Dunes Action is
opposing plans to modify the Pavilion at Indiana Dunes State Park in a way
which it says would destroy both its historic character and past uses.
In a statement
released on Wednesday, the group is urging folks to contact Indiana
Department of Natural Resources Director Cameron Clark at CClark@dnr.in.gov
to express their opposition to the proposed changes.
Dunes Action is
very much in favor of the appropriate restoration of the Pavilion but we
dont agree with the plans weve seen, said Dunes Action Member Norman
Hellmers, a retired National Park Service Superintendent experienced in
restoration projects.
A modern
1,800-square foot structure on the roof of the Pavilion would end its
historic use as an observation deck for the public, becoming instead a
rooftop lounge that would cater to up to 200 bar patrons, the statement
said. The addition of two outdoor dining terraces would take away space
currently used by the public for outdoor recreation and hinder ADA use of
the concrete apron to access the beach.
Two modern
balconies are also planned for the north side of the Pavilion, which would
negatively alter the historic lakeside faade, the statement added. An
elevator shaft has already been constructed in the historic building, but it
is unclear whether appropriate approvals or permits were obtained for the
work.
It took a public
records request to get the plans that show these objectionable changes,
said Dunes Action co-founder Jim Sweeney. The DNR needs to provide the
public with updated plans. If not, this work could start with no opportunity
for public input whatsoever.
Dan Bortner, head
of DNR State Parks and Reservoirs, in speaking to the Indiana Natural
Resources Commission in 2012, said of the Pavilion: We want to get this
back to what was originally intended and We want this brought back to its
original design.
Hellmers, however,
said that putting a barroom on the roof is not true to this idea, and that
the DNR is going beyond what is needed to restore the building. The kinds
of uses anticipated can be successfully met by using the buildings
interior, he said.
Dunes Action
further maintains that the DNR is not following the Secretary of the
Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, which are the
accepted standards for such historic preservation projects. Unfortunately,
work on the Pavilion could start at any time since the developer apparently
has approval to proceed, Sweeney said. Meanwhile, the public is still
being kept in the dark about current plans, and has not been given any
opportunity to comment on how this magnificent building will be treated, he
said.