Need to protect the town's history

Than you, Mr. Mick Ruis for dropping plans to demolish the Frank Lloyd Wright Building. Even though the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its future is uncertain. The next buyer could also raze the building because Whitefish does not have regulations to protect it. I think it would be a terrible loss to destroy the only Frank Lloyd Wright commercial building in the state of Montana and one of the last buildings he designed before dying.

Perhaps it is time for a community discussion about the town’s character and how we prevent the loss of our history to the march of progress. This dilemma reminds me of Banff, Alberta. Forty years ago, Banff was a quaint, charming town with loads of character and a unique look. Foreign investors bought up blocks of downtown, leveled them and constructed big three-story buildings with little character. I hope we don’t sacrifice what is near and dear to us because of someone else’s vision. I am not saying we need to stop all development, instead we need to be thoughtful and guide it in ways that preserve our core.

I realize there may not be agreement on what is charming, historic, valuable or worthy of protection. But that conversation is worth having if we hope to keep some shreds of our past. There are plenty of experts who can guide us through the process and help us retain the character of the town we all love.

Jan Metmaker, Whitefish