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Osborn Property Adaptive Reuse

Last Updated: August 20, 2024

PROJECT TYPE:

Library & Community Space

PROJECT VALUE:

$5,000,000+

PROJECT SCHEDULE:

This project is waiting on the results of several grants before moving forward. The earliest construction could begin should this project move forward is July 2025.

  • In June, the City applied for a $300,000 grant through the Department of Commerce’s Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund to conduct asbestos abatement, a critical and necessary step before any demolition can begin.
  • In May, the City sent a request for a Technical Correction to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to redirect a previous grant of $941,340 for this project. The Community Project Fund project that was originally championed by US Representative Dr. Kim Schrier in 2021 was deemed uneconomic. The Congresswoman supported the request to HUD to reappropriate the funds to this important community project.
  • In April, the City submitted an application for $2,000,000 for a Library Construction and Improvement Program grant from the Department of Commerce for the partial demolition of the building and renovation of the common areas and library portion of the project.
  • In April of 2024, a fatal flaws analysis was completed by ARC Architects and subconsultants. No fatal flaws were found.
  • In December of 2023, a Request for Qualifications was issued for a consultant to work with the City to determine whether the project is feasible, and to advance the design if it is. ARC Architects was selected as the most qualified firm to lead the project, which will kick off in February 2024. By mid-March a fatal flaws analysis will be completed. By the beginning of April, a cost estimate for the partial demolition and renovation of the library and common areas will be completed for a Library Capital Improvement Program grant application through the Department of Commerce.
PROJECT UPDATES:

We listened to the community during the Osborn visioning process. Hearing that the community wanted to preserve as much green space as possible and wanted a small to medium sized community center, a new concept was introduced to the community at the Block Party at the Osborn site in August 2023. The City Council reviewed this project during a September 2023 study session and directed staff to proceed with feasibility. Staff discussed the project with attendees of the November 1, 2023 and January 31, 2024 Community Engagement Nights, with the vast majority expressing support for the project.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Matthew “Selby”
City Administrator
selby@col.dev.3sherpas.com

OTHER INFORMATION:
  • The City acquired the former Osborn Elementary School from the Cascade School District in March of 2021 and engaged Stowe Development & Strategies to help facilitate a community vision for the Osborn property. SDS developed an Osborn Property Vision and delivered the report to the City in October of 2021.
  • The report by SDS showcased three different concepts, all of which included the development of a multi-purpose community center. The estimated cost was $15,000,000 for the preferred concept.
  • In the fall of 2022, the City conducted a space needs assessment to provide City Hall and the Library the space they need for the next 30 years. The estimated cost of the proposed addition was $15,000,000.
  • If the library moved, City Hall could expand to the space where the library currently resides. The idea of relocating the library into a renovated Osborn School and adding community space could provide for community and staff needs, while saving millions of dollars in the process.

 

 

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[Please note that this project is not yet complete and has been combined with the proposed adaptive reuse of the former Osborn Elementary School that includes a public library and center.]

The renderings below show one option for what the Osborn site could look like if we partially demolish the current building and renovate it, making it possible for the library to expand from the current square footage at City Hall, and including community space.

Last modified: March 28, 2026


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