The city of Emporia is nearing a set of decisions on how to handle the downtown Carnegie Library.
A public forum organized by Don Loux was designed to get more information to residents about options for the building, especially, according to Loux, about keeping the facility renovated and available for use again.
About 30 people attend the forum, which included presentations on engineering, preservation tourism, grants, construction incentives and potential uses. Emporia City Manager Trey Cocking says the turnout was a positive as the city decides how to proceed. He also says potential developers need to keep one thing in mind:
The city has been considering mothballing the building towards a decision later — a step Cocking calls “kicking the can down the road” for another three to five years — as well as demolishing the property or an outright sale. Cocking says demolition would likely trigger a challenge from the Kansas State Historic Society, and there isn’t money set aside in the budget for either mothballing or demolishing. The city also is working towards an application deadline for potential owners, but there hasn’t been a lot of stated interest to this point.
Loux says turning the building into green space, possibly for an amphitheater, shouldn’t be considered.
The future of the Carnegie is into its second round of discussions in a three-year stretch, but the conversation actually dates back to before the Lyon County Historical Society’s move to the History Center in 2016. Part of the reason the History Center moved out of the Carnegie at 118 East Sixth was because of space limitations and significant maintenance needs for the building. The Historical Society completed its move in 2020 by clearing storage items. In 2022, the city solicited bids for the property, receiving paperwork from the Emporia Public Library and potential developers Jason and Cassie Heffron. The city did not move forward on either option.
The library was built in 1908 and features almost 3,900 square feet of space.
Residents interested in a tour or just in learning more about the building can call Director of Public Lands and Facilities Kevin Hanlin at 620-343-4294 or email khanlin@emporiaks.gov. Residents with a plan for the property can apply at emporiaks.gov/surpluspropertyapp.
