Joston House landmark nomination

The Aquinas Catholic Schools president opposed the nomination, saying the school needs flexibility for possible vocational education uses, has no definite plans, won't use the property as a parking lot, and believes landmark designation should require owner consent.

A former resident of the house, he urged preservation, recalled Aquinas demolishing half a block of homes decades ago, and said a family is currently interested in buying the home.

A nearby neighbor, she raised concerns about losing housing in a city already short on it and about demolition waste going to the landfill.

The across-the-street neighbor who co-authored the nomination explained she considered it years ago but lacked capacity, and pursued it after Roger Beckstrom's death to honor his legacy.

Roger Beckstrom's daughter described growing up in the home, her parents' preservation of it, and her father's belief that Aquinas would use and enjoy the house rather than tear it down.

A neighbor in the nearby carriage house, she recalled Roger Beckstrom hoping the house might one day house Aquinas international students, suggesting a use-compatible-with-preservation option.