THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 18, 1996 TAG: 9607170019
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 24 lines
Across from the Meyers House lies a parking lot which has been there since redevelopment efforts cleared the area in the late '50s. The sole adornment on that parking lot has been a beautiful old magnolia.
The tree survived the slum-ridden area for a number of years. The tree survived the demolition of those slums, a feat which must have required the caring attention of the demolishers. Alas, the tree has not been able to survive MacArthur Center. The magnolia was cut down on July 9.
If I were the architect designing the center, I would like to think that I could have found a way to save that tree and incorporate it into the overall plan. I'm sure it would have been difficult. Perhaps it was impossible.
I am very much in favor of the center, and wish it every success. Nevertheless, I shall miss the beautiful magnolia which graced that barren lot for so long.
PALMER RUTHERFORD
Portsmouth, July 9, 1996 by CNB