We’re building a new school, parts of it, anyway. I know it’ll be great, because we have $66 million to spend, so it’s all but guaranteed to be exquisite. Still, a gal can have an independent vision, can’t she? I know you’ve been gone for 83 years, but I’m hoping that your great ghost still haunts our city and that you’ll be willing to cast a creative spell upon our project. P.S. please bring Mr. Farr with you and bewitch us with the following:
- That neoclassical design that was so enchanting.
- At the entry, the warm embrace of a kindly foyer beckoning us to come in.
- Arches and winding paths preparing the way for school-day meandering.
- Floors of enormous tiles in haunting shades of umber; textured and warm, there to greet the ready steps of our students.
- Grant us the treasure of a library filled top to bottom with books and a fireplace by which to enjoy them (it will have to be gas this time around. Since you’ve been gone we destroyed the environment and wood fires are frowned upon.)
- Please whisk away all flimsy drywall and let our students know the prized finish of a beautifully textured plaster wall and how it makes a place feel warm and cherished, like an old family home.
- Please make the thoroughfare from classroom to classroom a lovely portico, allowing shelter and nature all at once and igniting the urge to linger.
- Given his success with the Exedra and City Hall and the original Havens School, perhaps Mr. Farr could wave his visitant hand over what appears to be an unfortunate lack of set-backs. Are we not desirous of lawn and trees to soften the transition from home to school? Will we cast our students out of the car and into the classroom with nary a blade of grass as a buffer? Car…concrete…classroom. Oh, dear. Yes, Mr. Farr is just the person to address this oversight.
- I recently read that the lofty top floor of the 3-story building would be reserved for Mr. Booker and other administrators, but certainly that must have been a misprint. I know that whoever designed the building would insist that the students enjoy the restorative benefits of an inspiring view from the top floor. But to be on the safe side, would you please make sure of it?
I know it’s not realistic. Sheetrock and CAD/CAM are much more affordable than the artisan techniques of the past. It’s probably a lot harder to weave all the new and much needed technology in and out of plaster walls, and let’s face it, all manner of shenanigans could occur in those dreamy porticos. But for all the millions – all 66 of them – a bit of charm doesn’t seem unreasonable, does it? A bit of texture? A bit of character? A bit of soul?
And so, Mr. Weeks because the thought of our students having to walk along flat, white, anemic halls keeps me awake at night, I do respectfully request an inspiring bewitching at the earliest possible moment to avoid such a tragedy!
Sincerely,
E. Boyer
