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Timothy Klusczinski, President, Historic Preservation Commission — Sep. 17, 2012 mae 19 space) and its second level if the balcony, projection room and theater office spaces are retained and renovated to new conditions. The current rest rooms are too small and inadequate by today's standards and building codes. They would all need to be expanded and made handicapped accessible. All of the Avon's present HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lighting, sound and video systems would have to be completely torn out and replaced with modern equipment that met current codes and standards. Most of its former equipment has been removed from the building, and what is left is not salvageable since it is over 40 years old. Nearly all of its copper electrical wiring has already been removed or salvaged by previous owners. The cost of renovating the Avon's 16,212 sq. ft. will certainly exceed $2,000,000 based on current costs for renovating similar buildings of similar size in much better condition, and based on the most current per square foot costs reported by the construction industry. This is also based on what SJCPL actually experienced with the 2008-2009 competitive bidding processes for the expansions and renovations of its four City branches. To renovate the Avon's 16,212 sq. ft. of existing floor space would cost at least ... $2,673,000 NOTE: This does NOT include the restoration of the Avon's front wall and fagade, along with a new marquee if this is also restored, bringing total cost to probably over $3,000,000. To pursue this makes absolutely no economic sense! I will be happy to answer any questions the Historic Preservation Commission members may have during the hearing before them on September 17, 2012. Thank you for considering our request that the Historic Preservation Commission NOT RECOMMEND its proposal to declare the former Avon Theatre a local Historic South Bend Landmark. This would have a disastrous economic impact on the new Main Library and on the future of public library services for our entire community, the 168,000 people in eight townships which the Library serves and from whom it collects property taxes. Its designation as an historic landmark will place an enormous financial burden on the resources of the St. Joseph County Public Library and its taxpayers. Respectfully Submitted, .�)ctv,4 Donald J. Napoli, Director St. Joseph County Public Library Enclosures: (5) Cc.: St. Joseph County Public Library Board South Bend Common Council The Honorable Mr. Peter Buttigieg, Mayor of the City of South Bend, IN Recipient of the 2009 Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence www.libraryforlife.org