The Carmel Clay Public Library has requested a special use permit to temporarily relocate to the former Marsh building at 2140 E. 116th St. during building renovations, but city approval won’t guarantee the move is going to happen.
CCPL Director Bob Swanay said the former grocery store is at the top of his relocation list because of its size, central location and parking capacity.
“I haven’t made any secret that Marsh is the best location for us,” Swanay said. “It’s always been on our short list.”
The 81,300-square-foot building has been vacant since Marsh went out of business in 2017. It is listed for sale or lease through brokerage firm Eclipse Real Estate, which did not respond to a request for comment as of press time. Swanay said the library’s use of the space is contingent on what happens with building ownership.
If the Marsh building doesn’t work out, Swanay said he is considering another former grocery store: Earth Fare at 1392 S. Range Line Rd. He said this site is less ideal because of its smaller parking lot.
“We could probably make it work,” Swanay said.
Swanay said he hopes a decision can be made soon.
“We still have a little bit of time, because we’re still looking at fall construction,” he said. “We still have a little bit of a buffer zone.”
The library’s $40 million renovation project includes more space for programs, the addition of a parking garage and several other upgrades. The duration of the project will depend on whether a temporary library location can be found.
The Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer is scheduled to review the special permit request at 4:30 p.m. May 26. The virtual meeting may be viewed through the city’s website at carmel.in.gov.
