Last month, the City Council was unanimous in sentiment that the former library building is iconic Kaysville, Main Street might not be the same without it, and it is worth coming up with a plan for it to be repurposed (depending on cost). The council determined the next best step would be to solicit a call for interest and issue an RFP for ideas to remodel and restore the former city building. At that time, the public was told to stay tuned for the public advertisement and to be thinking of innovative ideas.

On Oct. 4, 2022, the formal RFP was advertised, calling for restoration and repurpose of the building at 44 N. Main Street. Kaysville is asking for plans and proposals from qualified entities for the use of the approximately 6,385 square foot building. Proposals are due by Dec. 8, 2022, and there is a scheduled pre-proposal property visit taking place on Nov. 1, 2022.

The Kaysville Municipal Building originally housed city offices, a library, kitchen, assembly hall, and a concrete vault for city records. The building housed the Davis County Health Department into the mid 1950s. From 1962 until 2015 it was home to the Kaysville Public Library. The library was housed in the north half of the building and the City Hall and offices were housed in the central section and the south wing. The library expanded into the entire building when Kaysville built new city offices in 1987. It is currently used as surplus storage for the city.

In July, FFKR Architects presented a Historic Building Condition Assessment and Recommendation Report. The report documented current conditions, assessments and recommendations for the building that stands in a premier location in downtown. This section of Main Street is considered “Downtown Kaysville” with many successful and vibrant shops and businesses. This project would be developed in alignment with the city’s recently adopted Main Street Revitalization Plan. 

The city will consider all proposals that meet the overall vision and goals for this project as outlined in the RFP. Mayor Tammy Tran said she “would love for this building to be repurposed but the city is also very aware of cost and commitment of taxpayer funds.”

Restoration and repurposing of the building needs to accomplish the following to meet the city’s goals for the highest and best use of the property: save and extend the life of a building that has not been utilized in more than eight years; further energize the heart of the city; facilitate connectivity among downtown businesses, residents, and visitors while complementing adjacent businesses and buildings; elevate, expand and promote downtown as a multi-faceted activity center with a healthy mix of retail, dining, service, civic, arts, entertainment, and recreation; offer a proven financial structure that allows the city to continue to realize ongoing versus one-time financial benefits related to its ownership of the property; and minimize financial investment from public funds.

All proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by a selection committee established by the City. For additional information on how to submit proposals, please visit the City’s website: https://www.kaysville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4371/RFP---Kaysville-City-Building-2022?bidId=28. λ