Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The final property needed for Warsaw Community Public Library's expansion has been tentatively acquired.
After more than a year of negotiations, an agreement has been reached between the library and leaders of First Church of Christ Scientist, which is located just north of the library.
The library is in the midst of an expansion that will nearly triple its floor space and needs the church property for parking.
Under terms of the agreement, the property will be sold for $95,000. The land will be turned over to the library on Jan. 1 or within the following six months, depending on when the church is able to relocate.
If the church needs the additional six months, it will pay $800 per month. All terms of the agreement except for the rental provision have been approved by the church, according to library attorney Mike Armey.
The $95,000 figure was the higher of two appraisals sought for negotiations, said library director Ann Zydek.
A spokesman for the church could not be reached.
Expansion could be complete before the church is torn down and replaced with a parking lot. If that happens, there will be a temporary lack of parking.
The library last year acquired property west the church that has been home to a law office, insurance firm and an apartment.
Zydek said the two buildings might be razed simultaneously if possible. Otherwise, the building would be removed before the church.
In a related note, architect Joel Blum said construction on the expansion phase continues to move on schedule. Red tile roofing is being removed from the existing building and will be replaced with less expensive roofing material that will match the new building.
The traditional tile is considered very heavy compared to modern roofing options, officials said.
