Dear Representative Deeter, House Bill No. 2233 which would

Emails in Support of HB2233:

Mr. Deeter,

I urge support of House Bill No. 2233 to insure that citizens have the opportunity to vote on

whether to dispose of publicly owned buildings of historic and architectural significance to the

community. In Wichita, we have lost the majority of our historic structures over time, and the few that

remain are irreplaceable.

Our sense of community pride is based on understanding our history, and without these physical

reminders, memory fades. Both Century II and the former downtown public library are places of

enormous community memory; everyone who lived here before the library was vacated knows the

tremendous public service it performed over its lifetime, and everyone who has attended a concert or

play or trade show or other event in Century II has memories of those times of celebration and cultural

appreciation.

These buildings belong to Wichitans. Our tax dollars built and maintained them, and we deserve to

have a say in their future. They hold our communal memory within their walls. We count on your

support of this legislation to secure our right to vote to save our built heritage.

Susan Miner

Wichita, Kansas

Hi! Century II

I am Arvin C. Marlowe! I am from Arkansas, not Ar-kansas. (This is a Kansas thing). l have a desire to

keep the Century || here in Wichita, Kansas. This building could be a Historical Site for Wichita, Kansas.

The Elderly group wants to be able to see a Memorial Landmark. I vote to keep the Century ll Alive. May

God Bless You!

Dear Representative Deeter,

House Bill No. 2233 which would "require a mandatory majority VOTE of Wichita

qualified electors before municipally-owned buildings exceeding 80,000 square feet and

on the National Register of Historic Places can be demolished or destroyed" should and

must be passed!

Historic Buildings are not only worth preserving for their intrinsic beauty and value as

historic architecture (as both the old library and Century II are,) tearing them down to

put something in their place would only add to Wichita's CO2 production and cause

further worsening of Climate Change.

Please vote for this bill! Give the people a voice in this important matter.

Thanks,

Mary Kathryn Vernon

At least 17,265 people in Wichita signed petitions to save our historical Century II. It was designed by a

student of Frank Loyd Wright and the construction was supervised by another of FLW's students and

partner of the designer.

The dome's blue roof refers to the broad Kansas sky, the vertical panels at the edge of the cantilevered

roof refer to the color of Kansas wheat. The glass walls connect it to the surrounding openspace on

three sides of the building including the Arkansas River. The facilities in the basement to make original

scenery has allowed Wichita to be the first producer of Broadway shows after their Broadway run It has

also given many people a direct line to New York to continue their chosen profession.

The former library next to Century II was also designed by a local architectural firm and won an

Architects Association award because of its brutalist style.

These two buildings are across the street from the old city building/jail designed by Proudfoot and Bird

and the Carnegie Library. Both of which.have been successfully repurposed. The library can be

repurposed and Century II can be updated and used for its original purpose,,,,a performing arts center,

exhibition hall and community center. It is an insult to the citizens that voted to build Century II in the

1950's that the city has not properly kept Century II in good repair and updated. This money was

diverted for other purposes, but we are expected to give up the chief architectural symbol of Wichita for

these quiet diversions?

As many smaller communities have learned, hometown citizens and out-of-towners are drawn to

refurbished theaters and other historical buildings and museums, which give the community pride and

monetary benefit.

Support House Bill No. 2233, Janice Bailey, Wichita, KS

Dear Mr. Deeter,

I am writing in regard to HB 2233, the Municipal Historic Buildings Act. I support this bill because it

would allow the citizens to vote on whether or not to demolish historic buildings in their communities.

For example, the citizens of Wichita should have the right to vote on whether or not a building such as

Century II or the former Public Library should remain or be demolished.

Having grown up in Wichita, I appreciate the iconic nature of these two buildings which have been

defining structures in the city skyline for several generations. I have memories of attending many

concerts and events over the course of my life at Century II, while living in the city and even after

moving away. My children attended events with me and even performed in theatrical productions there.

The Public Library served as an educational venue during my high school days where I went to do

research for various classes. It was an invaluable resource to the entire community.

Both of these beautiful buildings represent life in Wichita and both continue to have life to offer

Wichita. Century II is particularly iconic due to its unusual architectural style. Rather than being a drain

on the community it sets the community apart! It would be a shame to lose these beautiful buildings, as

it has been said, "you never know what you’ve got til it’s gone."

