The Grants Pass City Council has given the historic caretaker's cottage at Riverside Park a 90-day reprieve before it decides whether to demolish the building, remodel it or move it to another location.
During its Monday workshop, the City Council voted 7-0 to table a decision on the Reed Building until at least mid-July. Council President Vanessa Ogier was absent.
Community Development Director Brad Clark opened the discussion by reminding the Council that the caretaker's cottage was built in 1920 and that the Historical Buildings & Sites Commission (HBSC) made a motion last July to preserve the structure and designate it as a local landmark.
The City Council toured the building last year and an open house was held there in October. In a citizen survey, 75% of the respondents wanted to save the structure that fronts East Park Street adjacent to the city parks maintenance yard. It's in need of extensive repairs that will be determined by a preservation expert.
Clark mentioned that there may be some city funding available as well as some grant opportunities to help pay for rehabilitation of the Reed Building. Historical Buildings & Sites Commission Chair Ward Warren asked for the 90-day window for an expert to look at the structure and for the HBSC to explore possible public-private partnerships that could result in the building being used for concessions, other commercial uses or even a parks museum.
Following discussion, Councilor Dwayne Yunker made a motion to grant a 90-day window before any decision is made, which was seconded by Councilor Brian DeLaGrange. The HBSC will take up the topic during its May 9th meeting.
