architects and he confirmed that his firm was instructed to estimate Restoration not Rehabilitation. Under Restoration, the buildings would be fully restored to their 1959 condition (Option C Page 114), which is significantly more expensive than Rehabilitation. Per Option C, when we asked for the breakdown of replacing all of the glass, we were told that a separate figure is not available, Darrell agreed that the existing glass appears to be tempered glass and that with Rehabilitation may not need to be replaced but instead fully attached with proper storm film applied.

We asked for a breakdown on reconstructing all doorways to meet ADA requirements and were told this would not be necessary with Rehabilitation, as the interior would be gutted. Eliminating the Restoration of both the glass and doorways and many other Restoration items will produce millions of dollars in cost savings.

Regarding time frame, with reference to the project Construction Phasing as outlined in the Estimator’s Report, there are other phasing sequences that could save significant construction time. For example, all students could be initially housed in portables (a clean, safe environment). Rehabilitation of the Historic Rudolph Structures and the new school construction could then begin at the same time. The Rehabilitation should take less time to complete, and most students would be located in clean, safe, Rehabilitated structures before new construction is completed. (The original cafeteria building would remain functional until the new cafeteria is completed; it would then be Rehabilitated as Administration, etc.). This sequence of phasing could save substantial time and money.

As Andrew Stephens, a recent Riverview graduate, stated last Tuesday at the Workshop, Riverview does have the appearance of a “ghetto”. The Press and members of our group toured Riverview with Principal Nook following the Tuesday Workshop. We agree there are problems – mold, mildew, fumes from the science room, rust, a cabinet fell in the science room (not a wall but a cabinet) - - all of these are maintenance and equipment problems, they have nothing to do with the structure of the building. The structure of the Historic Rudolph Building appears to be very sound.

As you know, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation has cited the Riverview Complex as one of the eleven most endangered buildings in Florida and also sited its eligibility for Historic Designation in the National Register of Historic Places. Sarasota County is acclaimed for its cultural assets ; the Historic Riverview High School is an important part of Sarasota’s built history and a significant part of the Architectural Legacy of America.

We are requesting that you direct BMK Architects to integrate the Historic Rudolph Buildings into construction of the new School Complex and estimate the cost of Rehabilitation instead of Restoration. We know that the Historic Riverview High School can be Rehabilitated so that our students can have the best of 21st century technology in buildings that both reflects our history and in a school that they deserve. Do not throw away these Historic Structures that have value and that also can yield possibly millions of dollars in financial grants.

Respectfully,

Save – Riverview High School Group

Rudolph Buildings Can Work

Marty Fugate, Arts and Entertainment Editor of the Sarasota Observer, has written an insightful article in this week’s Observer.

He asks: "Why destroy a building? Because it no longer works. Every building has a job to perform. That’s why it was built."

The article is about the Rudolph buildings at Riverview High School at their potential demolition.

Fugate says "Rudolph’s campus had an open plan. Openness is cost-effective. His idea: cut down on energy costs with solar lighting and cooling from the wind via breezeways. Rudolph’s old ideas sound a lot like a very new idea called sustainability."

Today’s concepts of sustainability look at reuse of buildings. Rudolph’s buildings at Riverview have can accommodate different interior space design - basically the building are boxes that take advantage of the light and breezes of the campus location. Modification to suit today’s education needs is not only possible but shoud be cost effective.

"Understand Rudolph’s idea and you can make his building work. If not for a school, something new. If not today, then tomorrow", Fugate says.

We believe it can work in the proposed new campus plan. All that is needed is the opportunity. Although maintenance of the building has been lacking over the years, the building does work and given a chance it will continue to work for many years to come.

Letter to the Editor - SHT

Preserve the Rudolph collection

I write to encourage the Sarasota County School Board's support of a reuse solution for the Paul Rudolph portion of Riverview High School, in light of its historic and architectural significance locally, nationally and throughout the world.

While times and educational-facility needs change, those cultural lessons learned from the preservation of the significant aspects of our built environment only enhance the experience of the children of our community. Lessons of preservation and celebration of our past are not taught merely through books and videos, but through learning and living in the locations that made the news.

I attended classes in Rudolph's Sarasota High School building and was continually intrigued by the structure and why it was how it was. I could also never escape the feeling that it was not well maintained, even then, leading me to the conclusion as an adult that the lack of care and regard for these resources has, unfortunately, existed for quite some time.

In any event, I do not believe our community's children should go without modern educational amenities, or have to endure extended periods of construction. However, I also believe we would be doing them, and everyone, a disservice by destroying those buildings that help make our community unique, and which are a symbol of the art and innovation that were (and are) what make Sarasota a destination.

Progress and preservation are not mutually exclusive concepts. Isn't it quite the opportunity for the district to underscore this point, through the renovation and reuse of Riverview, in turn acknowledging the district's unique status as the owner of the single largest collection of Sarasota School of Architecture structures, and embarking on the path to being a leading steward of this legacy as well?

Thomas B. Luzier

Sarasota

[Letter to the editor - Sarasota Herald-Tribune - published 6/16/06]

News Reports of Riverview Workshop

News stories about Tuesday's school board meeting can be found here and here.

The school board will have a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday June 20. They will vote on the Riverview options at this meeting - unless the State of Florida Dept of Education has not yet respponded to the school board's appeal of the DOE decision that several recently constructed buildings (last 5 years or so) cannot be demolished. If this happens, a new plan to incorporate these buildings will need to be developed; this would be about a 30 day process.

Editorial From the Pelican Press

For history’s sake, Riverview must be saved

Plans to raze the old Paul Rudolph-designed Riverview High School in favor of new buildings have met with serious resistance from the community.

And with good reason.