The decision about a cities skyline should belong to the people of that city. I urge your support of this

important bill.

Sincerely,

Patrice Williamson

From: GWENDOLYN SANDEFUR <gsandefur@cox.net

Sent: Saturday, February 20, 2021 10:38 AM

To:

[email protected]

Subject: House Bill 2233

Regarding House Bill 2233 requiring a Mandatory vote of the citizens before damaging or demolishing

the historical Century II building and the former Wichita Public library building.

These are very important buildings for our community. I am a 92 year old lifetime resident of this city

and these buildings have been a great asset, bringing us affordable entertainment and enrichment in the

form of the Home Show, Garden Show, Boat Show, Car Show, Quilt Show, Music Theatre and Symphony

performances. My family and many others especially enjoyed the annual Family Christmas Concert with

our grandchildren. I can not even imagine that anyone could even think of tearing down these

significant buildings without taking a vote of the citizens!

I support House Bill 2233 requiring a Mandatory majority vote of the citizens before damaging or

demolishing these historical buildings!

Gwendolyn Sandefur

1721 Gold, Wichita, Ks. 67213

316-262-1287

We are writing today in support of House Bill No. 2233 requiring approval by

majority vote of qualified city electors before taking certain actions involving

certain public buildings.

Two of the buildings in Wichita which would be affected by this bill are Century II and

the former public library. Both of which are now on the National Registry of Historic

Buildings.

Century II Convention and Performing Arts Center has been the foremost iconic and

dominant representation of Wichita since 1969. It was designed by two architects who

were apprentices of Frank Lloyd Wright. It has been beloved by citizens since 1969

who have attended Music Theater Performances, Wichita Symphony Concerts, Car

Shows bringing entries from all across the U.S., Book & Art Fair, National Square

Dancing Competitions, Celebrity performances, the Wichita Home Show, the Wichita

Garden Show, large community conventions, and many others, as well as serving as

the “anchor” for our huge Wichita River Festival. Flying into Wichita, the first thing we

attempt to recognize is always the big beautiful round building, Century II, that

represents our city. (During this COVID crisis, the city is currently using the basement

as an area to sanitize all city emergency vehicles.)

The former public library is a pillar in a group of four architecturally and historically

significant buildings in downtown Wichita. It’s floor to ceiling windows provide a

panoramic view of downtown Wichita. It is a Brutalist design that was awarded a

national design award in 1968 from the American Institute of Architects. This former city

library shut down in May of 2018 when the city replaced it with an Advanced Learning

Library. It has remained vacant ever since and was considered for demolition (as also

was Century II) under a redevelopment plan prior to the pandemic. (It has recently

been selected as the perfect site for COVID vaccinations.)

When the citizens heard of this demolition plan they immediately organized a committee

and began a city-wide petition drive to save both buildings. 17,265 signatures were

then gathered by many citizens and presented to the City Mayor. The city then filed a

lawsuit against the committee regarding the wording on our petition (which had been

approved by an attorney). Lots of work for nothing by many citizens.

These buildings are so beloved and important to our citizens. We request your decision

to approve this Bill so that the Wichita citizens can VOTE if they are threatened with

these demolition threats again. We paid for these buildings and feel we have a right to

defend them.

Thank you for your consideration,

Michael and Diana Sterling

1346 N. Shefford St.

Wichita, KS 67212

Sirs;

Century ll & the Library are ICONS of Wichita, its symbol & essence. The pattern of corruption

in Wichita seems to have no conscience as with the shallow pretexts. Century ll is the functional

centerpiece of Wichita that gives our city its unique identity. To tear it down will tear the heart

& soul from Wichita.

The corrupt intent is so obvious in the extremes gone to keep the citizens of Wichita from

Voting on this. The people of Wichita want Century ll kept and they are angry about the way

the city has withheld maintenance/repairs to try to sabotage our Icon for their own profit

agendas.

Those that allow this will be remembered at the polls & forever. Please Protect our historical

buildings as Century ll.

Please do the Right Thing, Thank You for your consderation.

