WINONA, Minn. — Responding to intense community anger, the president of Cotter Schools said there was no is no reasonable alternative to tearing down the once showcase Lourdes Hall at the old College of Teresa. Lourdes, said Mary Eileen Fitch, “cannot effectively or efficiently be renovated.” Hoping to placate the spontaneous grassroots objections, Futch said Cotter was committed to working with:
> Local preservationists to incorporate distinctive Lourdes stonework into restoration projects around town.
> The Winona Historical Society to preserve meaningful artifacts.
> Preservation professionals to salvage architectural elements, including interior and exterior light fixtures, built-in bookcases, the original front entryway, pool ladder, cherubs, wooden screens, benches and railings.
> St. Teresa alumni to create a documentary on the Lourdes history and legacy.
Earlier: WSU’s forlorn Lourdes venture: Final chapter