According to the Cook County Whole Foods Co-op website, the co-op board of directors is seeking $600,000 in owner loans to leverage an additional $1.65 million for their projected $2.25 million dollar expansion. In other words, as a member of the co-op, you can lend funds to the co-op with pre-determined terms and rates. This is a creative concept that allows co-op members to financially participate in this project and hopefully enjoy a return on their investment.
Initially, the co-op considered stabilizing the mural on the exterior and incorporating it into the new building plan. The footprint of the new building remains the same. The cost to save the mural as one piece and incorporate it with the new building is approximately 2% of total project costs. This appears to be the most fiscally effective plan to save the mural and preserve it as one piece.
Despite varying opinions of board members and decision makers, the board has acted not to save the mural as it stands. This is not only a piece of public art that included the work of hundreds of students, parents and volunteers, but this decision also overlooks the fact that the mural serves as a memorial with plaques dedicated to Zachary Mellang and David Pedersen.
The good news is that a confident and diverse citizens’ group is working to save the mural and relocate it to a new home. Ann Mershon is heading up the fundraising effort and a committee of builders, engineers and architects is working on the removal of and safe transport for the mural to a winter waiting area. Please encourage co-op board members to work alongside this group.
Originally, the rebuilding budget included $10,000 to help preserve the mural and those dollars are still earmarked. If you are committing funds to the owner loan program, please consider earmarking a portion of your loan to the mural preservation or give privately by contacting annmershon@boreal.org.
Please encourage the co-op board of directors to continue to consider these viable options. It is simply a matter of allowing some time and cooperation within their tear down plan.
Jana Larson
Lutsen
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