Comments on: The secret past of the Cedar Rapids federal courthouse

By: lobosolo

lobosolo — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:26:11 +0000

this should be the new city hall. photo 19 is a perfect place to hold the Wednesday night council meetings. if a new city hall is built it should be with a caveat that no politicians be allowed to put their name on it. if we used that rule, I'm sure they would already be in this building.

By: 96Bravo

96Bravo — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:31:25 +0000

It's a rare, but true fact, Dante's intent was for an extra, eighth level of the nether regions in his work "THE INFERNO". That final, deepest pit of Hades – was a government burearcracy

By: gardbr

gardbr — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:22:18 +0000

although i am not familiar with the 'Scene of Despicable Act,' are you suggesting one individual for the character representation within that mural? or could you encourage a joint effort for the combinations of a 'couple of ideas' within the depiction?

By: athometoday

athometoday — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:34:02 +0000

what a beautiful building, I hope things like drop ceilings can be removed and the wonderful architecture (including artwork) can be restored.

By: UstaBe

UstaBe — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:04:47 +0000

The 1930's murals should be preserved, however distasteful a scene they depict. However, I would think its up to the Federal Government to have them safely removed as opposed to saying "you can't do anything to that room." Before the Post Office moved out, I can remember walking the halls of that building with absolutely no security. But when the courts took over, there were limits on what doors you could go in and out, what could be carried in or left at lockers … and finally, as best I recall, no more lockers, just confiscation for anything not considered "safe and proper" in Federal courts. Did the WPA pay for any other murals? I seem to remember some at the Montrose Hotel that were probably more valuable than any in the Federal Building.

By: Iowarch

Iowarch — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:00:59 +0000

The reason for the hubbub over this mural has to do with the ownership of the mural itself. When the WPA had these murals done they used federal property to do them in or on. Once the murals were completed the murals themselves became a part of the inventory of property owned by the federal government. It appears inspite of what happens to the buildings, the Federal Government retains ownership of the art work. So you can not destroy the murals without the federal government going along with it, which they won't.

By: chaimfinestein

chaimfinestein — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:19:59 +0000

why not? isn't lynching a part of the early American "legal system"?

By: WWJD1

WWJD1 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:49:04 +0000

The Art work should be uncovered, protected and enjoyed for it's Historical Value, The Lynching Scene should have never been allowed to be painted in that area if if would prejudice a jury; where was the foresight?

By: Joeblowcr1

Joeblowcr1 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:06:57 +0000

waste of dollars federal and state courthouses should be combined

By: 96Bravo

96Bravo — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:52:29 +0000

There is nothing wrong with this building, the federal gov't put $ 13 million back into this building including renovations and mechanical upgrades knowing they would hand it over to the city. The city has delayed accepting this building for months while driving an agenda to build a new $ 50 million (or more) city hall, while at the same time shelling out tens of thousands of dollars per month to AEGON to lease one of their empty boxes. The court room can easily serve as council chambers – that is exactly what Dubuque did when they took possession of their old fed courthouse. Then put the city employees into those offices – boy do I have a couple of ideas who should have their office in those holding cells.