Devon continues to mull future of former Esso Building

DEVON -- A feasibility study continues in Devon to determine the future of the former Imperial Esso Building.

This comes following a report that was completed earlier this year by the Esso Building Task Force, which confirmed that the building still has value and is worth preserving. Since that time, Devon staff have initiated a feasibility study to provide options for Council in regards to possible future outcomes for the facility. 

Initially, there were five main options for the Esso Building. The first option was converting the facility into a new library, while the second was to turn it into a new town hall. The third option presented was a combination of the first two options -- a combined library and town hall. For the fourth option, staff presented the idea of demolishing the building and disposing of it as an asset, while the final option was to build a completely new facility in its place.

Since that time, the possibility of having the facility demolished or rebuilt has been ruled out. This means that Council will now either opt to convert the building into a new library or town hall. A combined library-town hall building has also been ruled out. In addition, it's also been confirmed that a full roof rehabilitation will take place later in the fall.

The existing Esso building consists of two distinct parts. A main building, built in 1980, and the annex, added six years later in 1986. There are approximately 60 existing parking stalls on site, which Devon staff say can be reused in the future.

We'll have more updates on this story as they become available.