Does an important part of Mandan's past have a place in its future?

A brouhaha appears to be developing over the community's former post office turned library, which now stands empty, badly in need of an overhaul. The building's owner, the city of Mandan, wants to see something done with the property, keeping with its plans to revive downtown.

Lewis and Clark Community Works teamed with MetroPlains Development on the successful Library Square Project, a new $5 million four-story apartment building named for the now dilapidated former post office-library sharing the same block. Lewis and Clark and MetroPlains have been considering a similar project with the library building. With the city's permission they have been looking at what can be done with the building.

At Tuesday's Mandan City Commission meeting, Lewis and Clark Executive Director Paul Rechlin provided an assessment of the old post office-library for commissioners. Lewis and Clark were considering turning the building into a home ownership center and other offices.

"We've determined the building probably won't meet our current needs or future needs," Rechlin said. "We looked at a second phase of going into the basement for space, but at a cost estimate of $750,000 to $900,000 it's just not feasible. I'm sorry to say it doesn't seem to work."

MetroPlains President Gary Stenson admitted to commissioners that the interest is there to replicate what was done with Library Square. But, he added, costly, extensive reconstruction is needed on the interior and exterior and funding used for the Library Square project probably will not be as readily available. Stenson says a viable alternative is to remove the old building, replacing it with a new structure which can meet the community's needs.

"Our first efforts are to preserve a historic building, such as the old library. Occasionally, we have to ask to remove a building from the National Register of Historic Buildings, so a project can move forward," Stenson said.

The library building was constructed in 1918 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the "Mandan Federal Building." The one-story structure on a raised basement was built in the classical revival style.

Mandan resident Doug Wyatt is leading an effort to save the old library. A "Save the Library Building Committee" was formed through Wyatt's efforts and is working under the auspices of the Mandan Historical Society on preserving the building.

Addressing the City Commission, Waytt said, "It grieved my heart and my wife's heart when we heard there were plans to demolish the old library."

The "Save the Library Building Committee" proposes the structure be restored to original condition and be used as a museum.

"We've heard the options proposed by Lewis and Clark and Metro Plains. But the greatest of these options is tearing the building down," Wyatt added.

Mayor Ken LaMont, admitted he hadn't even known a "Save the Library Committee" existed until the recent letter he received expressed their interest in the building. LaMont called the letters, which were sent to parties showing interest in the building, as being an attempt at intimidation.

"The letter was intimidating, at least to me," LaMont said. "The commission does need to look at all options, including yours. It hasn't been discounted and we're not attempting to leave your committee in the dark on what will be done with the building."

Commissioner Sandra Tibke said she liked the idea proposed by the Save the Library Building Committee. But she also was impressed by what was done with Library Square.

"These guys (Lewis and Clark and MetroPlains) brought in a huge project and it's fantastic," Tibke said. She points out Lewis and Clark and MetroPlains have a proven track record and wonders if the Save the Library Building Committee can manage the task.

Voicing his concerns, Commissioner Tim Helbling said, "The library begged to get out of the building because of the access and mold problems. We do care about the building, but it needs to fit. It's a beautiful building, but it's not in the right spot. We can do far better things with our money for the future of the community."

Commissioner Stan Scott said estimates are that restoring the exterior will cost about $100,000. He questioned what the Save the Library Building Committee's goal and timeline is for raising the necessary funding.

Wyatt hinted there was a sizable donation available and said the morale of the community is such that raising the needed money wouldn't be a daunting task.

Mandan Historical Society's Susan Beehler asked the commission whether there was some chance the building could be used immediately, since it was in an "ideal location" and large groups of 30 or more people could comfortably meet there. She feels it has a future as a cultural center and envisions many uses.

"We couldn't even let you in there now," Helbling answered. "There's the mold problem in the basement and the bathrooms are not adequate."

LaMont said the commission will continue to look at proposals for the building, understanding it's an important part of the community.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@bismarcktribune.com.)