Merriam residents discuss future of historic Irene B. French Community Center - Merriam, Kansas - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

After the school at 5820 Merriam Drive had grown too small, this school was constructed in 1911. It was used until a new school for Merriam students was constructed in 1969 at 61st and Mastin. This newest school was the school I went in the sixth grade. This former school is now the Irene B. French Community Center. Irene French was a long time resident of Merriam and was mayor of Merriam for 20 years. She was also a civic leader in the area, also being the President of the American Legion Post 327 Auxiliary, among the many other organizations she belonged.

Merriam residents want to preserve the history of the Irene B. French Community Center. But what exactly that looks like for the future remains to be seen.

Now that construction of the city’s new community center at Vavra Park is underway, the city of Merriam and residents are turning their attention to the current facility at 5701 Merriam Drive. The city formed a committee of residents, business owners and city leaders to lead discussions and look into options for the building’s future.

Originally built in 1911 with multiple additions over the past century, the historic building was formerly the home of a few schools, including Johnson County Community College and Kansas City Christian School, before the city bought it and converted it into the French center.

At a public meeting Monday evening, residents first heard from consultant Vicki Noteis with Collins Noteis & Associates of Kansas City, Mo., on the condition of the facility and what’s financially at stake depending on the route the city takes.

“This is a big part of Merriam history; people have a lot of positive sentiment about the school itself,” Noteis said, noting that if Merriam retains ownership of the facility, it will cost anywhere between hundreds of thousands of dollars to $15 million to take next steps, including replacing, repairing, demolishing or simply maintaining the facility. “This is a complicated project; this isn’t simple. We appreciate the time people are putting into this and thinking about it.”

Residents participated in a dot poll, marking images of activities and components they would like to see for the facility. They also broke into groups to discuss their ideas and hear from one another.

Here are some of the themes that came out of Monday night’s discussions:

All groups of residents said they wanted to preserve the history of the century-old building in some way, but most groups acknowledged that this could be the building itself or simply reusing materials, such as making a historic marker or keeping the cornerstone.
Many Merriam residents don’t want new taxes to repair, replace, demolish or otherwise make changes to the French Center.
Some residents expressed interest in creating multi-use open spaces such as gardens, multi-generational playgrounds or dog park.
Residents want to find ways to bring children and families into the area.
There was a general sentiment that the French Center should remain city property and, if possible, be kept open to the public — some residents agreed that this could mean no residential or commercial places on site.
Many saw the idea of maintaining the original 1911 portion of the building as very desirable; perhaps the shell of the building could be used as an amphitheater, feature an art gallery or other similar purpose.
The consultants will analyze information collected last night and use it to guide the discussion at future committee meetings. The next public meeting on the French center is June 26.

- Shawnee Mission Post April 30, 2019

Historic Name: Merriam School

Alternate Name: Merriam Community Center

Historic Function: Education

Subcategory: School

Historic Function Remarks: Signage northeast of the school in place by the Merriam Visitors Bureau in 2001: “The original limestone building, was built in 1911. The two brick additions were added in 1938 and 1951. Merriam School housed both elementary and high school students until 1922, when the high school students began attending Shawnee Mission Rural High School. The Merriam School operated in this site until 1969. The building was the first home of the Johnson County Community College from 1969-1972. Sold to Kansas City Christian School, the building was used as their high school until 1985. In 1988, the building was sold to The City of Merriam, and renovated into the Merriam Community Center, which was dedicated to the citizens of Merriam in 1990.”

Present Function: Social

Subcategory: Civic

Residential/Commercial/Religious Style: Vernacular

Roof Form: Flat with Parapet

Stories: 2

Condition: Good

Principal Material: Stone

Architect/Designer/Builder: Unknown

Year of Construction: 1911

- Kansas Historic Resource Inventory

Located in a renovated, historic school building, the Irene B. French Community Center is a 33,000 square foot facility and the home of the majority of the Merriam Parks and Recreation programs.

The facility also provides space for the Johnson County Nutrition Program Congregate meal Site, which is also known as the Senior Citizen hot lunch program.

- City of Merriam Website

Type of publication: Newspaper When was the article reported?: 04/30/2019 Publication: Shawnee Mission Post Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: local News Category: Politics

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