Land purchased for civic complex

Liberty Lake is taking a 6.4-acre leap toward building a civic complex and public library.

An ongoing property search has culminated with the City Council approving the purchase of a $1.75 million parcel, at Signal Road and Appleway Avenue.

The land is owned by Jim Frank’s Greenstone Corp. and the Schneidmiller family.

Approval was given during Tuesday’s City Council meeting, where a draft ordinance outlining details of the loan was read. The council is expected to approve the issuance of general obligation bonds, at 4.5 percent interest, to pay for the land.

Liberty Lake resident John Korondy praised the city for moving forward with the project, which has been discussed for several years.

“The way property values are increasing, we have to act now because we may not have the opportunity down the road,” he said.

The property is close enough to the city’s primary retail area that it’s conducive to creating a downtown, Korondy added.

“Our downtown is far more than two strip malls facing one another. This will help cement that city core,” he said.

Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson said the complex could be as large as 25,000 square feet. In addition to a library, it could house a multimedia room for film presentations and space for youth, adult and senior activities.

Liberty Lake advertised for architectural services and eight firms responded. Smith hopes to have an architect named by mid-June and said the city will host public meetings to determine the community’s priorities for the complex.

Peterson said the complex might open in 2007.

“This is going to be one of the crown jewels of the city,” he said.