On Friday, Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice, contacted the Cleveland Law Department and asked that the city not demolish the gazebo at Cudell Recreation Center since the Smithsonian Institute was interested in preserving it.
Stephanie Chiariello, with the Butterfly Project and on behalf of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, said the museum is interested in exploring the possibility of a historic preservation of the gazebo.
Chiariello said it's unclear whether the museum wants to move the gazebo to Washington, or preserve it in place.
"It's fluid situation right now, which is why we are out here today asking the city, please do not tear this down today. Let's ask what doing that will do to the community," she said.
NewsChannel 5 asked the Rice family's attorney, Subodh Chandra, for a comment. Chandra confirmed the Smithsonian's interest and said;
Since the Smithsonian had interest in the possible relocation of the gazebo, the City of Cleveland will delay the deconstruction of the structure for 30 days to allow the discussion to continue.
"Although the Rice family wanted the gazebo demolished, it supports the concept of historic preservation by a responsible institution," Chandra said.
