The permit committee for the state Department of Archives and History agreed Wednesday to consider designating the building a Mississippi Landmark because of its architectural significance, the role the building has played in the community and public sentiment.
If the library, built in 1965 in the New Formalism style of architecture, is made a landmark, it can't be torn down without permission from the department's board.
"The building is an example of a style of architecture not widely found in the city of Gulfport, the surrounding community or even in the state of Mississippi," said Bill Gatlin, architectural historian for Archives and History. "It's an iconic building for the people who grew up in Gulfport."
But several Harrison County supervisors said Thursday they will not use public money to repair or insure that building, no matter what its designation. Even if the library is made a landmark, the county isn't obligated to repair the building.
"The board doesn't have a burning desire to tear down that building," Supervisor Kim Savant said. Savant represents District 2, which includes the library. "But what we have said is that we will not put taxpayer dollars into the building."
Print their names and let the people decide if they keep their jobs.....they are crapping on a piece of history....time for them to go!
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