Brainerd: Character adds Value

One of the things that I love about Libertyville is that people care.

And because they care, they get involved.

I was involved with the MainStreet organization when it first started in the 1980’s. That commitment by Libertyville, its visionaries and residents, helped transform a dying downtown into the vibrant area it is today. 

It was called “Economic Development thru Historic Preservation” and it is a formula that has worked for decades all over the country.

Look no further than the Village Hall, which was converted from the old fire station, or the Civic Center, which was an old post office, to see how some of these projects have provided value to the community.

When residents were asked in a survey why they live in Libertyville 95% said because of the “Character of the Community.” Character adds value.

So, Why save Brainerd?

First, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it has been recognized as adding character to our community, and identified by experts as worthy of preservation.

Turning the Brainerd building into a Community Center will provide an environment to foster creativity for the residents of Libertyville and would continue to add value to our community. The possibilities are truly unlimited.   

The Brainerd building was designed to last. Every study that has been done over the past 15 years has concluded that the building  is structurally sound.   Financially, this suggests the bricks and mortar can be viewed as commodities or raw materials.

If we were to rebuild the shell of Brainerd building as it currently exists, it would cost $4-$5 million. Since the buildings already are here and are in a prime location, they provide a unique opportunity for us to do something special for our community.

Creating a “destination” for people to attend events staged by local organizations will bring more people into the downtown area.  This is good for local businesses.

Recycling the building is the responsible thing to do and has been called the ultimate form of recycling.

When Brainerd was built in 1917, it was built to last.  Back then buildings had to be constructed differently, to take advantage of weather and climate, so they could be comfortable in summer and winter. 

Studies have shown if we demolish the building, we simultaneously throw away about $2.5-$3 million of embodied energy contained in the raw materials within the building.

Passing the referendum will take this process to the next level, which will answer many of the questions that have us all concerned.  There will be surprises along the way, both good and bad.

I trust our elected officials to do the due diligence on our behalf. Yes there is a cost involved, but the cost of missed opportunities could be the greatest cost of all, and the one that we will regret the most if we allow Brainerd to be torn down. 

The projected cost to the residents of about $.50 a day seems like a small price to pay to bring Brainerd back into use, providing a valuable resource to our community for years to come.  Please join your friends and neighbors and vote yes on for Brainerd on March 18th. 

Michael Kollman
Libertyville