Architects: Save the treasure in your midst

Experts say government center, a world monument, is a 'victim of a sustained act of vandalism'

Published Sep 6, 2013 at 11:51 am (Updated Sep 6, 2013)

"How lucky you are to have this masterpiece. You need to think of this building differently, like Washington's Headquarters." Architect Joseph Giovannini

By Edie Johnson GOSHEN Tuesday night's forum on the Orange County Government Center sounded at times like an art appreciation class, as renown architects tried to make the audience see the misunderstood treasure in a new light.

Architect Sam Liebman was associate architect on the original project with the world-famous architect Paul Rudolph, who designed the 1967 building. He spoke admiringly about the building's inordinate strength, thanks to its 5,000 supporting concrete blocks. The mortar is of the same strength and material, fully 20 percent higher than what was required.

The concrete skirt and bearing walls make it virtually indestructible, unlike the more current style of steel-framed building, which is neither as durable nor as fireproof. It would be almost impossible, economically, to erect a building of that strength today. The original $6.7 million cost, adjusted for inflation, would cost $77.3 million today.

And the mold that some county officials say has destroyed the building?

"Mold does not grow on clean concrete, only on organic material," Liebman said. "It just needs to be cleaned."

Another architect, Joseph Giovannini, who writes extensively on architecture for The New York Times, said, "How lucky you are to have this masterpiece. It was the best of its time."

The center came perilously close to being razed, especially after Hurricane Irene flooded the building, which remains closed two years later. Even before the hurricane, the county executive, Edward Diana, was pushing hard to demolish the building and build a new one. He has long complained of the center's leaky roofs and spreading mold. Other county residents fond of Goshen's Victoriana found it hard to love the modern building and its array of concrete blocks. Many local residents, if not most, say it's ugly.

Go here to see the original:
Architects: Save the treasure in your midst