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Old library needs new purpose in life

Suggestions include using the East Bay Drive building as a community center, leasing or selling it for commercial use, or tearing it down.

By SHANNON TAN
Published February 6, 2005

LARGO - What should be done with the old Largo Library building?

Using the 36,190-square-foot building for public purposes would mean less revenue for the city, but greater control of the facility by city officials. Options include a city museum, park extension, community college, adult learning center, charter school and a senior/community center.

But to rake in more money, the city could lease or sell the building at 351 East Bay Drive to restaurants, retail centers, the YMCA, a dinner theater or a leisure learning center.

That's the philosophical decision city commissioners will have to make this year.

The old Largo Library building will be vacated when the new $21-million library opens in June.

"It's not just an economic and functional decision, it's also a community and political decision," said Virginia "Ginger" Corles, president of Herbert-Halback Inc. of Orlando, which is performing a $30,000 market study of the building.

Based on discussions with the city's staff, Corles told commissioners on Tuesday that the general sentiment was to keep the building and find a use that complements Largo Central Park.

Commissioners had earlier considered a multigenerational center that would bring children, adults and seniors together for activities such as yoga and sculpture classes. Programs from the 18,000-square-foot Largo Community Center could then be moved to the old library building, and the center sold to developers. But officials last year decided to consider other options.

Vice Mayor Pat Gerard said she now envisions an art center created by a public-private partnership. She wondered if there was a way the city could generate income but still control the facility.

"This is a golden opportunity we're not going to see for many years," said Gerard.

Commissioner Gay Gentry agreed.

"I think we need to look seriously at fact there is a vacuum in Pinellas County for arts for all age groups," she said. "The schools can no longer offer a lot of opportunities that some of us were able to take (advantage) of."

Andy Guyette, who is running for city commissioner, has proposed using part of the building for a science museum. Other residents suggested building a carousel or Ferris wheel as an addition to Largo Central Park, said Commissioner Charlie Harper, who wants to consider tearing down the facility.

Commissioner Pat Burke, who lives near the new library, said the top priority should be how the new use will affect traffic and parking.

Herbert-Halback Inc. is partnering with Real Estate Research Consultants and MLM-Martin Architects in Orlando to perform the market study and physical analysis of the facility.

The firm will conduct two public meetings this month and meet with groups such as the Largo/Mid-Pinellas Chamber of Commerce, Senior Advisory Board and Largo Historical Society.

The study would be presented to the City Commission in April.

Several residents criticized the city for hiring an outside consultant. They worried that renovating the building would cost more money.

"We're not here to make a buck as a community," responded resident J.B. Butler. "We're here to provide for the future. We do have to spend money for that."

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

[Last modified February 6, 2005, 00:22:15]