John:
When I first heard about the proposed visitors center a year or so ago rebuilding the big wool warehouse that sat between the depot and the existing smaller corrugated warehouse was my first idea. I was roundly beaten down on this forum for suggesting such an "ugly" building for this use. Let me see if I can recall all the reasons the nay sayers said it wouldn't work.
1. It was butt ugly (I guess the beautiful people can decide what is attractive and what is ugly and then tear down historic things that don't fit their agenda). It could have been designed as a completely modern building with A/C etc. and then just have the historical corrugated siding added to make it look like the original warehouse. What do you think this type of building would cost? $400/ Sq. foot like the proposed North yard structure?
2. It wouldn't be big enough. Never mind the fact if rebuilt as it was plus a full basement that it would probably be 10% bigger than the proposed North yard building. No point confusing people with facts when they know it won't work.
3. The full basement wouldn't work because of the high water table. John, do you recall the enginehouse drop pit filling with ground water during your time in the pit? How is a basement adjacent to the yard deeper than the engine house pit?
4. It would spoil the view of the yard. Again the @#$%&'s win this argument because they have no knowledge of history beyond what they perceive to be the C&TS history.
5. It would take out too many spaces for SUV's, RV's and the like to park. No argument here.
6. Location, location, location. In the yard, next to the train and depot, parking lot access, restores a historic part of the Chama yard etc. etc. Need I say more.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/27/2007 07:27PM by rod.
