A Grey Tree Returns

In case you happened to miss last Saturday's Buffalo News, here's a link to Steve Brachmann's story about the MHRC's latest art glass acquisition.  

The public dialogue (and I use the term loosely) in the Comments section below the story reads like a primer on the perceived pros and cons of architectural preservation and cultural tourism.  

For the record dear readers, although some public money was used to acquire this "Tree of Life" window, consider this:  at mid-range of anticipated visitation, the Martin House’s activities will generate a total annual impact of $17.6 million in economic output, of which $8.34 million will be earnings and wages of 198 workers.  This is largely new money to the region and to the State, which will in turn benefit state taxpayers.  Thus, the public investment in the Martin House will pay for itself in 3 to 5 years.

Photo courtesy of Bernhard Wagner, fotoGrafix