Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Old downtown jail largely vacant; county hopes to sell Metcad building to City of Champaign while planning demolition next year
Summary
Committee members heard that the old downtown jail is mostly vacant and being used for storage, that the county hopes to demolish the building next year pending funds, and that preliminary talks continue with METCAD/City of Champaign about selling the Metcad building.
Champaign County facilities staff told the Ward Facilities Committee on May 6 that the old downtown jail is largely vacant and being used for storage, and that the county hopes to demolish the building as soon as funds permit — possibly next year.
A committee member asked about occupancy of the old jail; facilities staff said they were told the sheriff had one staff member stationed there to direct the public, but otherwise the building is "almost a vacant building at this stage" and the county has used the lower level for storage. When asked if demolition was planned, staff said, "That is. What's the time frame on that? Hoping for next year, assuming funds stay there maybe the year after, but, we're we're shooting for next year."
The committee also discussed the METCAD building and preliminary talks about its future. Facilities staff said they had met with "Ralph and Jeff" and that METCAD is bringing the matter to its board; Executive Summers clarified that METCAD is under the control of the City of Champaign and that the city would make a purchase if it chooses to do so. Staff said the county is hopeful a sale to METCAD/City of Champaign could occur.
Next steps Staff will continue discussions with METCAD and city partners about a potential sale, and the county will plan for demolition of the old downtown jail pending available funds. No formal vote or binding agreement was recorded in the meeting.
