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Out With The Old County Courthouse, In With The Tallest Tower In Midland
Out With The Old County Courthouse, In With The Tallest Tower In Midland 3/18/13
CBS 7 News
mrist@cbs7.com
March 18, 2013
MIDLAND-The city took control of the old county courthouse with a $2.2 million all-cash purchase today.
There was some opposition from community members, but the deal was passed by both the County Commissioners Court and the Midland City Council unanimously.
Now a developer is reaching to the sky with a new plan. But will it work in midland?
Today the city also approved an agreement with Energy Related Properties for the development of a 58-story Energy Tower in its place.
The plan seems right out of a dream for Midlanders--with everything from restaurants to office space, apartments and even a movie theater.
"It’s very important that we have something the rest of the country can recognize very easily and understand that this is Midland we’re very proud of it,” said Developer William “Bill” Meyer of Energy Related Properties.
But some Midlanders wanted to save the old courthouse, but the city says it would cost more than $20 million just to remodel it as it is.
"I just wish we would have better use for it rather than tear it down and build this big building,” said long-time Midlander Sue Brannon. “I just feel like we need to keep what history we have left in Midland.”
While the courthouse will likely be demolished either way, Energy Towers has one year to lease space before construction --and demolition--begins.
"This is our better solution," said Mayor Wes Perry. "If this doesn't work, then I think the courthouse is something we can deal with as a community and figure out what do we want there in its place."
No word yet on the potential cost of the energy tower.
The developer is set to release more information on the cost in an early April press conference with the architect.
The tower could be open as early as 2016.