The Village of Arlington Heights and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library have been discussing potentially the reuse of the former Teen Center at 112 N. Belmont Avenue. The Village owns the property and no longer has a need or purpose for the property and commenced the process to dispose of the property. In January 2018 and February 2019, the Village hosted neighborhood and community meetings to consult with residents early in the process regarding the possibility of selling or transferring ownership of the property. At the first community meeting, the majority of those in attendance expressed the desire to see the existing building reused.
Development of the property at 112 N. Belmont Avenue dates back to 1952, when an approximately 8,670 square foot building was constructed as the Village’s Memorial Library. The facility served this purpose for 16 years until the Library built a larger facility. The Village purchased the property from School District 25 in 1994 and operated the building as a Teen Center until 2010.
In 2011, the Village leased the property to a separate entity, for their use as a teen center. The lease terminated on December 31, 2017 and the building is now vacant. The Village Board initially authorized the issuance of a Request for Proposals to interested developers, users or businesses, regarding the re-use, sale and/or redevelopment of this property. However, last year the Library expressed interest in the building. Since then, discussions have taken place between the Village and the Library where the Village would transfer property ownership to the Library. The Library would use the building as a makerspace that would offer opportunities for hands-on experiential STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) learning, with technology and creative equipment and supplies for the use.
The Library hosted two public meetings in March to gain additional public input. The majority of those attending the meetings expressed positive feedback for the proposed purchase and use of the property. There have been comments and concerns relative to parking. The property has six parking spaces on site. Village Staff has evaluated the 112 N. Belmont property and, by reversing the one way direction of traffic and some minor modifications to the property, parking could be increased from the existing six spaces to approximately 12 parking spaces.
The Library has obtained written approval from the Arlington Heights Park District to use the Recreation Park parking lot south of the building and swimming pool. In addition, Village Staff evaluated on-street parking and determined that approximately 14 spaces can be accommodated on the east side of Belmont Avenue, south of Miner Street and north of Wing Street. As this street is currently signed “no parking”, a change to permit parking will require Village Board approval.
The attached Resolution conveys the property to the Library through the Real Estate Contract. The Library Board approved the Real Estate Contract at its meeting on March 19.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Village Board approve the attached Resolution Conveying Interest in Property and Authorizing the Execution of a Real Estate Contract to the Arlington Heights Memorial Library for the property located at 112 N Belmont.