Don't close historic house in Springfield

The closing of the Dana-Thomas house in Springfield as an economy measure is a shortsighted decision. Instead of looking at the cost of keeping this extraordinary Frank Lloyd Wright home open, the state of Illinois needs top consider the costs of closing it.

To begin, this home draws many visitors to downstate Illinois. Chicago has reigned as Illinois' top tourist destination because of the attention to museums and special attractions. The Dana-Thomas home was one of the special features for downstate Illinois. By closing this home, the state will be telling more than 40,000 annual visitors to spend their tourism dollars elsewhere.

The state has already invested $6 million into the purchase and restoration of the Dana-Thomas House. To abandon this magnificent feat of preservation instead of promoting it is wasting a significant investment.

The cost goes beyond dollar signs. Illinois' image is also at stake. Illinois had earned a reputation for preserving this unique example of Frank Lloyd Wright's talents. The thirty-five room home filled with Wright's furniture designs is unequaled. It is a treasure that the state should preserve and protect for future generations. Closing the doors to this attraction sends a message that Illinois does not value the work of this artist and will not share it with others.

There is also a loss to the future by closing this home that is an example of true genius. Studying the talents of those who have gone before us has inspired new generations. Wright was named the "greatest American architect of all time" by the American Institute of Architects. To shut off access to one of the most best-preserved examples of his work is to deny thousands the opportunity to be inspired by his work.

Deborah Lee

Naperville