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Tarpon SpringsCultural Center windows to be restored

 
The City Commission has decided to restore rather than replace the window at the Tarpon Springs Culture Center. One commissioner, however, said new windows that were more weather-tight and energy-efficient would save the city money and help preserve the historic downtown structure. [Times files]
The City Commission has decided to restore rather than replace the window at the Tarpon Springs Culture Center. One commissioner, however, said new windows that were more weather-tight and energy-efficient would save the city money and help preserve the historic downtown structure. [Times files]
Published Dec. 10, 2018

TARPON SPRINGS — It's not often that windows are a subject of lengthy debate and discussion during a local government meeting.

When the windows in question comprise a highly visible aspect of a historic building on one of the busiest streets in town, and the question centers on whether to restore or replace the aging glasswork, however, passionate opinions on the subject could be expected.

That passion was on full display recently as the City Commission was tasked with approving or denying a recommendation to restore 38 windows at the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, a massive wood and red brick building at 101 S Pinellas Ave. that has been a fixture since it was constructed in 1915.

"All of us know what the issues have been with this building and that's been the windows," City Manager Mark LeCouris said. The question has been should the city replace the windows or, as recommended by the Historic Preservation Board, preserve them, he said.

LeCouris said both options had been discussed extensively and estimates had been procured for each, and staff ultimately sided with the preservation board and recommended the windows be restored. The estimated cost of replacement is $135,000, as opposed to $95,000 for restoration.

"I know this board wants to maintain the historical aspects of this building, so I'm bringing forward for your approval Option A, the recommendation from the Historic Preservation Board to preserve and restore the windows as opposed to replacing them," he said while noting restoration was the cheaper of the two options.

Historic Preservation Board Chairwoman Cindy Tarapani said she was "really glad to see that the project is finally moving forward," adding, "the building has been deteriorating a long time."

It was important to preserve the cultural center, Tarapani said, "due to its historical importance to this town. It was our City Hall, originally, and now it continues as a great building for cultural activities with exhibits and lectures."

City commissioners did not unanimously approve the recommendation.Commissioner Rea Sieber expressed concerns about repairing the windows rather than replacing them. New windows would be energy-efficient, impact-resistant and hurricane proof, Sieber noted, adding that the new windows at City Hall "still have the historical aesthetics" of the building, which originally was the home of Tarpon Springs High School.

"I just feel that we could keep the aesthetics of the building and the historical value," Sieber said, adding she believed the $38,000 difference in cost was negligible compared to the long-term savings new windows would provide. "I feel that we need to replace them just for the safety issues and meeting the building code. So, I do not approve of preserving them."

Commissioners Jacob Karr, Susan Kikta and David Banther supported the recommendation. Kikta said she had weighed both options but concluded, "I think preserving what we have is a better option at this point."

The commission ultimately voted 3-1 in favor of the recommendation to restore the windows. Mayor Chris Alahouzos was absent.

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After the meeting, Sieber elaborated on the reason behind her vote to replace.

"I'm not against historic preservation. I grew up in Europe and have been a proponent for a long time," she said. "But I'm about thinking logically. The new windows would be safer, more energy efficient and save money in the long run. I mean every time we have a storm we have to board up the old windows because installing shutters would ruin the aesthetics. That's a wasted expense of taxpayer's money."