Georgetown
The Historic and Architectural Review Commission's meeting for March 26, 2026, has been canceled, along with a planned Window Workshop. Residents interested in historic preservation matters should look for updates on future meeting schedules.
At a glance
Rising — being discussed more frequently. 3 mentions in the last 30 days, 1 the 60 before, 2 the 90 before that.
Southwestern University will incur costs for demolition, archival records, and salvage, but may benefit from future development or improved facility management.
N/A (no action taken)
The historical record and physical presence of Ruter Hall, though mitigated by the imposed conditions.
The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting for May 5, 2026, was canceled. Residents who had planned to attend or present items should look for future meeting announcements.
Southwestern University is seeking to demolish the Ernest Clark Residence Hall, a medium-priority historic resource, arguing that rehabilitation costs are prohibitively high. This raises questions about balancing historic preservation with the practical needs and financial realities of institutions.
The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting for April 21, 2026, has been canceled. Residents will need to wait for future agendas to see what topics will be discussed.
The Historic and Architectural Review Commission's meeting for March 26, 2026, has been canceled, along with a planned Window Workshop. Residents interested in historic preservation matters should look for updates on future meeting schedules.
Southwestern University wants to demolish an older dormitory (Ruter Hall) to build new student housing, citing financial reasons and student retention issues. The commission denied the demolition, questioning the financial hardship and emphasizing preservation.
The commission approved the demolition of Ruter Hall at 911 Wesleyan Drive, owned by Southwestern University, but with strict conditions. These include creating an archival record, salvaging key materials, and memorializing a historic lintel bearing the name 'Martin Ruter'.
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