Historic Libby High School revisited
Scott Holdings appears before School Board to discuss possible options
January 25, 2007
The School Board appeared to be open, almost enthusiastic, at last night's meeting with Bryan Scott, of Scott Holdings. Scott presented the school board with an outline of his plan to renovate the Historic Libby High School.
Earlier this month, Spokane-based Conover Bond decided not to pursue the project. The board asked how Scott differed from ConoverBond. Scott told the board that the difference between Scott Holdings and Conover Bond is one of size, and the amount of profit they desire, as well as the type of projects they undertake. ConoverBond works on larger projects with more profit.
The school board, however, is continuing to attempt to put restrictions on the property once they sell it. They want assurances that the parking lot will be available for Memorial Center use, that Logger Days will be able to be set up on the lot, that the band shell and park will still be usable by the Farmer's Market.
Scott assured them that his company will be willing to work with the community groups and their concerns and manage the use of the parking lot. He indicated that as a class A office structure the tenants would not be using the lot on weekends or evenings, and if retail is in part of the building, what business wouldn't want the whole town on their doorstep. "It has to be a give take relationship," he said. Scott told the board he sees the Historic Libby High School as the town center, sort of the town square.
But, frankly, the Historic High School parking lot may not be the best place for Logger Days. The band shell park may not be the best location for the Farmers Market. Why limit the potential of the new owner by making such limiting demands?
Scott told the board he and his company are excited about Libby and its future. "We don't feel this will be our only project in Libby," he said. He sees Libby becoming a pure retirement destination. "I feel good about the building. I feel good about the community," he said. "We feel good about the project in whole."
"From what I've seen," he told the board, "I believe it is feasible. It can be fixed, it can be repaired, it can be brought up," he added.
The initial plan is to develop 24,000 square feet of the 30,000 square foot building into office space.
The plan is to get the design team together and begin construction in the spring.
Story by KLCB Libby News Radio, www.bestcountryaround.com
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