Proposals for Mann Center span wide range

Ten proposals for reusing the Mann Center Army Reserve facility in Hillyard run a gamut of ideas from worker training to a probation department.

The proposals were submitted earlier this month as part of a city-sponsored effort to convert the reserve center to civilian use after a new reserve center is built at Fairchild Air Force Base over the next several years.

Here is a rundown:

“Northwest Laborers are seeking to use the facility for worker training, and the plan would use the entire site.

“Spokane Law Enforcement Museum would use the site for displaying collections of police and fire-fighting history.

“The city of Spokane’s Municipal Court is seeking the facility for a day reporting center, satellite court, cashier and clerk services, 24-hour jail alternative and social service outreach program.

“Steve Larson of Colbert wants to turn the center into a facility for temporary employment for homeless residents.

“Community Colleges of Spokane is proposing an education and training facility through its Institute for Extended Learning, Displaced Homemaker Center and Workforce Training and Continuing Education.

“A nonprofit doing business as Christmas House wants to use the facility for a combination of retail business and worker training for homeless or persons recovering from addiction. The facility could be used for transitional living.

“Spokane Public Schools is proposing to use the Mann Center to relocate its special education assessment center personnel as well as other student support operations such as hearing testing and eyesight testing, plus additional storage.

“Kiemle & Hagood Inc. is proposing that the city segregate a portion of the Mann Center property that is south and west of Haven Street so that the land could be sold for private commercial use.

“The Greater Hillyard Business Association is calling for turning the center into a multipurpose community center, including worker training and manufacturing and possibly a public market. Also, the center could be used for entertainment and related activities.

“Hillyard Town Square and businessman Pete Rayner are recommending that the center become a mixed-use facility with a farmers’ market, artisan studios, specialty foods, businesses such as a bank or credit union. Existing buildings on the north end of the campus would be torn down and mixed-income housing built instead.