Readers were responding to news on Monday the devel-oper, Christchurch-based Luke Dirkzwager, had come up with a new design, the third so far for his development at 372 to 392 Princes St.
The long-running issue will return to a resource consent hearing next month.
A Dunedin City Council planner has recommended consent be granted to demolish all the buildings, except the 386 Princes St facade.
A request for feedback attracted 13 email responses, 10 of which argued the facades should be saved.
Typical of the responses was that of Lyndsey Garden.
"The problem with whatever new design that's produced is that it's new, whereas the value of these old buildings has nothing to do with the fact that they look old, but that they are old.
"Any attempt to pretend otherwise is mere charlatanism, and will lead inexorably to this important heritage precinct of our city becoming little more than a fake.
"Every single one of these facades should be saved."
Henry Fraser agreed, and said the vibrancy of the city would be lost by "soulless new buildings" that were intended to be their replacement.
"It loses spice. It loses interest. It loses character and it makes Princes St a less interesting place to be."
Others noted while every attempt should be made to keep the facades, the development was in an area in desperate need of an upgrade, and an influx of people.
Robert Gale claimed none of the existing facades were original, as most buildings in the area were already modified or rebuilt.
"The buildings are past their use-by date and if not developed will continue into decay.
"The only reason they are still standing is due to habit.
"The Princes St south area urgently needs revitalisation; it is currently an embarrassment to the city."
The consent hearing to consider the latest design will be held on August 19.
