“It’s a great use for a building that’s been sitting vacant five or six years,” Chesar said.
The city has been pursuing a library branch location for more than 10 years to relocate the all-volunteer library from its current trailer behind Monroe Primary school on Macready Avenue. R.J. Beischel Building Co., of Cincinnati, the general contractors of the project, began remodeling the building in November 2010, said Brian Kershner, project manager.
The exterior of the building also features a green shingle roof and a new gable and tower facade to match the Monroe City Building on Main Street, Chesar said. The community room, which may be sealed off from the library for separate events, will be used for meetings, parties and craft events.
The facility is jointly funded by the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program and the City of Monroe.
The $1.4 million price is partially paid by a $1 million grant from Butler County and $400,000 from the city. It includes acquisition, demolition, remodelling and interior furnishings, Chesar said.
The fireplace was donated by Don and Raylene Pelfrey of Monroe.
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