Don’t Demolish Marcel Breuer’s Library
It’s hard to believe that the relatively conservative community of Grosse Pointe is the home of the only building in Detroit area designed by architect Marcel Breuer. It’s just a short walk from my house. Built in 1953, the library is in danger of being demolished to make way for a larger building with increased parking.
Recently, The World Monuments Fund (a private, nonprofit organization) placed the library on its 2008 watch list of the 100 Most Endangered Sites, which calls international attention to culturally significant sites that are threatened. The Central branch library was selected as part of a group of buildings listed under ‚ÄúMain Street Modern.‚Äù The WMF gave the library a $50,000 grant to use toward the building’s preservation. The grant proposal from the WMF outlines the preservation budget to include: $10,521 for research, $15,000 for developing a conservation program, $18,179 toward renovations and preserving targeted architectural features, and $5,000 toward developing a community outreach and educational program.
The Calder mobile hangs to the left.
The library’s acclaimed artwork – most notably the Alexander Calder mobile and the Herbert Matter mural – also will be part of the restoration. The Calder mobile has really seen better days. The sun has faded its once bright colors.
A charrette was held last February. Architects from around the country brought their ideas to the design table. The library board was particularly attracted to the work of Boston Architectural Firm, DesignLAB. They’re currently working with the firm to create a new library that incorporates the original Breuer building. However, despite the grant, demolition is still a possibility.
Many people here don’t like the library. It looks drab and has seen better days. My opinion is that it looks tired because no one has taken care of it. Restore it, add to it. But don’t demolish a building that was designed by a man who wasn’t just an architect with star power. His work was innovative, historic and remains beautiful (in my opinion).
What’s your opinion? Should we honor the architect, but acknowledge that we need to make way for more ergonomic buildings?
UPDATE: I just received word that the Board has decided to keep the original building and add on to it. Money for part of the project will be raised through charitable donations.
One Response to “Don’t Demolish Marcel Breuer’s Library”
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It is bordering on fug, but I’m with you. Put a little polish and shine on it, add to it, but let’s not demolish history. Detroit’s seen enough of that, non?