Dayton Metro Library plans to buy Hauer Music building

Dayton Metro Library will renovate the Hauer Music building at 120 S. Patterson Blvd. to serve as its Operations Center

Credit: Stringer

Credit: Stringer

Dayton Metro Library will renovate the Hauer Music building at 120 S. Patterson Blvd. to serve as its Operations Center

Dayton Metro Library announced today that it intends to purchase three properties, including the Hauer Music building downtown, to improve library service. This is another step forward in the replacement and renovation of library facilities made possible by the $187 million bond issue voters approved in November 2012.

Dayton Metro Library will renovate the Hauer Music building at 120 S. Patterson Blvd. to serve as its Operations Center. This facility will house approximately 60 employees who handle behind-the-scenes services such as IT and selecting, acquiring, cataloging and processing new materials.

The purchase also includes a one acre parking lot at the northeast corner of Fourth Street and Patterson Boulevard. Library officials estimate they will save more than $20,000 per year by relocating staff parking from leased space.

“We had been looking for several months for property in downtown that would meet the distinct needs of an operations center when we learned that the Hauer building might be available,” Tim Kambitsch, executive director of Dayton Metro Library, said. “We are thrilled to be able to honor its history and maintain a Dayton landmark for decades to come.”

The Dayton Metro Library has also reached an agreement to acquire the property at 25 S. Patterson Blvd. that includes the Gentile Produce and Webster Station buildings south of the Main Library. This area will be working space during construction and then create an attractive gateway to the new Main Library.

The Dayton Metro Library Board is expected to vote on the real estate purchases at a 4 p.m. meeting today.

"We are thrilled that our historic building fits in with the vision of the 21st century library," Jim Hauer said. "Given our over 75 years of service to musical arts, we are glad we can help sustain the library's service to the Arts and Literature community."

Hauer Music will be moving its operation. “We will continue for the next 75 years as the premier music store in the Miami Valley,” Hauer said.

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