City Manager Explains Confusing Wording About Facility Renovations

Some La Grange folks raised a big concern about the future of the Randolph Rec Center after a public notice appeared in the Record. Long story short: the City does not plan to tear down the Randolph Center.

The public notice, published in the June 3 issue of the Record, stated that the City of La Grange is seeking architectural and planning services for three city-owned facilities: the La Grange Police Station, City Hall and Randolph Recreation Center.

The notice listed three options for these facilities: 1) demolition and new construction, 2) renovation to restore full functionality and code compliance, or 3) full interior rehabilitation and modernization.

After reading the notice, some folks thought the City might be planning to demolish the Randolph Rec Center. That facility now serves as a meeting place and headquarters for the City’s recreation department. It offers youth activities throughout the year, especially during the summer.

But it’s also a historical landmark. The building was once the Randolph School, where generations of La Grange’s African-American community received their education during the days of segregation. Randolph alumni are very proud of their alma mater.

The Record reached out to City Manager Jack Thompson this week after hearing about the concerns.

“We’re not tearing down the Randolph Center,” Thompson said. “That’s a historic site.”

Thompson said he could understand how citizens might have been confused due to the wording of the notice. He said the language about demolition applied more to the police station.

“The PD is in really bad shape,” he said. “It needs a ton of work. Part of City Hall might need to be gutted as well.”

Thompson said the City wants to assess the Randolph Center for possible improvements, but demolition is most certainly off the table, he said.

Thompson apologized for any confusion the public notice caused.