After receiving landmark status in September, the Old Nichols Library could soon also have a new home.
Owners of the Old Nichols Library say they are in talks to move the historic library to Naper Settlement – a move that will require approval from Naperville’s Historic Preservation Commission.
It’s a move Save Old Nichols organizers like.
At a recent thank you open house for those who supported preservation, organizers said Save Old Nichols was created to help with the future of the building.
“To raise money and funds that wherever it ends up whether at the Settlement or at its existing locations in some of the renditions that were brought here tonight. That there would be a group that would still be there, that it wouldn’t be a taxpayer burden,” said Rocky Caylor, a Save Old Nichols leader.
At the event were concepts from two architects who donated their time to create the possibilities.
Concepts included creating a mixed-use building set as a backdrop to the library-turned restaurant and adding a mixed-use building and apartment building on the property while refurbishing the library into a welcome center.
Event attendees say those concepts or moving the building could save what’s important about the library.
“I think we’re kind of losing the idea of having something that’s sentimental and really speaks to the people of this community who have been here since its founding, so it was really important to me to keep that building,” said Kathie Garoufalis, a Save Old Nichols supporter.
When council voted to landmark the building, it stopped developer Dwight Avram’s plans to either move the building to a property near the current Nichols Library or tear down the building and use the façade as part of a mixed-use development.
Now the owners tell us they still hope to create a mixed-use development on the property after relocating the building.They hope to have a plan for the building by the end of the year.
Naperville News 17’s Beth Bria reports.
