Property steward asks board to help turn Old Methodist/Peace Temple into community hub

Kevin Holmes introduced himself during public comment as the current steward of the Old Methodist/Peace Temple at 275 Pipestone and described stabilization work he has done after taking possession in mid-November. He told the board the building has roofing and water damage and that he has been working to stabilize leaks and address mildew, with the goal of creating classroom space, community meeting rooms and a co-working area for nonprofits and initiatives.

"I'm hoping to make it a community hub...available to people who share a community oriented vision," Kevin Holmes said, explaining he plans phased repairs that would allow parts of the building to be used while others are renovated.

Board members and staff asked about the building's ownership and site configuration; Holmes said he holds the parcel for the connected church and school portions and envisions renting upper offices to nonprofits while offering low-cost or free access to community programs. Members offered help locating grant writers and technical support and suggested coordinating with city development programs and existing initiatives such as the armory project.

No formal funding decision was made. Staff reiterated the board cannot act outside the city's established brownfield program and recommended working with the city manager and planning staff on any development application. Holmes said he will continue outreach and welcomed meetings with board members and city staff to plan next steps.