It’s easy sometimes to forget how fortunate we are to have such dedicated service organizations in our community. High among them is Futures Rehabilitation Center — I am sure many fellow readers of Other Voices are familiar with their inspiring work serving people with disabilities in our community. The volunteers, clients, staff, donors, and board who make Futures what it is deserve to be applauded for their service to our community.

It is for that reason especially that I was sorry to learn in The Era’s Sept. 15 article that Futures had not yet found a better option than demolition for the beautiful BRAD Center building at 150 Kennedy St. Demolitions are extremely expensive; it would be a shame to see Futures forced to waste money on demolition — money they would otherwise devote to their inspiring programs. If Futures sold the building on the corner of Jackson and Kennedy instead of demolishing it, they would not only save the tens of thousands of dollars in demolition costs, it would also receive a very significant amount of money through the building’s sale. Think of what Futures could do with many tens of thousands of dollars more in additional funding.

I am sure Futures could find a ready and able buyer for the beautiful edifice at 150 Kennedy — because I am willing to be that buyer. I would be willing to pay Futures whatever a qualified appraiser determines to be the current fair market value of the building. Knowing how many members of our community both believe deeply in Futures’ mission and love historic buildings, I suspect I am not the only buyer Futures could find.

Whoever Futures chooses as the buyer, I am sure it will feel thankful to have the opportunity to preserve a house that will beautify our streets for future generations while also helping Futures make a financially responsible move that ensures the continued success of an inspiring organization.

Andrew Scanlan, Bradford