Council Approves $58 Million for Wheaton Library and Rec Center
The Montgomery County Council unanimously approved $58 million for the construction of the new Wheaton Library & Recreation Center during their meeting on April 1.
Last week, the Council voted against placing an historic designation on the existing Wheaton Community Center, formerly known as the Youth Center.
“This is an extraordinary example of how a community has not given up on the notion of its potential,” said councilmember Nancy Navarro. “This is truly the beginning of a new life for Wheaton.”
The current building has fallen into a state of disrepair and an historic designation would have led to restoring the building.
David Dise, Director of the Montgomery County Dept. of General Services, says that the initial design is in the beginning stages and that a completed structure and architecture design will take about a year.
“We hope it’s something the community can be proud of for many many years to come,” Dise said during the Council meeting.
The proposed new community center and library complex is a part of the redevelopment of Wheaton. The proposed plan also would include the relocated Gilchrist Center.
Wheaton Library was opened in 1960 and renovated in 1985.
“I’m really glad this project is going forward and I think we came up with a great solution,” said councilmember Hans Riemer. “We are moving forward in Wheaton.”
58 million for a Library/Gym.. What would it have cost to renovate?
People at the meeting to keep the buildings instead and renovate them got told no – “the Council already decided”