Those of us who’ve lived here for some time have seen many such buildings – often sharing Riverview’s Sarasota School of Architecture connection – destroyed in the name of “progress.” It seems, especially lately, when some semblance of historical relevance – art, some call it – is on the left side of the scale and “progress” – money, some call it – is on the right, you can bet dollars to cornerstones the scale will lean starboard.

It’s time to put our feet down on the port side. And it may already be too late.

Long ago, before most of the Sarasota School of Architecture homes and buildings were razed and replaced with sun-blocking, view-swallowing monstrosities, Sarasota looked as though it was truly making a name for itself in the annals of modern architecture. The Sarasota School, as it was called, had gained proponents worldwide, and many of its design elements are still being used today in a wide variety of architectural applications.

Riverview High School is one of the few remaining tangible connections to that past – to what Sarasota could have been if the almighty dollar hadn’t supplanted art; if greed hadn’t eclipsed our sense of history, our sense of place.

This community should have enjoyed a lasting, living legacy with its Sarasota School of Architecture. Instead, the School and what it represented are rapidly becoming relics of the past. And remaining structures designed and built in this style are becoming rare as dinosaur bones.

The school district has already paid approximately $1.2 million for an in-depth facilities assessment by the firm 3D/International, or 3DI. Unfortunately – and this is really where they misstepped – the Paul Rudolph-designed structures were left out of the assessment because they were intended to be razed, no discussion necessary. This, despite a 2004 memorandum to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gary Norris from BMK Architects overviewing its extensive 2002 Long-Range Facilities Review on Riverview High School, which stated: “Plan on replacing all existing buildings on campus ... with the exception of the original Rudolph buildings, which should be rehabilitated.”

Because of this short-sightedness (which often leads to historical structures being destroyed), the school board agreed to pay an additional $30,000 to have the buildings added into the 3DI study after the fact (which includes travel expenses for consultants to do the work that should have been done initially). The school board was scheduled to hear the revised report on June 13.Regardless of the results – so long as the buildings are not deemed unsafe and beyond repair – every effort should be made to save the Paul Rudolph-designed structures and incorporate them in a forward-thinking manner into the layout, look and feel of the new school.

Then, former and present Riverview staff and alumni would really have something to be proud of, something much more than another paint-by-the-numbers school.

From the Pelican Press.

School Board Workshop

Today's Sarasota Herald Tribune coverage of the School Board Workshop discussion of Riverview options is given here. A short video and schematics of the options are linked in this article.

The schematic shown above is the option that incorporates some of the Rudolph buildings Those buildings are labeled numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6.

The schematic below shows the current campus layout. Here the Rudolph buildings are numbered 1 through 9.


Cost and time estimates given by BMK Architects (School Board architectural firm) indicate that demolition and building a new campus would cost $72M and take 3 years. The option to save the Rudolph buildings would cost $80M and take 4 1/2 years.

The SAVE Riverview group received the report Friday afternoon and had only a brief time to review the basis for the cost and time estimates. Even so, it was pointed out that the cost was based on restoring the Rudolph buildings to the original state and that a different staging strategy could save significant time.

The cost estimator agreed with these points. He indicated that his direction was to estimate the cost to restore the buildings to "original drawing" with required code upgrades.

The SAVE Riverview group has said all along that the objective was to rehabilitate the Rudolph buildings, keep their essential design and use available grant resources to save the buildings. Complete restoration had not been considered.

Tuesday's School Board Workshop

From SRQ Magazine's daily e-Newsletter:

[TALK] Riverview Debate Flares Up at School Board

BMK Architects presented six possibilities for the future of Riverview High School at a Sarasota County School Board workshop yesterday.

The discussion boiled down to whether the historic but dilapidated buildings designed by architect Paul Rudolph should be saved and rehabilitated or demolished and paved over. The discussion comes nearly a year after the school board began meeting on the issue. Since hiring BMK in September, the school board has veered in the direction of demolition. But earlier this spring a group of preservationists and architects known as Save Riverview convinced the board to consider incorporating the Rudolph buildings into the new campus. Meanwhile, parents and teachers at the school have said the buildings are moldy and don’t reflect the school’s instructional program. They want the school board to move forward with current plans for eliminating the Rudolph building after construction of the new campus is complete, which also happens to be the cheapest and fastest option. Both sides had an opportunity to speak at the workshop.

2006 Riverview graduate Andrew Stephens said students don’t care about the Rudolph structures and never will. Despite its many accomplishments, Stephens said his peers in the community consider Riverview a “ghetto school” because of its appearance. “Are we going to remain selfish for the sake of our own memories?” he asked, prompting an applause from others who support tearing the old buildings down.

Principal Linda Nook said the Rudolph buildings don’t meet either of the school’s two priorities for the long-awaited project: a campus based on multiple small learning centers and a single entry to the school to monitor student safety and security.

During an 18-minute presentation, members of Save Riverview said they aren’t advocating a full restoration of the Rudolph buildings but rather a rehabilitation that meets the needs of today’s students. “We do not expect the Riverview family to make sacrifices,” said architect Greg Hall. “We’re not asking you to take (the buildings) back to the 1950s.”

Although estimates provided by BMK show that saving the Rudolph buildings will cost at least $8 million more than demolishing them, Hall said those numbers are based on a complete restoration and could be scaled back as a rehabilitation project. Historic preservationist Lorrie Muldowney added that the buildings are eligible for state and federal grants that would also help make up the difference in price estimates.

“Passion surrounds this issue,” said Lee Byron, a former school board member speaking on behalf of Save Riverview. “I am not exaggerating when I say that the world as well as Sarasota is waiting for your decision.”

The school board will likely make a final decision about Riverview at its next meeting June 20.