Bill & Gloria Ryan 130 N. Glendale Wichita, Ks. 67208

Dear Mr. Deeter,

I am asking you to please, with all of my heart, support H.B. 2233 Municipal Buildings Act.

Thank you,

Diane Ellis

Life-long Wichita resident

Dear Mr. Deeter,

My personal perspective on Century II in Wichita is that it has

been one of the centers of my life for the last 54 years.

To make the point quickly, in 1967 our group, Wichita Theatre

Organ, Inc., was authorized to seek an organ for the under-

construction building. We were successful in purchasing,

installing, maintaining, and presenting concerts on the most

prestigious organ of its kind in the world, the former New York

Paramount Wurlitzer. I, personally, have led the organization

from 1967 to the present.

Over the years, we have presented something like 200

concerts, made perhaps 2 dozen recordings, and various

broadcasts on the instrument.

So, Century II has been a very large part of my life literally since

before the building was finished.

To give some perspective on the organ, the entire weight of the

instrument is 66,000 pounds. It required 4 1/2 vans to

transport to Wichita, and approximately 12,000 man-hours of

restoration to install the organ as it currently is. All of the costs

for that work were accounted for by WTO. The City built the

"shelf" upon which all the pipework and chest and other parts

rest. I say that to point out that moving the organ is a

herculean task, and, needless to say, those volunteers like me

who were 22 or so when we started, have too many trips

around the sun to be volunteers to do it again.

This instrument is the most important organ of its kind left in

the world. Please help us protect it.

Sincerely yours,

Michael Coup

Chairman of the Board

Wichita Wurlitzer

formerly Wichita Theatre Organ, Inc.

Dear Representative Kent Thompson and Representative Gail Finney,

I am urging you to share my letter with all the other house members that will be voting on House Bill

no. 2233.

I am urging you to pass the Municipal Historic Buildings Act which will ensure that the citizens of

Wichita are given a vote on wether to destroy Century 2 and the former Wichita Public Library.

Both of these buildings are iconic architecture which enhance the skyline of Wichita. It gives me pride to

see Century 2 in a movie and instantly recognize that it is Wichita, Kansas. Century 2 is to Wichita as the

Eiffel Tower is to Paris, the Statue of Liberty to New York City ,the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco

and the Arch to St Louis. Other Cities embrace their signifigant architecture and even give tourists

architectural tours. Most places do not tear down landmarks but celebrate them!

I have been attending Music Theater and Symphony at Century 2 for 30 years; I have never

experienced the building as dilapidated. It is a travesty that maintenance funds for Century 2 were

diverted to pay developers for a hotel in the Waterwalk area. This alone is evidence that the voters

need more say in the decisions that shape Wichita’s future. I have always cherished the ambiance of the

former Wichita Public Library and have wonderful memories of programs that I attended there. It would

be a disservice to tear it down and replace it with a building that looks something like the new library or

even to replace it with grass for a “park”. Wichita city leaders just spent a lot of money removing

Naftzger Park, but have a kooky plan to put a park where Century 2 and the former library stand. If city

leaders really want a park they could put in an underground parking garage where all the current

parking lot is with a grassy park on top much like what was created in Kansas City.

It is a mistake to believe that if Wichita wants a new performing Arts Center that Century 2 must be torn

down. A new Performing Arts Center could be placed where Gander Mountain now stands and Century

2 could be repurposed. Numerous entities have been interested in buying the former library; although

my preference would be that it continue as a public building in some form . Everyone is pleased that

Wichita preserved the Historic Courthouse and the Historic Carnegie Library much like everyone in New

York city is pleased that Grand Central Station was preserved ; and everyone in Kansas City is pleased

that Union Station was preserved .

