The historic Turnhalle Building in Lawrence, Kan. (Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org)
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Problems preserving a historic Lawrence building might force a glass studio with a national reputation out of business. The city has declared part of the 1869 Turnhalle building unfit for habitation because of a serious mold problem. That area of the building houses Free State Glass, which is known for handmade glass items ranging from paperweights to chandeliers. Free State Glass co-owner Dick Rector says the Lawrence Preservation Alliance, which owns the building, failed at fixing the building. But the president of the alliance says the group found there was no short-term solution to fixing a leaking roof, and work to fix the problem cannot be started until November at the earliest. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that Rector says he's unsure what will happen to his company.