Council To Discuss Bids For Old Manito Library City To Evaluate Best Potential Uses Against The Best Prices In Six Offers

For nearly 50 years, it was the South Hill Library.

Now, it’s empty. The books that lined its walls have found a new, more modern home a few blocks away. The wooden rocking horses that Spokane children played on were sold weeks ago, along with the tables where teens gathered for research and whispers.

But the Manito Public Library won’t stay empty for long.

A city auction drew six bidders - all with starry-eyed plans for the brick building’s future. One day soon, the library may be home to an adult day-care center, a coffee shop, a youth center, a brokerage firm or an insurance office.

The council will review the bids today to decide who takes possession of the library’s 4,700 square feet.

Dave Perry of the city’s real estate department said the decision won’t be easy. “The building will always be known as a public library,” Perry said.

“If something happens and the building starts looking sad or it’s not compatible with the neighborhood, it will reflect back on the city.”

Because of that, the winner won’t necessarily be the highest bidder, said Real Estate Director Dennis Berringer. The council must weigh the best use against the best dollar offer.

The bids include:

Manito Presbyterian Church. Business manager Sheri McNeal said the church hopes to use the building as a combined youth center and food and clothing bank.

Church membership is growing, so owning the property is essential to future expansion plans, McNeal said.

Birkebeiner Brewing Company. Owner James Gimurtu said he’d like to put in a neighborhood coffee shop where “everyone is welcome.” The library holds nostalgia for his family - his wife performed in piano recitals there as a child.

Holy Family Adult Health Center. Director Marie Raschko said the center has a temporary home on the South Hill, but is looking for a permanent one. The library “is ideal with its large rooms,” she said.

John Woodhead Sr. Woodhead said he wants to move his small brokerage firm from its downtown office to a place on the South Hill. “We want something that’s our own, and it’s a great building,” he said.

Viable Ventures Incorporated. President Ron Kincaid also wants to move his business from downtown. Kincaid deals in life insurance, investments and real estate. “It’s a nice location,” he said.

The sixth bidder, William Petersen, could not be reached for comment.

The land at 404 E. 30th Avenue is zoned for residential use but would work nicely for offices, Real Estate Director Berringer said.

The city set the minimum bid at $150,000. The assessed value of the land and building is $232,000.

Some money from the sale will go to the city’s Public Library system, and the rest to the city’s general fund.

, DataTimes