I helped pass the petition to save Century 2 . We gathered over 17,000 signatures which is no small feat

given a covid pandemic. I can assure you that if the petition had allowed people from surrounding areas

to sign that there would have been a multitude more signatures. I heard personal stories from many

people about Century 2 and the library. Much like the Wichita River festival; these 2 buildings have

brought in a lot of tourist dollars over the years . I am a Master Gardener and Wichita’s Lawn and

Garden Show held at Century 2 was renowned as better then Kansas City’s and even the Philadelphia

Garden Show. If a vote were put to the people I can assure you that they would vote to tear down

Gander Mountain ( a big box store) not either the iconic library or Century 2 . Rome would not tear

down the Colosseum and Paris would not tear down Notre Dame Cathedral - as a matter of fact Paris is

raising funds to restore Notre Dame after it was devastated by a fire. So why would Wichita,Kansas start

over every 50 years? This is not the first time city leaders have wanted Century 2’s land; over 20 years

ago they wanted to replace it with a casino.

Please allow local citizen’s a vote in the fate of these 2 buildings . Let the public know that you represent

what they want rather than special interest groups. Vote to pass the Municipal Historic Buildings Act. A

vote that will create more transparency and faith in the process which is so important when tax dollars

are at stake.

Sincerely,

Sharon O’Neill

400 S Roosevelt

Wichita, Kansas 67218

My name is Deborah Harmon. I'm a life long resident of Wichita. I remember vividly Century 11

being built. I've attended numerous Symphony Concerts, graduations, school concerts, exhibits

of all kinds, and plays in this building. Probably other thing I can't recall at the moment. My kids

went to West high, what joy they each experienced as the paraded along the river to that Bld for

their graduations, they owed that Bld for a few hours.It's become an icon in Wichita. I remember

a news report of the blue roofing to match our Kansas sky. I've heard about the cost of fixing

this building compared to tearing down to replace. I see so many building in Wichita being

repurposed into fantastic apartment complexes, office building, even used for what they were

originally only better. That is what should happen here, to our Century 11 bld. It truly has more

life in it. There are concerts, plays, graduations, meetings of all kinds that would do so well

there. I feel our government officials are not listening to we the people. They've made up

THEIR OWN MINDS of what should happen. That's the problem with people in government,

they DONT LISTEN TO US. It's time they did. Please, hear us loud an clear. We got more then

enough petitions before. You chose not to listen to the people. We're speaking out again. Do as

your constituents request.

It’s an icon- please vote YES!

Sent from my iPhone

Karen Anderson

It is to Wichita, the Empire State bldg to New York City, the Sears Tower to Chicago. When you fly into

ICT you locate Century 11 and know you are home.

P.S. Century 11 is Wichita’s landmark !

The new library, air terminal, and Intrust arena are not even a close 2nd.

Larry Carey

Dear Legislators;

I am writing in support of the referenced Bill #2233.

Century II has been an exceptional building from the very beginning of its life. It has been used in so

many ways and is important enough to be referenced in many magazines and newspapers as a special

building well worth visiting Wichita to see. This outstanding architectural feat was planned by a student

of Frank Lloyd Wright and is worthy of a long life and use in our city. As a longtime member of the

Wichita Historic Preservation Board, I urge you to consider this bill as a part of your most important

contribution to the state.

The former Wichita Public Library is also a beautiful and useful building that has a Historic

Designation. I found so many historic facts when looking for family genealogy in the basement among

books and machines with help from trained librarians. The new library is great, but the old one is still

important to this city. One piece of evidence to its continued usefulness is the fact that it will now be

used as a vaccine center. With its central location, parking and bus availability, how can it be thought of

as past its usefulness.

The people of Wichita deserve to understand these facts and to vote to preserve them in downtown

Wichita.

Yours truly,

R Elena Ingle

22 February 2021

2210 S. Oliver, Apt. 308

Wichita, Kansas 67218

Mr. Gary Deeter, Committee Assistant

House Local Government Committee

c/o Representative Kent Thompson

Kansas Statehouse

Room 187 North

300 SW 10th Street

Topeka, KS 66612

Dear Mr. Deeter,

I am writing in support of the House Bill No. 2233 Municipal Historic Buildings Act. For the first nearly

forty years of my life I lived some 25-50 miles from Wichita. Nevertheless, the Wichita Public Library,

and Century II, were relatively early influences on me.

I have always loved architecture. When approaching the massive Library’s front entry in Summer, one

passed a lush decorative outdoor water pool. And in the Winter, that area was decorated with beautiful

nearly life-sized angels. However, aside from their inherent beauty, these buildings shaped me in more

tangible respects. One of my favorite Library areas was the genealogy/local history department. The

Library was one of my first introductions to research and librarianship, a line of work that I eventually

pursued as an adult.

