Green Acres not efficient for government offices

By MaryHelen Swanson
A study done by KKE Architects shows that the three-story Green Acres Country Care Center building will probably not be suitable for use by the county as government offices.
The firm was hired to assess the buildingís use as office space for a number of Chisago County departments.
Randy Lindemann, the KKE architect who prepared the plans for the proposed new government building in North Branch, did the assessment on the Green Acres building.
He told the commissioners last week that the occupancy code would have to be changed and if the occupancy is changed, according to new state requirements, the building would have to be brought up to code in all areas.
In preparing his report he included the non-profit agencies that had indicated an interest in being housed in the new government building proposed for a site west of Tanger Outlet Center.
It was noted that those agencies have indicated they would not want to be a part of the project if located at the present Green Acres nursing home sight east of North Branch.
Lindemann said by including the non-profits in the assessment it would be evident the current building would not be suitable for all the agencies. The county would have to add on to the building.
The need for additional space is because the present building is only 55 percent efficient for use as an office building.
He said the building would have to undergo rehabilitation if it were to be used, but that it was an asset to the county and there could be ways to use it. He also said if it was made useable, it would be for long-term use.
And the cost?
Lindemann had no ìball parkî figure to give the commissioners on rehab of the building.
He did say it would be expensive and similar to new construction costs.
Commissioner Rick Olseen, who had encouraged the Green Acres space study, said he now sees that the building wonít work for the countyís needs.
He moved and Commissioner Mike Robinson seconded to hire an architect of record to develop a master plan for county space issues.
Commissioner Bob Gustafson opposed the motion.

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