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175 bricks are falling offthe building. Mr. Castillo said he does not see any beauty about the building and it has no significance. Mr. Michael Bednar, I20t E. Jefferson StreeL said that when the downtown mall was built, many of the merchants did not want an historic district created, but they changed their minds when they saw the benefit to preserving the buildings. Mr. Bednar said there are no great architectural landmarks downtown, but all contribute to this district. Mr. Bednar urged Council not to permit the demolition. Mr. Bednar said the ensemble is what is important, not the individual buildings. Mr. Clarence McC!ymonds, 701 Locust Avenue, said the buildings on East Main Street have stmcturaI integrity and are contributing structures. Mr. McClymonds said the applicant failed to present feasibility information to justify the demolition. Mr. Oliver Kuttner, owner of property at 2~ Street, S.W., said that preservation is important, but in this situation he feels there is some merit in economic development. Mr. Kuttner said he feels the BAR has done a really good job handling this situation. p,UBLIC ]tE~G: HtSTOmC COURT SQUARE PROPOSAL (STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS) Mr. Satyendra Huja, Director of Strategic Planning, said that the Historic Resources Task Force suggested that Court Square should be enhanced and improved. Two charrettes were held and two federal grants were received. The goals are to enhance the physical environment, make Court Square attractive as a visitor destination, and enhance the historic character of Court Square. Mr. Huja said that the consulting firm of Graham Landscape Architecture was hired to develop a master plan. A total of $1.25 million is currently available for the project. Mr. Jeff StodghilI of Graham Landscape Architecture, said that the citizen goals identified were: identify a master plan, underground utilities, improve landscaping, emphasize pedestrians, and provide a tirakage to the downtown mall and visitors center. Mr. Stodgill provided an historic overview of Court Square and discussed the proposed enhancements: streetscape improvements, 5a Street connection to the mall, improve courthouse grounds, improve Jackson Park, and adjacent neighborhood improvements. Priorities for implementation are: i) sidewalks on Court Square and crosswalks; 2) sidewalks across from Court Square; 3) underground utilities on Park Street between High and Jefferson St. and Jefferson Street; 4) brick pa-~ing of Park Street between high and Jefferson Street; 5) improvements on County prope~rt~, at Court Square; 6) 5t~ Street streetseape improvements; 7) underground utilities on 5 Street; and 8) Jackson Park restoration, The public hearing was opened. Ms. Anne Hemenway, 800 Park Street, President of the North Downtown Residents Association, strongly Supported the proposed enhancement plan, and said she would also like to see a linkage to the old jail. Mr. Colin Rolph, representing the Downtown Property Owners Council, commended the City for taking on this project. Mr. Rolph encouraged bricking of 5th Street to the mall and the inclusion of the old jail in future plans. Mr. Mark Beliles, a member of the Historic Resources Task Force and Court Square Enhancement Comnfittee, supported the plan, and said he hopes the County will make a similar commitment to Court Square and the old jail. Mr. Beliles recommended that the City put $200,000 a year in the capital budget for future improvements. As there were no furt~r speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Huja explained that the public hearing is required by state law, and this is the time for the Councilors to decide if they like the design concept.