SNOHOMISH — The city is considering an idea to demolish the annex of the historic Carnegie Library building to make way for downtown meeting space.
The city owns the 1910 Cedar Avenue building, which includes a 1968 annex. The building was used as a library until 2003 but was abandoned when the Sno-Isle Library moved to a new location on Maple Avenue.
The Snohomish Carnegie Foundation has been working for 10 years to restore the building as close as possible to its original appearance, but with modern features and accessibility for those with disabilities.
Restoration and upgrades are estimated to cost about $4 million. Melody Clemans, the foundation president, said the economic recession has slowed fund raising.
In June, the foundation reported it had only about $1,800, according to city documents. The city’s Carnegie fund of rental fees held about $13,000.
The city has long been looking at ways to use the space. In July, the City Council discussed a concept that included more than $1.9 million worth of potential upgrades to the Carnegie property.
The city staff proposed demolishing the 5,000-square-foot annex and building a 1,440-square-foot space for council meetings. Community groups could also use the room.
The council directed the city staff to refine the idea and find ways to pay for it. Public Works Director Steve Schuller said he expects the staff will meet with the foundation to discuss the idea, but there is no timeline or project planned.
“Right now, there’s a lot more questions than answers,” Mayor Karen Guzak said.
Guzak said the council is content to continue using the Snohomish School District’s administration building for meetings until the city settles on a plan.
“It’s not a high-priority issue,” the mayor said. “We are looking at how to develop the Carnegie space.”
Clemans, the foundation president and a former city councilwoman, said she thinks the city’s involvement could open more opportunities for the foundation to seek grant money.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for the city and the foundation to partner,” she said.
The building has been upgraded, thanks to a $1 million federal grant. A seismic retrofit was completed in 2013.
Once the other restorations are completed, the foundation envisions using the library building for events and exhibits. Clemans said it plans to hire an executive director to promote the space.
“These people are looking at this with rose-colored glasses. It’s like if we build it they will come,” said Mick Odell, who operates an auction business in the Carnegie annex.
Odell said he thinks the city should first repair the existing structure before tearing down the annex and investing in new construction.
“A lot could be done here for very little,” Odell said. “Carnegie would be rolling in his grave. He was a man who knew how to use a buck.”
Odell pays $1,300 a month to rent the annex, which helps the city cover expenses for the building. His auctions bring people from out of town to Snohomish and generate tax revenue for the city.
Now, Odell is looking at relocating his business. He said he might have to leave Snohomish because he hasn’t found many options for space that would work for him.
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.
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