There is a proposal by Ursuline Academy to tear down the carriage house and put in a parking lot.  This was presented at the December meeting, and if others had a reaction like mine, much of it was shock.    This is a historic district where we need to get permisson to change anything, and Ursuline plans to knock down a building that is very interesting architecturally, and replace it with two (2) parking spaces.

I am assuming that the somewhat silent reception was because no one knew quite how to respond to this totally unexpected presentation.   Terry and I put together a series of questions about this for the group:

   The work started on a new roof in mid November.          Before the work was started, was it brought before Design Review?  At that time was a new roof approved or was it proposed that the garage be removed?
        What was planned and were proper permits applied for ?  Since this property is now non-profit, is it exempt from residential zoning requirements?
 
  Ursuline quoted a figure for the repair and restoration - have they had several bids?  Are there alternative affordable ideas that would stabilize the building and make it useable?  
If Ursuline plans to sell this property in the not so distant future (which is in the Master Plan - I believe), and it has the possibility of again becoming a residential property, the garage should be preserved for the long term.
 
     This is one of the most interesting buildings in Cool Springs, and a major structure of the Historic District more so because of its association with so many local artists as a summer studio.  Especially with 11th St now leading visually into the new Reservoir Plaza, losing the historic structure will be dire.  The residential landscape  could be irrevocably turned to asphalt.

When we purchase properties or have properties within an Historic District, the decision to change or remove it goes beyond one's own ownership.   It would be a good idea for neighbors to work with Ursuline to find a way to preserve this building and keep it for the future.  Once it is gone, a piece of our unique neighborhood will be lost forever.
 
  
     The presentation at the meeting was unexpected and  no yea or nea  from the Neighbourhood association was given.   
 
      Further study of this proposal by all interested parties would seem to be in order.

Terry Oyrne
Sally Oyrne