The Observer, October 5, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 6
A Retrospect of The Observer
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Our beloved campus and hallowed halls of academia are part of an institution (or institutions, if you're talking pre-1967) that has stood the test of time. Most of us would agree that 100 years from now, Case Western Reserve University will still be here in Ohio, as it has been for more that 100 years already.
But, oh, how things can change. On Jan. 18, 1972, a tuition raise was announced from $2385 to $2600, but a much larger announcement was made in The Observer that same week. Case Main was coming down March 1 of that year – a simple sentence regarding the fate of the elegant behemoth of a building right in front of Yost. In upbeat closing, the end of the Richard Badler article goes as follows: alumni were invited for a celebration in "what was in their day, the hub of the school," before it would be knocked down. $1.3 million in renovations were not worth it because, "there is a surplus of space on campus. There is no need for large buildings," said Peter Musselman, then-Administrative Vice President of the university. Actually, the demolition came at a bargain in a deal that also demolished three other buildings: Newman House, the Main Cafeteria, and the old animal facility of the Medical School.
What is most shocking is that there was a chance to save an architectural masterpiece and campus treasure, and precious little care was taken. The cost of the renovation was the same as the cost per square foot of new construction of an equal sized building, according to the article.
Today, we talk of a new student center to be built at the heart of campus near Thwing, a role once served by Case Main for many students. The administration is looking critically at changing the course grid because of a lack of prime-time (morning and early afternoon) classroom space, among other things. The old master plan originally called for the demolition of the historic Morley Chemistry Lab next to Eldred Hall – that demolition has thankfully been scrapped for the time being. In light of these things, what kind of story would be told today if Case Main were still standing in glory on the quad, saved from the demolition block like the Morley Chemistry building? There would be an additional campus "hub", another historic building, and additional classroom space.
This week, we celebrate the opening of the new Alumni House. The 1911 Chamberlain mansion on Juniper Road has been returned to its original grandeur, saved from demolition. The question begs, however: what building could be next for the wrecking ball? Or have we already destroyed so many treasures that there are too few old buildings remaining to worry about?Imagine if Adelbert had been destroyed to make room for another Crawford or Glennan. There is a spectral black-and-white image of Case Main going up the stairs in Thwing East, lest we forget.
Most of all, take account of the spaces around you, and remember this lesson that Case Western Reserve university has learned in retrospect: we must watch out for and be passionate advocates for the past and present of our University. It takes pride and devotion to our historic institution to make sure that we leave the greatest legacy that we can.
