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This old library needs new use

Shocked by estimated costs of conversion to a community center, leaders decide to consider "anything and everything" else.

LARGO - City leaders have decided against turning the old library building into a multigenerational center, at least for now.

The reason, in a word, is money.

Instead, the city will solicit proposals to find out what the 36,000-square-foot building could be used for.

The city will entertain proposals for "anything and everything," City Manager Steve Stanton said. That includes using the building for private or public purposes, or a combination of the two.

The old library building will become available when the city's new $21-million library opens in June 2005.

City staffers had proposed a multigenerational center that would incorporate senior programs from the Largo Community Center and focus on the arts. Commissioners had agreed to study the use of the space.

But no one knew how much the new center would cost. On Tuesday, when staffers asked for $1.5-million to renovate the building, officials expressed sticker shock.

They decided against the $30,000 space utilization study and eliminated the proposed renovations from the 2005-06 budget.

"This is going to be a particularly tough budget year," Commissioner Charlie Harper said. "We're all looking to stretch every dollar we can, and if something doesn't seem to jibe in our minds, we're going to think about it, and if we've thought about it before, we're going to think about it again."

The proposed multigenerational center has not been without controversy.

Many residents have called to oppose the closing of the Largo Community Center, Commissioner Jean Halvorsen said.

Other groups and businesses have expressed interest in the library.

The Largo/Mid-Pinellas Chamber of Commerce wants to lease 1,200 square feet for its offices. A school has expressed interest in renting the facility.

Commissioner Gay Gentry said it will look bad if the building ends up sitting empty.

She hopes the facility will be used in a way that's complementary to the new library, the cultural center and central park.

Officials need to find out "what's out there looking for a home and then go from there," she said.

- Shannon Tan can be reached at shtan@sptimes.com or 445-4174.