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City recreation staff outline reuse plan for former library building; initial upgrades estimated up to $80,000
Summary
Verona’s recreation director proposed using the former library at 1030 N. Franklin St. for recreation programming including after‑school care, senior programming and room rentals; staff provided an itemized estimate of initial upgrades ranging from about $36,000 to $80,000 depending on options.
Casey Dudley, Verona’s recreation director, presented a plan on April 28 to repurpose the former city library building at 1030 North Franklin Street for recreation programming, after‑school care, senior classes and rentable community space.
Dudley said the building is centrally located and could host after‑school programming for elementary students, toddler and preschool activities, adult exercise classes and community rental events. He said the school district had expressed interest in partnering on after‑school care and had a possible funding source (Fund 80) to support programming or staff.
Staff provided a cost worksheet for initial work the city would need to open part of the building. The low‑end estimate for movable and minor improvements was about $36,000; the higher‑end scenario — including flooring replacement (luxury vinyl plank) in the west half of the building, an access-control (fob) system, added cameras and other infrastructure work — rose toward $75,000–$80,000. Dudley said the city could phase work over multiple years and that the basement and elevator were not included in the immediate plan because the elevator needs repairs and the lower level has moisture and finish concerns.
Council discussion covered programming demand, staffing and sequencing. Several alderpersons urged moving ahead quickly to address after‑school care shortages and to make the space available for community rentals; others urged a longer‑term facilities plan and recommended coordinating with ongoing planning efforts so investments align with city priorities. Alder Lytle asked that council members be shown the site on a tour; staff agreed to offer an additional tour for council members.
Why it matters: The building sits within walking distance of multiple schools and could relieve pressure on existing after‑school providers and offer new room‑rental options for community events. Short‑term costs to make part of the building usable are modest relative to the property’s central location, staff said, but longer‑term investments (elevator upgrade, basement remediation) could raise costs.
Next steps: Staff will continue refining cost estimates, coordinate tours for council members and incorporate the project into capital‑planning discussions. Council members asked staff to explore phased approaches and potential donor or grant support.
