St. Charles Library temporarily relocating to Haines building next spring
Amid discussions over repurposing the recently shuttered Haines Middle School, St. Charles Unit District 303 has finalized a deal allowing the public library to temporarily rent space in the building.
Library leaders are planning a roughly $18.6 million renovation and expansion of their facility at 1 S. Sixth Ave., prompting their search for a temporary home. Rather than rent retail space or work around the construction, library officials requested moving their operations into a portion of the Haines building while their project is ongoing.
The school board this week unanimously approved a lease with the library, extending from March 1, 2020, through May 31, 2021. The library will pay $22,822 per month, according to the agreement.
The deal results in a significant cost savings for the library, while also allowing patrons to continue using its services during construction, Director Edith Craig said at a meeting last week.
"Ultimately, I think the taxpayers of St. Charles will benefit in multiple ways," she said. "The generosity of the school district has been a complete pleasure."
The library's temporary use of Haines is included in the first phase of a proposed $4.36 million project to repurpose the building.
The school board voted 6-1 this week to authorize architecture firm ATS&R to prepare construction documents and start seeking bids. The move does not commit them to any part of the project, officials said, but will provide more accurate cost estimates.
Board member Michael Bryant cast the lone "no" vote. He could not be reached for comment Friday.
Proposed design plans call for moving library operations into the Haines learning resource center, sixth-grade wing and part of the Project Lead the Way section.
The park district also has asked to use the gymnasium and adjacent band, choir and orchestra rooms for its programming needs. That partnership could start as early as January, pending approval of an agreement.
The proposed plans also include relocating various special programs and administrative offices, completing building and roof improvements, establishing a new community room and tearing down two wings of the building.
The project is expected to cost District 303 about $4.17 million, with the library and park district covering some expenses specific to their needs.
Most school board members have supported partnerships with other government agencies. But some have expressed concerns over which district programs are the best use of the building and whether any part of the structure should be razed.
School board President Carolyn Waibel has suggested hiring an engineer to help determine if the two wings proposed for demolition have any value.
To prepare construction and bid documents, ATS&R receives a fee of 7.75% of final construction costs, which won't be determined until the bids are opened in October, district spokeswoman Carol Smith says.
The school board is expected to continue discussions through the fall and potentially decide in November whether to move forward with any part of the project.