Cupolas have had many uses throughout the years, not the least of which is allowing light into rooms that may benefit from natural brightness. They also add a distinct sense of classic architecture to buildings that may not have any special touches like finials or weathervanes on their roofs. Now, as you know from previous posts, I’m a big supporter of cupola preservation and reinstallation, but sometimes I question the lengths some areas will go to in saving these gems of old Americana.

One such instance is taking place in Norwood Center, Massachusetts, where the local high school is being knocked down. The project is on track to meet its budget, according to a story in Boston.com, but one request from the local historical society may put the project over that number:

“The selectmen received a request from the Norwood Historical Commission to preserve the cupola on top of the clock tower of the old high school. The commission wants to place the cupola in a public park as a memorial. One selectman said he has inspected the cupola to see whether it is feasible to take it down and preserve it; he said he is unsure whether this could be done. A crane would be needed to lift the cupola off the tallest height of the building.”

The board of selectmen is not turning down this request outright, but the article says that there may be added costs associated with such an action. Since the demolition is on schedule and under the control of a contractor, it may be a difficult and costly proposition to preserve the cupola as a memorial.

 “‘I know how well-intentioned it is; it would have been a great idea if we thought about it six months ago,’ said [one selectman]. ‘I’m worried about the scheduling and the practicality of doing it within the time frame.’”

Do you think this type of project is something that money and time should be spent on? Shouldn’t cupolas be on top of buildings and not in the middle of parks?