A property with deep community roots may soon see new life as the Iola Public Library seeks to transfer ownership of the historic Flewharty House to the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
The transfer, prompted by a potential grant opportunity through the state’s new Blueprint to Build initiative, would shift control of the home from the library to the Bowlus, in hopes of making way for a community center that could serve both organizations and the Iola community.
“This grant opportunity is what kick-started all of these conversations,” said Sharon Moreland, director of the Iola Public Library.
The Kansas Department of Commerce launched the Blueprint to Build program in late April, with the goal of making it easier for communities to construct modern, multi-purpose community centers. Backed by $14 million in funding, communities the size of Iola can apply for up to $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds toward construction. The grants require an equal match from communities. One design of the center priced at $2.9 million would be the route Iola would take if pursued.
The plans for the community center feature 5,185 square feet of space, a kitchen, multipurpose room, storm shelter, and rooftop solar panels.
Moreland embraced the community center being built at the site of the old home, especially the idea of holding farmer’s markets there. Blueprints for the center include two expansive patios covered by large, permanent awnings. Adjacent garage-style doors allow for an indoor/outdoor setting.
THE FLEWHARTY House, 211 East St., was donated to the library with strict conditions. Nancy Flewharty, a beloved library regular who lived across the alley from the library, left the property to the library upon her passing on Aug. 28, 2009.
Her daughter, Molly, said the gift was a way to return the kindness shown to her mother by the library in her later years.
Flewharty’s will stipulates the house be used solely for library purposes. If not, it is to be transferred to the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, which is overseen by the local school district, whose board of trustees also serve as trustees of the Center.
“A community center would be outside the scope of the library,” Moreland said. “The Bowlus doesn’t have the same stipulations placed upon it if it were to assume ownership of the Flewharty. They could pursue this grant.”
The library board recently voted to approach the Bowlus board of trustees with the intent to deed over the property.
In a meeting last week, the Bowlus Commission declined to embrace the proposal.
The commission’s role is to bring their recommendations to the Bowlus board of trustees, which makes the ultimate decision.
Mandy Moyer, Bowlus director, said she will address USD 257 trustees about the matter at their 6 p.m. meeting Monday.
While acknowledging the historical and sentimental value of the home — which was home to three generations of the Flewharty and Powell families — Katrina Springer, president of the library board, said the property has increasingly become “more of a liability than an asset.”
Due to the legal restrictions in Flewharty’s will, many uses have been ruled out.
