savetheoldymca.org

February 10, 2010

Mayor Mark Eckert

City Hall

101 South Illinois Street

Belleville, IL 62220

Mayor Eckert:

            As both a Belleville area native and an architectural historian who serves as one of Landmarks Illinois’ regional advisers for the Metro East, I urge the city of Belleville to do everything possible to preserve the former YMCA Building.  The YMCA building is an irreplaceable local landmark, a pedestrian-friendly component of the downtown business district and a significant part of the cultural past of Belleville.  Furthermore, the building is the work of Julius Floto, whose career included a famous collaboration with Frank Lloyd Wright in the design of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.  Few architectural works designed solely by Floto remain.

            I urge the city of Belleville to develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the building that showcases the many features of the YMCA Building that make it attractive for redevelopment.  Factors like the proximity to Main Street, the number of storefronts that can be easily adapted to new retail use, the magnificent interior spaces all should be emphasized in the RFP.  The quality of the Request for Proposals is crucial in marketing the building to developers experienced in revitalizing historic buildings. 

            I am happy to assist the city in developing a new RFP.  This year, after being contacted by Alderman Jack LeChien, I spent some time contacting developers in St. Louis and Chicago about the building.  All wanted a more detailed RFP.

            There is no reason why the Belleville YMCA cannot be preserved.  There is a dedicated group of citizens whose efforts to save the building are inspiring.  Most old buildings never get that much support and concern from citizens.  I join in their call for preservation of the old YMCA.

Sincerely,

Michael R. Allen

Director, Preservation Research Office