PELICAN HOUSE

[owen]

Does anybody else think that Pelican House on Mespil Road is worth saving and should have been listed?

At the moment it seems that twentieth century buildings by definition are without merit and are hence fair game for demolition. I think its bizarre that the idea of conservation of architectural culture seems to stop dead at the Georgian period.

Regarding what few 20thC buildings are listed, if Archers was worthy of listing, surely this is?

Another building I think will be a shame to lose (as it is soon to be demolished) is the M J Flood building in Sandyford Industrial Estate. As this only dates from the early 1980's it probably won't qualify for consideration for another 150 years.

[Paul Clerkin]

for those unfamiliar:



a view from the rear




there's also a really good courtyard but public access has been removed

[snap]

Why the fuss over Archers and not this?

Of course Archers should not have been demolished, but Pelican House is surely worth saving.

Can the administrator of this site not set up some protest form?

[Paul Clerkin]

will do.......

to go to?

Dublin Corporation
Blood Transfusion Board

[trace]

Both, plus the developers - one of Johnny Ronan's vehicles (name escapes me at present) - and An Bord Pleanala: both first- and third-party appeals have been lodged.

What is wrong with Dublin Corporation? Are they totally blind to the qualities of buildings worth listing and saving? If so, they should, as a priority, employ the required specialists.

[Paul Clerkin]

Any idea of the name sof the companies?

[Paul Clerkin]

Suggestions:
At Archeire we'll add the comments form (as per the Archer's Campaign) to go to the selected bodies and companies. We'll also produce a gif and detailed history of the building and pass it around "friendly" websites to link to the campaign form. I must get some decent photographs to show the building in its best light.

If anyone has any press / media contacts, they should be informed about the new online campaign once we get the ball rolling.

Any other ideas?

[MG]

This is disgraceful and complete silence in the media.... how.... Mr Ronan is a big developer.... are people afraid to say anything?

Are we just going to let our entire small collection of decent 20th century buildings be destroyed.... Archers..... the original Dublin Airport.... where does it stop.... when we will stand up? when the ball is wrecking Busaras? Wake up people!

BTW who was the architect?

[owl]

Harry Robson of Downes Meehan and Robson. He was one of the team that designed Collinstown Airport Terminal.

[Jas]

As far as I know, the Bank of Ireland is involved, their offices next door are part of the scheme.

[ivg]

Paul, as sort of spokesperson for the group, can you write letter to press/ get onm the radio on our behalf? I am amazed people are not more concerned......

[Paul Clerkin]

I'm working on background material at the moment with a view to having a page/s up before Monday at which stage I'll be harassing the press.

There'll also be a feedback form so you can put ypur opinions as well.

[MG]

Details seem to be sketchy of who is involved? I have heard that the Bank of Ireland is a party to the scheme but is that true?

[John]

I am not an architect (nor am I in any way connected with developers) but I do take a keen interest in development work and architecture.

I have to admit that I do not find anything particularly attractive about Pelican House. It does not have any obvious distinctive features and I just wonder whether you should not also take into account the plans for the building to replace it before criticising its demoltion outright.

Is there a danger that architects are too sensitive to demolition of building from the recent past? What makes this building worthy of preservation?

[John]

I am not an architect (nor am I in any way connected with developers) but I do take a keen interest in development work and architecture.

I have to admit that I do not find anything particularly attractive about Pelican House. It does not have any obvious distinctive features and I just wonder whether you should not also take into account the plans for the building to replace it before criticising its demoltion outright.

Is there a danger that architects are too sensitive to demolition of building from the recent past? What makes this building worthy of preservation?

PS I understand from the IT that BoI is a prospective tenant.

[Paul Clerkin]

It seems that the Third Party Appellant has unexpectantly dropped her complaint as has the first party developers.

So the building is now doomed as the system has run its course.

[ivg]

can nobody lodge an appeal at this stage?

Regarding the building's merits, check out Shane O'Toole's article in last week's Sunday Times