Communications Committee

SBER Editorial

April 5, 2001

Ms. Jacqueline Thomas
Editorial Page Editor
Baltimore SUN
501 N. Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21278

Dear Ms. Thomas,

Thank you for the excellent article on Bill Struever, Bill Struever’s Excellent Adventure - April 1, 2001. As an architect and city resident, I am glad to see that the SUN recognizes the value of what Mr. Struever is doing for the city. The re-use of derelict structures not only helps to breathe new life into what are often run-down and otherwise forgotten neighborhoods, but also is the most sustainable approach to our existing building stock. This approach is a welcome counterpoint in our city where wholesale demolition, in the name of progress, appears to be the preferred approach. Mr. Struever understands something that architects and planners have known and advocated for years; that the juxtaposition of old and new oftentimes leads to the most vital and exciting urban landscape. We too, commend Mr. Struever’s efforts, and hope that other developers, including our city planners, will heed this age-old lesson, especially where our city’s historic fabric is concerned. Mayor O’Malley clearly embraces this approach as evidenced by his recent changes to the west side redevelopment plan.

Sincerely;

Alan E Reed, AIA
President, AIA Baltimore
Principal, GWWO Inc./Architects

C: Karen Lewand
Jim Determan

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