Coop Demolishes House Despite Dietz's Protest

The Harvard Cooperative Society has turned its back on a petition of 400 members to save a 140-year old home on Palmer St. from destruction. The building was razed this week to clear room for a proposed four-story Coop annex; which will contain an enlarged book store and administrative offices.

Sheldon Dietz, a Square businessman, and one of the leading opponents of the destruction, said last night that the Coop's action "proved their disinterest in esthetics. They have violated city planning and architectural principles preached by their mother institution, and have been stiff-necked and inflexible in their commitment to their original bad plan."

Dietz said, however that if the Coop's new design does not violate any portion of the city zoning code, "no one could raise much of an objection. But if the Coop follows the procedure of seeking special privilege, they could get some opposition."

Dietz added, "One can only hope the Coop will come to realize that good architecture is the result of careful consideration of what exists, and that they will compound their destructive errors in future building plans."

"Stop All Progress"

John G. Morrill, general manager of the Coop, said that Dietz's request to save the Hawkins Building--"to stop all progress"-- was "inconceivable." Dietz and other local businessmen had recommended that the old home be incorporated into the Coop's plans and used for a children's book store.

Early this year the Coop appealed to the city building inspector for a zoning variance which would have permitted off-street loading of trucks. The Coop's original building plans were apparently drawn up under the assumption that permission would be granted. It was denied.

Dock Creates Problems

Had the plans encountered no roadblocks, Morrill said, the new annex might have been opened by September. However, the new design--which includes a loading dock on the lower end of the building near Brattle St.--will not be ready for a month.

If the new plans comply with all city zoning ordinances (and Morrill anticipated that they will), part of the annex may be in use by September, 1965.