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Council debates surplusing Sterling Mormon House vs. restoring for victim services
Summary
Some councilors proposed surplusing the Sterling Mormon House with preservation conditions or relocating it to form a historic district; others defended restoration and said the building is the right location for victim services and small conference space.
Council members traded sharply different views on whether the Sterling Mormon House should remain a city‑owned historic asset restored for limited public use or be surplused to the private sector with preservation conditions.
One council member suggested surplusing the house with strict covenants that preserve historic character and require occupancy within two years, noting private money can sometimes accomplish restoration faster than public funds. "Private money can go a lot further than public," the councilor said.
Other councilors and staff emphasized the house'9s historical value and its potential to centralize victim advocacy and provide accessible interview and conference rooms. Sue Beeman, the city'9s historic preservation expert, said existing preservation planning and a conceptual scheme support restoration and that the property is already city‑owned, which may make adaptive reuse simpler. The council asked staff to research surplus authority, deed restrictions, and conditional sale options and return with options.
