The Mount Pleasant Public Improvement Committee met Wednesday afternoon at City Hall to discuss the future of the former Wisdom Quest building at 401 East Monroe Street and a potential memorial project honoring former City Administrator Brent Schleisman.
Councilman Matt Barton called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. before architect Thomas McInerney presented renovation concepts and cost estimates for the building, which the city previously purchased from the Mount Pleasant Community School District.
City leaders have discussed using the building for storage space for The Fellowship Cup food pantry while also creating a permanent home for Mount Pleasant Community Childcare.
McInerney estimated renovation costs at approximately $150 per square foot, bringing the projected total to nearly $2.5 million. He said the building has a solid structure and foundation but would require extensive interior renovation to meet childcare licensing requirements. When asked about the cost of a new build versus renovation, McInerney said constructing a brand-new facility could come at a similar price point and may be more practical if land is already available elsewhere, noting demolition costs at the current site would likely eliminate any potential savings from new construction.
Committee members discussed both the advantages and challenges of the project. Advantages included the building’s location and existing structure, while concerns centered on renovation costs, curb appeal, and the need for major interior reconstruction.
Barton noted the childcare center is currently operating under a temporary location license and said continued extensions from the state may not be guaranteed. He said services could potentially be interrupted if a permanent facility is not secured, but that the state may continue to extend if progress toward a permanent facility continues.
Griffith said financing options are available through borrowing, while Crull suggested fundraising and grant opportunities could help offset costs. Engberg questioned at what point the expense may outweigh the benefits of the project.
White also discussed alternative uses for the property, including residential development or maintaining the building primarily for city storage purposes.
The committee also discussed ideas for a memorial honoring former City Administrator Brent Schleisman. Mayor Brimhall suggested incorporating the city’s recreation trail system, one of Schleisman’s longtime priorities, through a trailhead archway and commemorative mile markers along the trail.
Barton said the memorial project could also serve as a catalyst for future trail expansion fundraising efforts. Crull volunteered to assist with conceptual renderings and design ideas for the project.
No formal action was taken during the meeting before adjournment.