The oldest armory in the state resides in Galesburg, and City Council members are expected to seek input from the public before making plans to refurbish the facility on Broad Street as something new.
Aldermen were briefed on the results of a building analysis and demand study last night at a work session where it was voiced by city administration that the space could be used as a “multi- purpose facility,” which would be able to include an event, recreation and community center or a combination of the options minus a stand alone event center.
Because council plans to hold off on a direction to proceed until hearing from residents, City Manager Todd Thompson tells WGIL that a forum for the community will likely be in the works.
“I anticipate we’ll probably do something along the lines of public input related to the project, maybe do it at the Armory if the weather allows,” Thompson says. ” We’ll probably have some brief presentation, some information to put out and maybe do some kind of a survey feedback piece.”
Depending on council’s decision, the project would range between $2.6 and $3.8 M.
Issues like flooring and exposed basketball hoops were discussed last night as potential problems depending on if the site is used for multiple purposes.
“You want to try to balance recreation and making it someplace attractive for wedding receptions and conferences and things like that,” Thompson adds.
The city has set aside approximately $3.45 M for the project.
