Architects Give Ideas For Rebuilding Tornado-Ravaged Kansas Town

GREENSBURG, Kan. (AP) -- Rebuilding this town after its devastation by a tornado could provide a model for energy efficiency and rural spirit, planners and politicians say.<br/><br/>Gov. Kathleen Sebelius

Saturday, May 12th 2007, 8:48 pm

By: News On 6

GREENSBURG, Kan. (AP) -- Rebuilding this town after its devastation by a tornado could provide a model for energy efficiency and rural spirit, planners and politicians say.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said she has talked with local officials about the possibility of rebuilding the town with energy-efficient buildings and using sustainable energy sources.

"We have the opportunity of having the greenest town in rural America," Sebelius said.

Chris Kliewer, president of the Wichita chapter of the American Institute of Architects, said he offered Sebelius the group's support in rebuilding the town by sharing the latest trends in technology and architecture.

"I am excited about the possibilities for creating hope in Greensburg and making this small town known for much more than this tragic event," Kliewer said. "It's really a golden opportunity. Rarely do you have a situation where you can start with a clean
slate."

The tornado destroyed more than 90% of the buildings in Greensburg, about 110 miles west of Wichita and 50 miles north of the Oklahoma state line.