Source: CVDaily Feed
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Logan City’s plans to demolish the Emporium building to make room for a new library have been controversial, but some in the business community approve of the decision. Logan Downtown Manager Gary Saxton says so far the business people he has talked to are unanimous in their approval of Mayor Craig Petersen’s announced plan.
Saxton says that is because the property has room for other uses as well.
“We would like that new space to be converted into a community center,” Saxton says, “with performance areas, meeting spaces, a cafe and a library so it becomes a gathering place for the community.
“It would be not just for Logan City Library patrons but for Cache County. That is our vision for that space.”
Saxton says if the space becomes available, he will do everything he can to help create an architectural gem for downtown with an interesting design that attracts a lot of people.
The majority of votes on a recent Cache Valley Daily online poll suggest the public is widely against the proposal. Additionally, the majority of comments on a recent Cache Valley Daily Facebook post about the subject are also strongly opposed.
However, beside the positive feedback that Saxton is receiving, Cache Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sandy Emile has found that when they hear about the new plans most business people like the idea.
She says that is because it will not just be a library.
“It’s not just about books, it’s about a place for gatherings,” says Emile. “It’s about an incubation space for new business people. It’s about conference meeting areas for new businesses.
“It’s got a lot of applications that can bring great resources and foot traffic to our downtown, as well as help with some facade remodeling to some existing stores that are down there.”
Emile says it is also nice to know that the businesses now located in the Emporium are being offered opportunities to either re-locate or be included in the new plans.