SOLON — The little brick house at 223 S. Iowa Street, just north of the old school/current Community Center and Solon Community School District administrative offices, has had a long and varied history in the city of Solon.
Built in 1950 it housed the city’s first well and was the site of a water tower. It also was the town’s fire station and home to Solon’s own police department before also serving as the library (which was relocated from beneath the band stand). The building has also been the site of a preschool, was city hall, and has also been home to the city’s Recreation Department.
Soon however, it will serve as a substation for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO).
During last year’s budget discussions the City Council considered the idea of offering use of the building to the Sheriff’s Office as a satellite office (substation) for the northern part of the county. Doing so, they rationalized, would allow for an increased police presence and visibility in Solon, especially as the city continues to grow. The JCSO provides law enforcement to the City on a contracted basis, and has logged 1,579 hours between July 1, 2022, and Feb. 28, 2023. Per the Fiscal Year 22-23 contract with the City, the JCSO is required to patrol Solon for 2,080 hours between July 1, 2022, and June 31, 2023.
Before the JCSO can move in and set up shop, much work needs to be done.
The City Council approved a $138,440 quote for work including completely gutting the building, installing new electrical and plumbing systems, leveling the floor, new drywall and paint, a new ADA-compliant entryway, driveway, and new data lines to support the JCSO’s communications needs.
Public Works Director Scott Kleppe told the Council the bid was below the bid threshold they had established, and the Council voted 3-0 with Steve Duncan, Cole Gabriel, and Lauren Whitehead (via Zoom) in favor and Dan O’Neil and John Farlinger absent. The project is being funded through Local Option Sales Tax money, which has been allocated specifically for it.
New life for an old building
March 22, 2023
The little brick structure at 223 S. Iowa Street will soon be a substation for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. At one time it served as the town’s fire station and police station.
