To the editor:

The proposed project “The Hub at Lawrence” by Chicago-based Core Spaces should cause great concern for anyone who appreciates the historic nature of downtown Lawrence.

Core Spaces designs and builds apartment complexes in college towns for students. The location for this massive apartment complex is 11th and Massachusetts streets, the gateway to downtown. The height, scale and mass of the complex will harm the integrity and environs of three historic buildings: Watkins Museum, the Douglas County Courthouse and the English Lutheran Church.

Such a massive complex will house hundreds of transient students/residents, resulting in increased traffic that will congest the entrance to downtown and compound the existing congestion in the adjoining East Lawrence neighborhood. Furthermore, the design lacks strong and imaginative design elements for such an important intersection. Online research of reviews for Core Spaces buildings reveals construction and management issues as common themes. This complex is not conducive to a healthy downtown. We should not give 11th and Massachusetts away for such little return and great risk. The Historic Resources Commission, Planning Commission and City Commissions are in place to protect us from harmful development. If you care about the integrity and life of our historic downtown, now is the time to speak up. Our community deserves a better neighbor than what Core Spaces is offering.

The Historic Resources Commission meets March 21 at 6 p.m. The Planning Commission meets March 27. These meetings are open to the public.

Tom Harper,

Lawrence