Romanticizing city hall
The conceptual rendering of the proposed new city hall is very attractive, yet it seems to evoke conflicting emotions. Humans have an insatiable urge for anything new and many are skilled in the art of manipulating and exploiting this urge. So it’s understandable that there is considerable excitement surrounding this project with many anxious for it to commence.
Equally strong however, are the doubts and reservations that arise when you consider the substantial loss of tax revenue this prime real estate could generate for Whitefish and its residents if it were completely leased out to local businesses. The prospect of some, if not most of this new complex being filled by non-revenue producing city entities is troubling to say the least.
Add to that the numerous jobs these businesses would have created and you begin to realize just how much this decision will cost Whitefish residents both now and in the future. A familiar truth that bears repeating: government doesn’t create anything nor is it supposed to.
Apparently Whitefish government isn’t exempt from the philosophy that drives the federal government: spend constituents hard earned money on that which grows, or most benefits the government itself.
Government has long since abandoned the quaint notion that its sole purpose is to serve the people. They have forgotten the noble creed which espouses, “Servants are not greater than the ones they are to serve.” The monuments in and around our nation’s capital weren’t erected as monuments to the government, but rather as testaments to “We the People!”
This is not to suggest that the governing body of Whitefish isn’t important, only that it would be fiscally prudent if city hall and all related offices were located in an area that would have less economic impact on local businesses.
A location such as the Mountain Mall. It has an abundance of vacant space, is extremely inexpensive to remodel, the traffic signal provides excellent ingress and egress, there’s substantial parking, it’s handicap accessible and offers the most cost effective solution available.
In reality, such a thought would require a radical departure from the romantic image many people have of city hall, even though culturally we have evolved into a society that, for better or worse, has become more efficient. The way people pay bills, communicate, exchange documents and information can now all be done remotely. The “need” to have a city hall located downtown like the one depicted in “Back to the Future” has become obsolete.
Moreover, to insist that the new city hall command such a prominent and costly location is akin to insisting that manual typewriters be used by all city employees in lieu of word processors. Though nostalgic, it would be neither practical nor economical.
Ostensibly the decision has already been made, all that remains is to decide on which option is most appealing. As mentioned already, the conceptual rendering is aesthetically pleasing and would be well suited in any metropolitan suburb. But Whitefish is not just another metropolitan suburb and these designs bear little semblance to its local flare. Nor do they capture the unique flavor of Whitefish and its residents.
Admittedly, to some extent this is a subjective statement and apart from the chalet styling of the train depot, Whitefish doesn’t have what’s commonly referred to as “authentic architecture.” In truth, downtown could well be described as being somewhat eclectic. However, this project could afford Whitefish the rare opportunity to develop its own architectural theme with the new city hall complex being the cornerstone.
Rather than using masonry bricks, structural steel and decorative steel accents as depicted in the renderings, considerations could be given to indigenous materials that would not only provide rustic beauty, but also reduce the building’s overall carbon footprint.
Materials such as quarried stone along the base of the building, Chief Cliff stone for its veneer (as used on the Whitefish Credit Union), reclaimed timber accents, natural stone mantels and lentils for above and below doors and window openings. Even the elevations could be designed in a manor that depicts a historical Whitefish. Portions of the building could be stepped in and out slightly to create the appearance of separate buildings. The prominent corner portion made to resemble a more classic western city hall or courthouse.
Where the fire department once was a facade that resembles an old fire hall with large arched openings where the engine bays would be and a bell mounted above outside. Perhaps even a glass enclosure over the back alley creating a year round “Old Town” courtyard, complete with stone walkways and gaslights.
Several ski towns in Colorado have adopted and adapted various architectural themes with extraordinary results. The challenge is to temper progress in a manor that won’t impede efficiency or stifle ingenuity while at the same time, foster a sense of community. Whitefish is and hopefully will continue to be a distinctive town with its own unique personality.
— Jeff Bailey