UMass Prof Seeks to Save Historic Holyoke Building

A University of Massachusetts professor is trying to find a way to save a building in downtown Holyoke from the wrecking ball. The building, known as the Skinner Coffee House, is just a few blocks away from another building that partially collapsed during demolition. A man on the demolition crew was killed. Holyoke mayor Michael Sullivan says he doesn't want to leave the Skinner Coffee House standing much longer without renovation. The building started as a Hotel in the 1880s. UMass architecture and design professor Joseph Krupczynski says with the mills in south Holyoke thriving, the hotel did a booming business for several decades. For more information, see http://www.umass.edu/architecture/activities/outreach/skinner_holyoke.htm.