That’s the question being asked in many locations in the country, as the modernist architecture of mid-20th century America faces an uncertain future.

Long an art form that has engendered apathy even among some preservation purists, post-World War II commercial architecture has a difficult time capturing public attention. This is unfortunate, as many wonderful examples of representative styles are easy targets for demolition.

Such is the case in Cleveland, as this recent column by Cleveland Plain Dealer architecture critic Steven Litt points out. The column is entitled “Public should speak up before tower comes down.”

The building in question is a work by architect Marcel Breuer, who was born in Hungary in 1902, and became one of the world’s greatest masters of the “International” style. His designs include the Whitney Museum in New York City, St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota, and the UNESCO Headquarters Building in Paris, France. His work was responsible for fueling the decline of the pre-World War Bauhaus style into a style which sought to combine arts and technology, later known as “Brutalism.”

The proposed demolition in the 29-story Breuer-designed tower in Cleveland is part of a major project undertaken by the Cuyahoga County Commissioners.

According to Mr. Linn’s piece, the Cleveland Restoration Society and the Urban Design Collaborative of Kent State University are working to encourage consideration of renovating the landmark tower.

Click here to access the Wikipedia article on Marcel Breuer.

Photo Credit:  Endangfered Marcel Breuer-designed tower, Cleveland/Used with permission