Many Wichitans will sympathize with the historic preservation board’s view that the historic Coleman Co. factory at Second and St. Francis should be saved. But while the board can vote with its heart, Wichita City Council members were using their heads Tuesday in approving the building’s demolition. The site’s history of code violations and costly problems with soil and groundwater pollution require resolution, not further delay. The deal that led to Sedgwick County’s purchase of the property in August offered the best hope for action on the eyesore. City Council member Janet Miller had a good idea Tuesday that deserves action, too — that elements of the historic structure be incorporated into the design of the 500-space parking lot going in at the site.
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