The exterior of the building is so remarkable and so unique, with its Normandy inspiration. I mean, it's a landmark; it's truly a landmark, and it was designed by one of America's greatest architects. But there's little point in saving a building just to save a building. Buildings are to be used. It doesn't have to have the original use; it just needs to be used.

You look at this stuff and you kind of feel like you're in 'the presence,' you know?

It's really kind of tragic that the work of the state tuberculosis commission and the doctors and then, hiring Cass Gilbert – this major name – all this energy ... and then. It's tragic. It's kind of tragic.