Lubbock’s Godbold Cultural Center May Be Demolished for Housing Soon
Lubbock's Godbold Cultural Center (2601 19th Street) could be demolished soon to make way for huge new structures.
According to EverythingLubbock, "if the proposal follows through, several structures in the 2600 block of 19th Street would be demolished. Those include the historic Godbold Cultural Center which ties in with the popular J-Café and the Lutheran Student Center."
Many residents of Tech Terrace are not happy about the proposed zoning change that could allow the new owners of the Godbold property the ability to level these buildings. Mostly because they are quite understandably concerned about the additional traffic this would generate in an already heavily trafficked area.
The Godblod complex was originally built as a hospital in 1935, but was heavily renovated in the 1990s to be a cultural center for live music. I remember being a little kid and seeing local bands perform there, alongside galleries of art. It's quite a charming building.
With the fairly recent relocation of Chrome (now at 6701 Slide Rd), most of the structure has sat empty, with the exception of Café J and the Lutheran Student Center. I have always felt this was a shame and a waste of beautiful and unique space.
Does Lubbock need more housing, student or otherwise? Of course. But I do feel that this project could mar a beautiful part of Lubbock. I would have much rather seen these buildings get revamped and repurposed than be demolished.
On September 1st, a planning and zoning commission meeting allowed citizens to express their concerns. The new owner defended his project, saying it would be a "good economic driver" for the city. The commission decided to delay the decision until an October 6th meeting.
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