Centuries from now, our descendants will enjoy what we build wisely
by Charlie Howell, a REP member in Nashville, Tennessee
published in the Nashville Tennessean on September 16, 2006
"That building will be here for 300 years."
As anyone in Nashville knows, the young Nashvillian who shared that comment with me was remarking about the splendid new Schermerhorn Symphony Hall. As anyone who knows me, my ears perked up because a young person spoke assuredly about my favorite topic.
He wasn't saying to me that the sturdy fire hall this magnificent edifice replaces would not have been around for a long time. He wasn't saying to me that the lovely limestone will be with us into the distant future. He wasn't saying to me that it would be used as a symphony hall for 300 years.
He was saying that our descendants would be around. He was saying that Nashvillians would be here 300 years from now. He was saying that the world will not explode or that the apocalypse is to occur soon! He was saying that our successors will care for the structure, revere the designers and builders, admire the very generous donors and the forward-thinking administration of metropolitan government that saw fit to give the land and a chunk of funding as well.
He was saying that the arts are a worthy place to invest your time and money while supporting the activities that will rise to higher levels of splendor within this facility. He was saying that architecture in the classic mode remains our birthright and will be the inheritance we will proudly leave our children.
He was saying that the Ryman Auditorium and the Union Station were worth the fight to save them. He was saying that Belmont College was right to save North Front.
He was saying that those who restored our lovely state Capitol with its Greek Revival features and the funny lantern on top were right. He was saying that the restoration of the Parthenon, the careful maintenance of the former West End High School building with its handsome Georgian features were worthwhile, and he was saying that Mr. Cheek's big house is good for another two centuries at least!
He was saying that those who save open space for our descendants to enjoy are making a worthwhile, sacrificial contribution.
He did not say that "to continue to construct shoddy junk as a substitute for handsome buildings is foolhardy, and the price will be very high." Common sense tells me that.
He did not say, "There is a special place in hell for people who tear down fine or not so fine buildings and erect structures designed to last for 20 or 30 years." I said that.
He did not say to me, "When you build, build forever." Ruskin said that.
He did not say, "We must step up to the plate and build healthy buildings that are built using environmentally sensitive methods and materials." I said that.
He did not say, "It takes energy to construct a new building. It saves energy to preserve an old one." I said that.
No matter what we may say, our generation has failed young people like my new friend. Our world is in trouble.
What they are saying counts. If what this young man said typifies other young people of his generation, then what he will say gives promise for a new day and a bright future for Nashville, for Tennessee, for America and indeed for the world.
A word of thanks to Martha Ingram for her determination, civic spirit, organizational skills and leadership: "Martha, we are in your debt." And they all said "Amen."
