Council discusses options for aging Women’s Club building; staff estimates repairs exceed $500,000

City staff told the Lake City Council on June 2 that repair estimates for the Women’s Club building exceed $500,000 and recommended demolition as the only reasonable option given structural and cost concerns.

City Manager Rosenthal and staff described two engineering estimates: the city’s engineer estimated repairs “in excess of $500,000,” and an individual (Daniel Craps) provided an engineer’s estimate he believed could be lower but near $600,000 according to the transcript. Rosenthal said staff’s reasonable option at present is demolition and that staff “awaits further instructions.”

Councilmembers asked whether the building has state or federal historic designation; City Attorney Martin said he did not recall seeing it on the city’s list of historic structures and would need to consult historic-district maps. Councilmember Carnar asked whether multiple quotes had been obtained; staff replied the city engineer and an outside estimate had been referenced but did not describe a competitive procurement process.

Councilmembers emphasized preserving certain elements if demolition proceeds. Councilmember Young asked that exterior memorial bricks and elements of the fireplace be preserved if possible; staff agreed to work with the building official to allow removal of ornaments under safety conditions.

Councilmember Jernigan urged options be explored and asked staff to return with recommendations; the council directed staff to schedule a public workshop for broader public input and asked staff to present options and recommended next steps at a future meeting. The council did not authorize demolition at this meeting and recorded no formal motion to demolish.