By MARK TODD
Staff Writer
mtodd@starbeacon.com
CONNEAUT - - A building that once spoke volumes about Conneaut is now available for the right price.
The vacant Carnegie Public Library at 282 State St., is back on the market and looking for a new owner with an interest in historic architecture.
For nearly 90 years, the library in the heart of Conneaut's downtown district, doled out books to generations of local readers. The building was closed in 1998 when a new library opened one block to the north.
Since then, the library has had two private owners, and a third could be waiting in the wings.
"It's a fascinating building," said Richard Gleason, whose Gleason Realty is offering the old library.
Health concerns have prompted the owners, Robert and Shirley Bondy of Conneaut, to sell the building, Gleason said. The couple is asking $195,000, he said.
The couple purchased the building in November 2004, after the first private owner died, according to Ashtabula County Courthouse records.
"They started some cleanup and restoration work," Gleason said.
Gone is the mezzanine that boasted a unique, translucent glass floor. With the mezzanine removed, the ceiling in the main level now soars a dramatic 25 feet, Gleason said.
More work is needed, especially on the roof, but the old library has plenty of potential.
"It could be converted into condominiums or a professional building," Gleason said.
The library joins the Cleveland Hotel as a downtown building with a rich past being offered for sale during the past two years. The hotel was purchased in 2005 by developers, who see the building as home to condominiums and retail shops.
In 1905, voters approved a tax issue that helped finance the purchase of land for the library. A library board was created, and members made contact with steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie, renowned for his donations that helped build libraries around the world. More than 2,000 Carnegie libraries were erected, according to Internet sources.
After some negotiations, the local officials obtained a $25,000 donation, enough to start construction. The Conneaut Carnegie Library opened for business on May 3, 1909, with 12,000 books.
A "for sale" sign has been outside the building only a few days, but already people are calling with questions, Gleason said.
"There have been some nibbles," he said.
Star Beacon Print Edition: 10/6/2006
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