What is the proper way to show thanks for a family’s philanthropy? In my opinion it is by maintaining the gift and showing the grantor some gratitude.
This was not done with the “Tenzler” Lakewood Library structure, and now not even the property is being maintained. With overgrown grass this property has become a blemish to the Lakewood Central Business District and in my opinion a nuisance property for the residents that live in the near by neighborhood.
Thanks to the Lakewood Historical Society, here is some information about the origins of our Lakewood Library.
While the Library Board is certainly at fault, the City of Lakewood code enforcement has become negligent, for allowing the property to look as it does. Two governmental agencies fail to make sure one piece of property is maintained. What does that say to you about how well your local governmental agencies are run? Is there any governmental pride for our city?
I noticed in 1982 the Tenzler Foundation asked that the Tenzler name be removed from the Library. Wonder what prompted that….seems kind of an unusual request.
I understand that there was concern for the following generation of family members, that they would be labeled as wealthy. Someone in the family was concerned for their safety.
If I recall correctly, by 1982 family – with good reason – had become concerned that connecting their name with philanthropy (endowing the library) e.g. could make them a target for scams, etc.
Though sad that’s the situation, it makes sense. Thanks to you and Paul for the explanation.
Could it be, the PC Library System Board, like most, is concerned about budgets, contemplates demolition soon, and manages affairs as likely any of us would given options, schedules, expense. I’ll just bet the interior floors haven’t been swept. Everyone have a nice summer. Stay safe, cool maybe.
Love the sarcasm, Mr. Warfield, about the floors not being swept. Difference is dusty floors do not detract from the neighborhood, like over grown and unkempt lawn maintenance. They don’t need to keep it green but maybe a good cut so the grass is not a foot long and gone to seed. And … If they were good with budgeting, as you suggested, maybe they would have budgeted for the upkeep on the building which they failed to do, as evidenced by the blue tarp on the roof.
Can control of the library in Lakewood be removed from the Pierce County Library System and transferred to local Lakewood authority where our community has a stake in the quality of our own institutions? Poor stewardship by the Pierce County Library System has resulted in the necessity to destroy a beautiful structure on an attractive corner lot in the middle of our business district–a rare gem in Lakewood. Every owner of a home or building knows it must be regularly maintained in order to be preserved. Delayed maintenance results in greater costs for restoration or replacement, which is what happened with our former library . So, due to lack of due diligence on the part of the Pierce County Library System, the Lakewood community suffers a valuable loss. Local control is much more likely to reflect community pride and responsible management.
Sandra- 100% spot on!!
How in the world is it cheaper to buy to buy two pieces of prime property and build a temporary library and a permanent library than repair an existing one.
As a retired architect I cannot imagine this not old, handsome building could not have been remodeled to current standard for much less than building a new
“ temporary” building followed by a new permanent building, then disposing of the temporary one.
The existing library is one of Lakewood’s few signature buildings and being torn down rather than preserved smacked of uncalled for haste leaving a large hole in the communities services.
The Library system has abused Lakewood in this manner.
I’ve never heard why the Lakewood Library was allowed to fall into such disrepair. I remember it’s roof and entrance. It did not seem to be a cheaply built structure.
My house was built in 1972. Although it needs a few repairs and a kitchen update, it is NOT ready to be torn down.
The county library system is responsible for other libraries, are they being neglected as well?
Your house is a residential property. This is commercial and follows separate rules. One of which is now being subject to the “Clean Building Act” brought to you by Dan Bronoske and Mari Leavitt. Taxpayers and library patrons can thank them directly for this closure.
As a real estate professional something about the Lakewood Library demise doesn’t add up.
The Tenzler building has a total of 22456 square feet above ground and 10136 square feet in the basement for a total of 32592 square feet. The projected cost of renovation in 2023 is $22M for roof, hvac, structure, electrical, plumbing, etc. That cost divided by total square footage comes to about $675 a square foot. Discounting the basement (largely storage), the above ground structure cost comes to about $980 a square foot.
What is the construction cost of a Class A commercial building? About $450 a square foot! Compare this figure with the projected cost of a “new” temporary Lakewood library costing $4M for 10000 square feet: $400 a square foot. Pretty much in the same ballpark.
So the proposed Tenzler renovation costs are perhaps over double the cost of new construction. I understand that retrofitting an existing building can be expensive but the question is how much more expensive that new construction? You could make the case that every building over 20 years old in Lakewood should be torn down and rebuilt given inflated renovation costs to meet current building standards.
Didn’t the Lakewood Library survive the Nisqually quake? How much of the renovation cost is due to mismanagement and neglect?