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Session 1528, Minutes Page 4 (re September 10, 1990 cant historically as one of only four theaters in the metropolitan area sur- viving from 1924. Without designation, the City could not review demolition permits or proposals to alter the building except as required by the Building Code. He suggested that instead of increasing the value of the building (mak- ing it more difficult for the City to acquire) , the Commission found that des- ignation may actually decrease its value. He noted that the standards are not absolute but intended to guide the Historic Preservation Commission and make the owner aware of the City's concerns; however, all are subject to negotia- tion. He asked to speak again at the conclusion of the public hearing. Mr. Carl Safe, 6921 Waterman, Plan Commission member, architect and professor at Washington University's School of Architecture, said because of a recent newspaper article he felt he was in danger of being misunderstood and wished to clarify his views on the Tivoli historic landmark application. There are actually two buildings, he said, and it was important that the one fronting Delmar be retained since it was integral to the urban context of the Loop. This building is also significant because it is mixed use, offering retail on the first level with three levels of apartments above, which could provide a resident population with a vested interest in the quality of the street envi- ronment. He felt the theater building behind the main building was of much less consequence and probably should be removed, since it severely compromises the quality of the apartments. He suggested that proposing such a building juxtoposition today would not be acceptable, and since the theater is much less substantially built it is more likely it could be removed. He felt that sanctifying these two buildings with landmark status to preserve their pictur- esque quality and the memories of movies once attended is wrong, and the City should not put itself in this position. He said the Tivoli Theater is an im- portant contributor to the life of the Loop, but it need not be located in this particular auditorium. He felt the application dealt with the sentimen- tal and nostalgic and not with issues of substance, and it should be denied. Ms. Melanie Fathman, 7275 Creveling, president of Landmarks Association, said her group strongly supports any actions necessary to assure the future of the landmark Tivoli Theater building, one of the few surviving historic theaters in the area and a cornerstone of the Delmar streetscape. She said this offers yet another opportunity for University City to demonstrate its commitment to the creative partnership of historic preservation and economic development. Mr. Charles Fleener, 6363 Waterman, teacher of film and theater history, said the Tivoli was a wonderful and nostalgic event that would be difficult to give up. He felt it was an important part of the resurgence of the Loop and if re- taining it required historic designation, that should be done. Ms. Mary Henderson Gass, 6304 Westminster, architect and member of the Histor- ic Preservation Commission, spoke as a private citizen. She felt it was very important to approve legislation designating the Tivoli as historic, because that protects the building by providing a review process. She said the archi- tectural profession has recently been examining the characteristics of a tra- ditional city that are needed in new developments, such as a city center with (me City Hall, library, monuments, main street with shops at street level and of- fices and residences above. What was described is already in place in Univer- sity City, she said, and is a tremendous resource. She encouraged the Council