Century II is itself a masterpiece. However, it has also been used to encourage interest in architecture

more broadly. Many of us remember the Century II Home Shows. A favorite pastime of a friend and I in

our youth was to make miniature models of houses. Like many youth, I entered one of mine in one of a

number of such Home Show-related contests.

I appreciate my Mennonite background and am conversant with that history, as it pertains to Century

II. In 1974, it co-hosted the Wheat Centennial. Thousands participated and it was one of the convention

center’s first Mennonite-related events. Similarly, Century II housed much of the 1978 Mennonite World

Conference, which our family attended. That convention was a highlight of my teenage years. Century II

also hosted a 1995 Mennonite conference, including an art exhibit. And the 2015 Kansas Music

Educators Association State Convention at Century II featured a premiere performance of a composition

with text by Mennonite poet, Jean Janzen.

I appreciate the monumental efforts exerted in designing and constructing Century II and the

adjoining Library. I am thankful for the many ways they have enhanced life in our state. Please honor

those who have gone before us and preserve these gems for future generations.

Sincerely,

Bruce Entz

cc: Rep. Elizabeth Bishop

Sen. Mike Petersen

Dear Gary or To Whom It may Concern:,

Some of my first memories are getting all dressed up and going to century two with my parents and

grandparents. I have many wonderful memories over decades.

The arts inspire me , & Century II plays a very important role in continuing to inspire others.

Please save Century II.

Kimberly Heil

Representative McGinn,

I support House Bill 2233 saving Century II and the former Wichita Public Library.

Prior to moving to the area in 1975, Century II was THE primary identifier of Wichita, Kansas to our family.

It still is. Yes, it is certainly a Grand Building of Unusual Design. Even today, people unfamiliar with it

give a second look and comment on it's positive appearance. I was employed as Advertising Art Director

at the Wichita Eagle in the 70's and 80's, and it was often prominently displayed in our promotional

brochures encouraging large national companies to advertise in the Wichita readership

market. (Wichita's located distance from Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Denver, Kansas City and Joplin gave

major advertisers a good indication on consumer acceptance when introducing new products in a certain

geographically sized area). Over the years, it has become an iconic landmark representing Wichita to

tens of thousands outside of Kansas. Should it be removed, others apart from of us will surely remember

when it greeted them in aerial and ground views as 'The Round Building by the River' and inquire of

themselves...'Wonder why they tore it down?...it was so interesting'...'When flying into the city, I always

looked for it'... And for the ones returning from a long journey, it is always a 'Welcome Home' view.

And the former Wichita Public Library. This is a timeless design of architecture! Beautiful outside design

and open and airy inside. The horizontal and vertical lines are even reminiscent of a Frank Loyd Wright

design. We all have spent hours of our live within it's walls have we not?

Surely both these structures could be utilized in some purposeful way without being destroyed. Consider

the old Wichita City Hall Building. Was it at one time to be destroyed also? And the old Orpheum

Theatre was considered for destruction. Fortunately, they were not, and Wichita is better for it. Please

help save these wonderful buildings.

Terry Spencer

Park City, Ks

t_l_s@sbcglobal.net

To Whom It May Concern,

I am a registered voter residing in Wichita, Kansas. Century 2 and the former downtown library are

historic landmarks integral to the Wichita skyline. The buildings were built and supported by taxpayer

funds and their future should be determined by the people. I urge you to vote in favor of HB 2233 to

ensure the public, not private developers, will decide the fate of these public buildings.

Sincerely,

Erin Devlin

Dear Sir:

I would like to request adoption of House Bill No. 2233, Municiple Historic Buildings Act, as I feel

historic buildings belong to the people of the city whom have been paying a yearly portion, collectively,

in our property taxes. These tax payments are, and have been our investment into the future of Wichita,

Kansas for the 35-plus years, in my case; many more years in multitudes of Wichita residents.

