"By bulldozing our heritage, project planners will only be perpetuating what is WRONG with downtown, an un-unique experience that can be obtained elsewhere in the suburbs. Let's not repeat the massively disruptive redevelopment process in 20 years."

Von Stocking of North Salt Lake joined several readers in saying that the Deseret Building (a k a the First Security Building) is "not a sacred cow," and that photographs of the historic building should suffice.

"Stop worrying, take the photos, save the artifacts and let the wrecking ball swing!" Stocking said.

Meanwhile, Jeff Anderson proposed that public funds be used to buy the Deseret Building.

"It would be declared a national landmark, purchased with public funds and retrofitted to bring it up to safety standards," Anderson wrote. "Then it could be leased and some of the expenses recouped. In other words, it is only fair that this building and others like it should be preserved at public expense."

Camille Protti of West Valley City said she liked what she's heard about the project, but is distressed by the timing.

"I think it's a good idea — except it's going to take such a long time — and I think they should hold off to starting the demolition until after the holidays," Protti wrote. "It will mess up traffic, and lots of people love to go and see the lights every time around the time they want to begin."

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E-mail: jnii@desnews.com