
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 16, 1991                   TAG: 9102150272
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

RENOVATION CHEAPER THAN CONSTRUCTION

Upon reading your recent coverage of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors' meeting in which the future of Christiansburg downtown buildings was discussed, I feel that I must respond publicly.

As a licensed professional architect, who is also employed by the state as a construction project manager, I feel that the structural qualities of a building must be thoroughly studied prior to any discussion about its demolition.

I realize that there are many persons who cannot see or appreciate the fine details of a structure built by local craftsmen long since gone. For those I offer this opinion based upon economics.

The cost of a building's structural system and exterior finish are substantial components of the cost. Renovations, even major changes, will usually require less expense than new construction. The cost of remodeling an existing building will then be greatly limited to electrical and mechanical upgrades, and additions to buildings where feasible. Consequently, renovation or improvements to buildings in a neighborhood setting often spur adjacent property owners to follow and therefore increase property values throughout the area.

Today, as we tighten our belts personally, we should expect those who speak for us politically to consider the same economic issues at hand.\ Celeste R. Lee,\ American Institute of Architects Christiansburg

by CNB