Hearing planned on Mann Center

A public hearing on a proposed reuse of the Pfc. Joe E. Mann Army Reserve Center as an educational facility will be held by the Spokane City Council on Monday evening.

An advisory committee has recommended that the Mann Center be redeveloped for use by the Community Colleges of Spokane as well as Spokane Public Schools.

In addition, a portion of the 5.9-acre site near the junction of North Market and Haven streets could be used for a gateway entry to the Hillyard historic business district under the recommendation.

Also, vacant property used for Army vehicle parking would be sold for private development under the plan submitted to the council.

The council will take testimony during its meeting that begins at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

Some Hillyard-area residents are asking the plan also include an opportunity to develop a farmers’ market and public entertainment space, but the advisory committee rejected the idea because it was not shown to be financially feasible at this time, said Mike Adolphae, the city’s community development director.

“Their plan is not fully developed,” Adolphae said of the market and entertainment venue idea.

The Army is planning to replace the Mann Center as early as next year with a new reserve facility at Fairchild Air Force Base. Federal law allows local governments to find new uses for vacated facilities if the governments meet a series of stringent requirements.

Among them, the city had to consider the potential for solving homelessness. It also must obtain approval from federal agencies on any proposed use, including educational or park uses.

Initially, the city formed a Mann Center Local Redevelopment Authority Advisory Committee and then solicited reuse proposals from the community. Ken Watts, general manager for Comcast cable in Spokane, chaired the committee. Ten proposals were submitted last year.

The site consists of a 27,000-square-foot main building and a 10,000-square-foot shop space with six vehicle bays.

Spokane Public Schools has proposed using the office area for its special education professionals, who work individually with children. The community colleges are proposing a maintenance training program at the Mann Center.