Name:	hilairie schackai
City:	new orleans, la
Specific property affected:	Phillis Wheatley Elementary School, 2300 Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA
Comments:	The Phillis Wheatley Elementary School is an aesthetically profound tour de forceâ€"a superlative monument to innovative design in mid-century modern architecture. It would be incredibly shortsighted to erase this significant building from New Orleans’ history. To demolish it and build anew would not only be myopic but also represent a tremendous amount of time and energy wasted. Although “problems” existed with the building when it was in use, those troubles now inform how to make the building better. In fact, every single concern noted at the public hearing can be remedied. Meanwhile, we don’t know what problems will develop with a new buildingâ€"problems that are inevitable. If the neighborhood is in dire need of a building for education, then start renovation immediately! Education deserves a larger vision. Wheatley is a testament to innovation and can demonstrate the awesome power of creativity.