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Council to seek estimates for Old City Hall after mixed public views on demo vs. rehab
Summary
Council members agreed to obtain estimates and surveys for 312–314 West St. Louis Street to inform whether to demolish the old city hall or pursue rehabilitation (which might qualify for historic-preservation grants); members emphasized getting facts and holding public forums before decisions.
Council members discussed how to proceed with the old city hall at 312–314 West St. Louis Street, weighing demolition costs against potential rehabilitation using historic-preservation grant funding. Members repeatedly urged gathering estimates and surveys so public forums and choices can be based on facts rather than feelings.
A committee member recommended obtaining several estimates and surveys to clarify costs and options, and a council member cited a rough survey cost estimate of $2,500–$4,000. "If the estimations come out $500,000, then you go, whoa, that's not going to go down that road," one member said, noting that estimates can narrow options. Another member said rehabilitation may qualify for preservation grants that could offset costs.
Committee members discussed who would be responsible for collecting estimates; one member volunteered to get demolition estimates and bring the numbers back to the committee. Members agreed that, once they have estimates and appraisal figures, the city should present the information to the public at forums or through surveys before making a final decision.
The matter remains in information-gathering stage: the committee agreed to obtain estimates and return with numbers and options rather than taking immediate formal action.
