Listeners and readers have asked about the former Galesburg Public Library building at 40 E. Simmons St., now on the market after sitting vacant for more than a year. Specifically, they are wondering: What is the asking price of the former library, and have there been any offers yet?
WGIL caught up with Library Board Treasurer Martin Reichel on Thursday for an update on the property, which was officially listed for sale on Sept. 9. Reichel, along with listing agent Kori Jensen of Century 21 Tucker Swanson, confirmed that no offers have come in since the listing went live just weeks ago.
“Anyone who wants it, can have it as far as we’re concerned,” Reichel said. “We just have to hang tight, and see what happens. We’re just getting started.”
The 36,000-square-foot building, constructed in 1961 and a downtown landmark across from Galesburg City Hall and the Knox County Courthouse, has been empty since the library relocated to its new $22 million home at 264 W. Main St. in April 2024. That move left the former library at 40 E. Simmons St. vacant for 17 months before the board voted to sell it in August.
To prepare for the market, the Library Board handled minor landscaping and interior cleanup, and the city recently approved the sale of an adjacent 610-square-foot parking strip to help streamline the property. The rezoning to B3 Central Business District zoning has opened doors for commercial or even mixed residential uses, making it a prime spot for offices, retail, or other ventures.
As for the price tag? The listing, handled by agents Kit Wilcox and Kori Jensen with Century 21 Tucker Swanson, is set at $750,000. That’s a figure the board arrived at after consulting realtors.
Reichel emphasized the board’s eagerness to offload the site and reinvest proceeds into the new library’s operations. “It’s rezoned to commercial now, which better suits the location and a potential use,” he added.
Have questions about the former library or other local developments? Contact us at jayr@wgil.com, and we’ll look into them.
