Partnership to push Libertyville community center plan

Two groups that normally operate in the background could join forces to make what members hope would be a public splash.

Boards of the Libertyville Civic Center Foundation and the Brainerd Community Center Inc., have agreed to work together and are considering how a single new organization would be governed and function.

The partnership would provide staff, resources, expertise, volunteers and assets to pursue the renovation of Brainerd, the former Libertyville High School, into a community center.

Both entities in separate actions have officially endorsed the move, according to John Snow, president of the Brainerd group.

"We're past the dating stage, we're engaged," he said. "Now we have to plan a wedding."

Space for weddings - or other large gatherings - could be among the possible uses in a revamped Brainerd complex and adjoining Jackson gym, built in 1916 and 1929 respectively.

Estimates for renovations have ranged as high as $15 million. While there has been a village-sanctioned grass roots effort to pursue that, years of effort essentially have come up dry and time is becoming a factor.

The village in 2006 signed a long-term lease with Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128, which owns the buildings. Payments don't begin until late 2011, giving the village an out if substantial fundraising or renovations haven't materialized.

A new Brainerd board has been pushing for public support, particularly from village trustees, but its resources are limited.

A partnership with the Civic Center, a long-standing organization could accelerate the effort.

"This is a real shot in the arm," Snow said. "They would have a better roster of people who could help work on the Brainerd project."

The Civic Center Foundation operates the Civic Center, owned by the village, as a hub for senior and community events. It was built as a post office in 1935 at 135 West Church St., in the heart of downtown.

Theoretically, those activities could be moved to a renovated Brainerd, leaving the current Civic Center as a salable asset.

"It would be nice for us to have a place to grow into," said Anne Carlino, Civic Center director.

Mayor Terry Weppler, a former Civic Center president who remains as one of 15 board members, said a merger is possible but the group needs assurances its offerings would not be impacted by such a move.

"It's a good idea in theory," he said.

Of more immediate interest, is the cash that would be available to make needed repairs, of which the roof is the most pressing. The organization listed more than $519,000 in net assets on its most recently available tax return.

Snow said a partnership also could increase fundraising and marketing efforts. The annual Libertyville Days festival is the Civic Center's main fundraiser.

"There won't be a sense of competition but rather of a common purpose," Snow said of a pact with the Civic Center.