Our Century II, being designed in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, by his apprentices and is a

multifunctional building with divided sections that allow several happenings in totally different private

area when desired. Century II has been "home" to scores of family outings; starting, for my family, with

the central focus of consecutive years of Wichita River Festival, field trips volunteering for the school

system performances for children who might never have seen a professional performing arts venue,

plenty of girl scout and charity functions, Darryl Starbird car shows, gathering at The Lawn and Garden

Shows to satisfy our spring fever, Concert and Speaker's Events, Church Meetings, job fairs, craft fairs

and entrepreneurial endeavors, marathon and fun runs headquarters, meeting place for peaceful

marches, not to mention Century II's yearly FULL Schedule of performances with mega-volumes of

cultural and music performances... Many, many season ticket holders for Wichita Symphony, Music

Theater Wichita, Our Own Wichita Corrillion, being built INTO Century II.

The importance of the Brutalist Style of our old Wichita Public Library has been an icon of information

housing an entire collection adult books and children's department, genealogy, audio, computer center,

microfiche and periodical departments, 3 floors with both stairs and elevators. This building was in No

Way Obsolete, Nor Inadequate for holding the weight that ALL of these departments would require in

structure, when it was replaced. In fact, I have been told, that at the time it was built, the Library Board

approved structural reinforcement that a 3rd floor could be added- - a fact that, I'm sure was

disregarded when it was replaced. This is a Fantastic, airy, ceiling to floor windows, that could be

converted into any useful space.

These are my reasons for believing these two Mid-Century modern buildings are STILL useful to the

city of Wichita Citizens...we have an Investment them - they Belong to us. We have paid for them in a

multitude of ways and these buildings have served us So Well!

Thank you for your kind attention, and

Thank you for your consideration,

Dot Trussell

Oh how I wish I could be with you, the rest of our House Government

Committee members, and those in attendance who are representing the many

constituents in Wichita who feel strongly about saving both Century II and the

former Wichita Public library tomorrow.

First let me say I'm not normally a vocal person but the thought of somebody

bulldozing down these two beautiful buildings is requiring me to speak up. At

the very least citizens should get to vote on this matter. We've seen other

buildings destroyed in this City without any regard to their place in Wichita's

history. Residents were never given the chance to voice their opinion, usually

didn't know about it until it was done. This is just not the way a democracy

should work.

I've so many fond memories of both Century II and the Library. My daughters

went to their first music theatre productions at Century II and various

concerts and special events. My youngest daughter will tell anybody who'll

listen the very first outing she remembers was the day I took her to the

downtown library. My girls are grown up now and have young adult children

of their own but they still remember both Century II and the Library for those

special times in beautiful places. Wichita has many creative and

resourceful residents, let's give them the opportunity to repurpose the

buildings and make memories happen for future generations.

Those of us fighting to save both buildings are forward thinking, intelligent

people who simply can't continue to watch greedy developers do as they please

without regard for the history of Wichita. Have you not noticed that, even on a

National level, most all photos and videos pertaining to Wichita show Century

II? Have you been to Boston? Seen their town hall building? Remind you of

our library building? Enough said.

Please, we at least deserve the right to vote on the future of these two beautiful

buildings. I'm sure there are many who feel exactly the same and we will be

forever grateful for anything you can do to help us.

Respectfully submitted,

Geraldine (Geri) Farber

TO: Gary Deeter, Committee Assistant

House Local Government Committee

Mr. Deeter and Committee,

As a qualified elector I support House Bill No. 2233 because I deserve the right to vote on

the issue referenced in the bill, specifically, the right to vote on the disposition of public

building or buildings more than 80,000 square feet and placed on the national register of

historic places.

House Bill No. 2233 speaks to the rights of the citizens of a municipality, a city. More than

that, it speaks to the rights a city as an Entity, a Being whose perpetuation of spirit and

character are at stake. The spirit of a city is housed, embodied, in the infrastructure and

architecture of its past and present, sheltered and sustained there for its future. Electors,

Citizens, are the soul of a city. They deserve the right to express their wishes for the

disposition of their own body for the present and for future generations. Ancestry is held in

trust by family members. Citizens of a city deserve the opportunity to exercise their rights

of ancestral trust.

