What’s next for Elk Grove’s former library, teen center buildings?

Elk Grove is working to fill the former library and teen center buildings, and the city is seeking residents’ feedback about what amenities it should provide at the sites.

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The Elk Grove Library at 8900 Elk Grove Blvd. closed in July in preparation for its relocation, about 1 mile east to 9260 Elk Grove Blvd., while the Teen Center of Elk Grove at 8978 Elk Grove Blvd. closed in August after the city decided not to renew the building’s lease.

The city is hosting workshops to discuss the buildings at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday, as well as at 6 p.m. Sept. 16. An online survey is also open to residents.

The project’s core objectives include enhancing residents’ quality of life and establishing a creative, inclusive and economically feasible vision with equitable public benefits, according to the city’s website.

“Positioned at the gateway to the city’s Historic Main Street, this property represents a unique opportunity to reimagine a public amenity that has been central to community life for nearly two decades,” the city’s website reads.

Elk Grove has been working to redefine its Historic Main Street district in recent months.

A new proposal presented to the City Council in July would give the district an official name — Historic Main Street — replacing the patchwork of labels, including Old Town and Old Town Elk Grove, commonly used to describe the area. It would also limit future personal service businesses, including hair and nail salons, and some auto accessory shops.

The proposal is expected to be finalized and presented to the public, the Historic Preservation Committee and the Planning Commission before staff asks the City Council to adopt the plan and related municipal code changes within the next year, according to previous Bee reporting.

Why Elk Grove library, teen center closed

The library’s move to an 18,147-square-foot former Rite Aid adds about 4,000 square feet of space and nearly twice as many parking spaces. The city

Read more What’s next for Elk Grove’s former library, teen center buildings?

A opening is planned for October, Kristyn Nelson, a spokesperson for the city of Elk Grove, previously said.

The city purchased the former library building in 2006. The two-story building contains 13,875 square feet and has 45 parking spaces,

The library relocated after “customer feedback regarding the location, size, and accessibility of the facility has been less than desirable, as have the high maintenance costs,” a 2023 City Council report states.

The nonprofit organization that runs the teen center has already ceased activities at the building, according to its website, and the lease ends Sept. 30.

In a statement, the city said the decision came after “several years of significant operational and financial challenges that have not been satisfactorily addressed by the organization to support entering into a new lease agreement.” The city said the building also “requires significant renovation and improvements.”

The nonprofit has served Elk Grove since 1990, according to its website, and has offered activities such as homework help, drop-in assistance and community events.

“Until we can find a new location, we are packing up and praying for a future home,” a statement from the Elk Grove Teen Center on its website said.

City staff expects to present recommendations for the buildings to the City Council in December, according to the city’s website.

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