Members of the Vancouver City Council will host a virtual meeting on Facebook at 6:30 p.m. Monday to discuss two options for the former Navigation Center
After closing the Vancouver Navigation Center due to the pandemic and the water main break flooding of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Operations Center in 2020, members of the City Council will host a virtual meeting on Facebook at 6:30 p.m. Monday to discuss two options.
The first action is for the city to retain ownership of the library headquarters, and coordinate with library staff members to find the best and most viable ways to upgrade the building. The second action is to begin negotiations to sell the former Navigation Center on Grand Boulevard to the regional library for long term use as a headquarters.
The 26,000-square-foot building at 2018 Grand Blvd. was originally purchased in 2017 for approximately $4.3 million. It was used as a day facility for people experiencing homelessness. The city of Vancouver took ownership of the Navigation Center in February 2020, just before the pandemic forced the city to close the facility a month later.
The building is currently being used on a temporary basis by SeaMar and FVRL. According to the city, the current appraised value of the site is $4.325 million. If sold, the net sales proceeds should be used to reinvest in programs which support resources for the homeless community.
Fort Vancouver Regional Library owns the lease on the 44,000-square-foot building at 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd. through 2030. While working on the Vancouver Innovation Technology and Arts Elementary School south of the library headquarters, contractors from Nutter Corp. accidentally struck an 18-inch water main and unleashed approximately 1.4 million gallons of water Oct. 3. According to the city, the cost of essential repairs, asbestos removal and building code upgrades is approximately $6.5 million.
Monday’s briefing will give City Council members an opportunity to discuss the issues related to these two facilities and to provide feedback on each of the proposed actions. The council plans to implement these new guidelines as soon as possible.
For more information, visit cityofvancouver.us.
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Vancouver City Council members look at options for reopening the Navigation Center
