What should happen to the Carnegie Library building? It’s a question Emporia City Commissioners have been pondering for several years now, with the latest round of conversations on the topic coming during the commission’s recent study session Wednesday afternoon.
Much of the commission seemed to think demolition of the property was the best course of action forward, echoing suggestions made back in 2022 when the property was a frequent discussion item on the commission’s agenda. Commissioners had suggested demolishing the property and converting it into a green space, however, Commissioner Becky Smith Wednesday stated she was not sold on the idea just yet.
Commissioners had previously discussed a renovation of the property, however, the cost for such an endeavor would be sizeable, roughly $1.3 million back in 2022. Mothballing the property was estimated to cost roughly $300,000, with demolition ranging in the area of $500,000.
Commissioners also placed the property out to bid with the Emporia Public Library and developers Jason and Cassie Heffron submitting bids, however, nothing ever materialized on either front. With that in mind, KVOE News asked Smith if all other options had already been explored, thus making demolition the obvious choice.
Smith responded by saying that was three years ago and many things have changed.
Smith says she is encouraging individuals with unique yet realistic ideas to reach out to her personally so she can bring them before her fellow commissioners for further discussion in the coming months.
