MPCSD upholds demolition plan for historic library, floats sale of Other properties

MT. PLEASANT - A tentative date has been set for the demolition of the P.E.O. Library.

The contract to knock down the 1927-built structure was awarded to DeCarlo Demolition Company, for a sum of $238,125, well under Architect Thomas McNerney’s estimate of $371,000. Work is set to commence on Dec. 15.

This building, though historic, would take significant resources to restore to a safe, usable state; asbestos and lead, crumbling masonry, outdated equipment, and a lack of elevators have sunk all efforts to preserve the building. The district made no mention of the “time capsule” supposedly buried under the cornerstone of the building. Time will tell whether efforts will be made to find it.

The sale of another property, the so-called “metal building” on 400 East Madison, former site of a maintenance garage, Central Receiving and Wisdom Quest alternative school, was proposed, with a further meeting set for Dec. 8. The plan: to sell this building to the City of Mt. Pleasant for $116,000. The City hopes to use it to house both a daycare and a new Fellowship Cup location.

Efforts by the district to increase the sale price, owing to a higher appraisal of the land, narrowly failed, upholding the price, at least until the next school board meeting.

Call Marilyn Higgins at 319-368-8895 or email her at marilyn.higgins@southeastiowaunion.com

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