Greek Row project in Missouri continues despite objections

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) - Plans for a new Greek housing project at Southeast Missouri State University proceed despite criticism over the demolition of historic buildings.

The Southeast Missourian (http://bit.ly/1ExLqTZ) reports that Greystone Estate, which was built in 1921, was demolished Monday to make way for construction of up to seven buildings for the proposed Greek Village. Another home, Shivelbine House, which was built between 1917 and 1921, is scheduled for demolition as well.

Christine Owen, the granddaughter of J.W. Gerhardt, who built Greystone, had launched an online petition to save both buildings. She and other preservationists urged the school to incorporate the historic buildings into its Greek Village plans, but the university said that renovating the houses were not economically feasible.

Gerhardt's step-granddaughter, Marise Compass, had hoped that the demolition of Greystone would have been done with more care to salvage the wood, fixtures and windows.

"I was shocked and heartbroken when I heard the news," Compass said in an email. "I could hardly believe my eyes, choking back tears as I took in the scene. It was like a bomb had hit Greystone."

The university has been criticized in the past for demolishing historic structures. In 2013, the school dismantled a handball court built in 1843 or 1853 that may have been the oldest in the nation. It was removed to make room for an academic and residential building. Bricks from the court were incorporated into the new structure.

Kathy Mangels, the school's vice president for finance and administration, said that buildings that people have a personal closeness to are challenging to bring up to current housing codes.

"We have to take all that into consideration," she said. "People appreciate the history that a house may have had in the community, and it's difficult to understand choices that have to be made."

Sibelvine is currently leased to Sigma Nu, but the home requires major repairs to remain habitable. University officials will look at razing the home after the semester ends.

According to the university, three fraternities have expressed interest in leasing housing in the new Greek Village. An initial estimate of the lease cost per year to the organizations would be $120,000.

The new buildings will cost $1.8 to $2 million each to construct.