Jasper Library: Both options for 2016 referendum being explored
While environmental studies of the Hoosier Desk building are expected to begin next week, the library is keeping its options open.
Last week, the Jasper Common Council approved the combined engineering study and conceptual design of the building. Thursday evening, the Jasper Library Board of Trustees agreed it would continue due diligence with the Main Street location as those studies move forward.
“We have two locations we are doing due diligence on right now, the Hoosier Desk and the existing location,” board president Dean Vonderheide said. “Both of them are good locations. We need to do our due diligence to do this right.”
He explained that the opportunity to create a cultural center involving the arts and the library was too good to not explore thoroughly.
The board touched on the asking price for the Hoosier Desk building. According to Vonderheide, he doesn’t know what Ken and Paul Sternberg are seeking for the building. “Whatever it is, it has to be a fair value and we have to weigh it against our options,” he said.
The library has agreed to pay up to 25 percent of the cost of the combined study and concept design being completed by Ferdinand firm Universal Designs and Boston-based Gamble Associates. The study and design is expected to cost around $55,000. The arts commission also agreed to pay 25 percent, leaving the remaining amount to the city and the Sternbergs. The Sternbergs will pay $7,500 and the city, $17,500.
An agreement will need to be drawn up between the entities involved as they move forward, according to the board’s retained counsel Bill Shaneyfelt.
Board member Bill Hewitt explained that the library has not spent any money exploring options for a new library since the 2011 referendum. The library had spent nearly $350,000 on professional services like architectural firms, bond counsel and legal advisers since the process began in 2008.
In regards to the Main Street location, plans for the larger library require more parking. To accommodate this, past designs have recommended the library purchase up to eight properties to use for that expansion. It will also likely require closing a portion of 12th Street.
Members of the board and Library Director Christine Golden have been in contact with adjacent landowners to gauge their interest in selling. So far, most responses have been positive.
As the Hoosier Desk study is completed, the board will continue to explore the Main Street location informally. The board agreed to contact local contractors and architectural firms to get an average of costs to demolish and build at the Main Street location.
The board has not agreed on a design or plan for the Main Street location and have only volunteered their own time to explore the site.
According to Vonderheide, the Main Street location is also viable as a collaborative effort between the arts and library. “The downtown offers a lot location-wise, but look what you have here,” he said about the 1116 Main Street location. “Either location could spur some revitalization downtown.”
The library board is planning to have an option available for a November 2016 referendum.
Call me crazy but shouldn’t we know how much they want for the building before we consider buying it? If they want too much and if the building is in such poor condition that it would take millions more to fix it than building a new building why spend the money to begin with? How about the owner of the building pay the full amount for the structural, environmental and flood plain review. They could then use this information when they try to sell the property to other potential buyers.