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� s � necessary to correct the problems they were experiencing due to water seeping through the mortar between the bricks in the walls. In addition, the windows were leaking and needed replacing. Funds were not requested, nor made available, for either of these problems since the future of the building was unknown. The roof had been replaced not too long ago and had nothing to do with the leaks from the walls or windows. Commissioner Bird explained that he felt the diminution in the appraised value was not necessarily due to the condition of the building, but, in fact, was due to a depressed real estate market. He felt that the condition of the building was just normal wear and tear. Peter Armfield, local appraiser, agreed with Commissioner Bird's assessment that the deterioration of the building was probably only a minor factor in the lowered value. He felt the major factor was that there had been a real estate recession for the last three years which had affected values of buildings like the courthouse. Commissioner Macht believed there was a very limited range of users for that type of building, and Mr. Armfield agreed with Commissioner Macht especially because of its size, design and condition. Commissioner Adams felt the old courthouse was never designed to be put on the market and sold. Chairman Tippin commented that the building contained the first and last basement in Indian River County. As a child he had heard jokes about the "downtown swimming pool," and records being ruined during the rainy season. In defense of staff, he believed that water had been leaking into that building since it was built. Commissioner Bird understood that removing the wings was not an option. He believed it would be too expensive and didn't see what would be gained by retaining only the central core of the building. He thought that the building could be advertised for sale, but if the intent is to preserve the building for historical purposes, there was no assurance of that without a caveat. Commissioner Macht said he had furnished everyone with a copy of his letter which contained information based on a series of meetings he had had with people who were interested in a community use for the building. He believed that a youth center, "mall" for care -givers, citrus, historical, or discovery museum were possible uses. He expected that a lot of organizations would be capable of maintaining the building and it seemed to him to be the most 41 December 13, 1994 600( EA.f.E 0