In the city of Wichita, Kansas, Century II and the former downtown public branch library are

two physical, architectural and historical manifestations of the body of Wichita. The Wichita

skyline is anchored by the dome of Century II. No other city can lay claim to its distinctive

symbolic outline. One sees it and immediately identifies it as the heart of the city of Wichita.

It bears witness to generations of shared experiences, perhaps some similar to my own

family attending the annual Nutracker ballet, often with multiple generations attending at

the same time. The former public library stands monument to the dedication of Wichita’s

citizens to provide the opportunity for education, information, enlightenment and access of

learning for every citizen regardless of race, religion, gender, age or socioeconomic status.

Both structures inspire and embody ideals of the soul of Wichita from its heart, the core of

downtown Wichita.

Brick and mortar are like the bones and muscle of the body of a city, necessary to house

and protect its soul and spirit. The right for citizens to express self-determination of their

city’s body hinges upon the citizens having the opportunity to vote regarding that self-

determination. House Bill No. 2233 will empower citizens with that right.

Thanks and regards,

Melody W Lindensmith

"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the

ending." - C.S. Lewis

From: C&H Investment chinvest@cox.net

Subject: House Bill 2233

Date: February 19, 2021 at 8:00 AM

To: ga,y.deeter@house.ks.gov

Attention Gary Deeter:

This is to urge you to support House Bill No. 2233 and allow the citizens of Wichita to

have a vote on what happens to the Century II and former public library building.

These buildings hold much sentiment and importance for the citizenry. The events, arts,

conventions and much more have been vitally important to all citizens, children to the

elderly. The buildings are icon landmarks for the city and will continue to be in the future

if spared demolition and ruination. The events for school children are sufficient reason

to save them. Youth symphony, Wichita Symphony, Home School Conventions,

Employment Seminars and workshops with job finding events are among

a few reasons to maintain the buildings, not to mention the theater performances, craft

fairs, various fairs and shows. These buildings are the fabric of the city and should be

maintained for future generations. Please support House Bill No. 2233 to allow a vote to

the citizens of Wichita.

Respectfully,

B. J. Tanielian

2250 N Rock Rd.

Wichita, KS 67226

February 10,2021

I know that I am dating myself but I remember growing up in Wichita. The Miller theater

with an organ That played before the movies. Where did it go when the theater was torn

down for a parking garage, I thought maybe Century II but that one came from New

York City, The Crawford Theater was on South Topeka I was born at the Wichita

Hospital at Seneca and Douglas, The Allis Hotel was beautiful but it couldn't be saved

because of structural problems and it is a parking lot now. At least the Continental bus

station and the parking garage across from it were saved, The beautiful Missouri-Pacific

train station on the North side of Douglas that was torn down for the Garvey Center.

Updates for Century II were funded but funds were used for anything else except

Century II When you travel to anywhere else in the states ,you see how they didn't tear

down historical buildings they saved them. Is it too late to change here?

Edithj J Lalumia

6743 E. Abbotsford Dr.

Wichita, Ks 67206-1125

I support House Bill #2233 for a variety of reasons:

In Wichita we have 2 buildings that are now listed on historic registers Local, State & National. These

buildings have both received architectural awards for their design. These buildings for over 50 years are

indeed a part of our identity and give our city something unique that fosters both identity and civic

pride.

Wasteful spending of tax payer money to destroy them not to mention shady backroom land and

developing deals made by our City Council and selective developers.

The destruction via homogenization of our Mid Western cities. Promises that are never realized like if

we tear it down and build something that looks like every city everywhere the city will prosper. Never

happens.

I’m a native Kansan and believe we should preserve our heritage not tear it down.

Please support this Bill.

Sincerely,

Lynda Porter Rathbone

Wichita, KS

I highly House Bill No. 2233 for the following reasons

1) We have season tickets to the Wichita Symphony

2) I love to attend the Women’s Fair And have done so for years

3) I love to go to the Home and Garden show Antique Car Show and the theatrical events such as Cats,

etc.

4) It is very important for the City of Wichita and also very important for citizens to have a vote on what

happens to these buildings

5) I will be attending tomorrow, Feb 24th on House Bill No. 2233 Municipal Historic Buildings Act @

9:00 am in the House Local Government Committee, Celeste Racette, John Todd, and Karl Peterjohn will

be testifying in person