A historic building located in the shadow of the Acropolis (and now next to the new Acropolis museum) is in danger of being demolished because it stands in the way of a new cafeteria that will be a part of the new Acropolis museum. The building, located at 17 Dionysiou Areopagitou str. has been listed as a historic monument by the government. It is part of a originally larger building that was built in 1922, after the Asia Minor Catastrophe sent hundreds of thousands of Greeks to the city. Preservasionists and locals are fighting to make sure the building is not razed, while developers are fighting to de-list the historic buildilng as "historic" paving way for its destruction.
The vote of the future of the building now rests in the hands of the Culture Minister Voulgarakis, and a large group of volunteers are trying to get the word out for people to do their part in saving the building.
DF: Thanks to Renee and Manolis for telling us about this...To add your name to the growing list of supporters for the building, and/or to send an email to the culture minister, click on the website below. Do you think that the government should raze the building to make room for the cafeteria, or should the building be saved?
http://www.areopagitou17.blogspot.com/
posted on Tuesday, July 17
Arts, Athens/ Regional
eleftheriou... ...There was obviously a reason for the building to be listed as historical in the first place. Has there been something that has been discovered which has changed that reason? I think not. We as Greeks always speak of our heritage and the many contributions we have handed down to humanity over the centuries. As was noted, this building was built in 1922, during the period of the Asia Minor Disaster and as such should be preserved as an example of what Greek life was like during that period. Many modern cities in the world have unfortunately torn down beautiful architectural examples in the push for "progress". Once they are gone, a part of the history of the people is lost forever. I find it hard to imagine that the plans cannot be adjusted to allow this new cafeteria and to save this building.
kiki... ...wow - outside of the cinema on my island, i don't think i've seen any art deco anywhere. as a big art deco freak, am going to add my name to the linked site and do my tiny part.