The Parma Heights Library Could Become A Teen/Senior Center And Historical Museum

I am very passionate when it comes to the young and old. I believe that if more decision-makers could relate to the needs of the disenfranchised living in neighborhoods without access to recreational activities, perhaps they would be more likely to offer opportunities for positive engagement. 

The conversations that have gone on for far too long, as regards to spaces for children, seniors and families in Parma Heights show how inequities exist throughout the city.  A repurposed Parma Heights library as a Teen/Senior Center could offer a variety of programs such as arts and crafts, cooking, dance, gardening, computer classes, workshops, bingo, music hours, fitness and more. A portion could be set aside to display and preserve memorabilia of Parma Heights. There also could be a social hangout area as well as a snack/dining room.  And most importantly the building should double as a community resilience hub for Parma Heights residents experiencing power outages.

There is a difference between a building that speaks to Parma Heights' proud past and one that just sits there for no reason. It is hoped the city and the Ohio's Historic Preservation groups and Preservation Trusts can work together to identify how to manage irreplaceable history with economic reality, so that usable buildings can not only represent what Parma Heights once was, but what it is now, and will be.  So why should Parma Heights even think about adaptive reuse and return the demoiltion grant money?   Here are some reasons:

1) Materials. Seasoned building materials are not even available in today's world. The Parma Heights Library was built in "Googie" architectrue and could be considered a cousin of the Seattle Space needle.  These shapes allude to the hopeful symbols of a bright future. Inspired by science and the Space Race, they pointed toward a future utopia, and the style is a great part of Parma Heights' history.  

2) Sustainability. The process of adaptive reuse is inherently green. 

3) Culture. Architecture is history. Architecture is memory. Parma Heights has already lost historic homes on Snow road and the Church in the Woods. Destroying this library would be unconscionable.

To expand opportunities for our older adults and teens to connect and build community should be the goal of the city. In this Historic beautiful facility, one would want to continue to welcome people through the doors. Preserving key historical assets and buildings are a key ingredient to any successful city. Let's preserve history; not destroy it!