Expansion and growth are not the only measures of progress; another component is stewardship of what is left behind.
Cole County commissioners are exploring a larger addition to the courthouse for offices now housed in the Carnegie Building.
The discussion raises a question about the future of the Carnegie Building - originally a public library on Adams Street constructed as part of a nationwide initiative by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
Readers will recall the county commission - the county's three-member governing body - recently decided to demolish the vacated Old Jail and Sheriff's House adjoining the High Street courthouse. The new construction largely is designed to house a large courtroom.
Commissioners are exploring whether the new construction also could facilitate relocation of two county offices - assessor and public defender - now located in the Carnegie Building.
A previous county commission purchased the building in the 1970s after the public library occupied its newly constructed Missouri River Regional Library across the alley.
The Carnegie Building, however, no longer is suitable for the county's needs, according to Marc Ellinger, the county's presiding commissioner.
The building needs comprehensive renovations, Ellinger said Thursday, adding it is not conducive for use as county offices.
Ellinger, who favored demolition of the Old Jail and Sheriff's House, opposes a similar fate for the Carnegie Building. "There's a difference between old and historic. The Carnegie Building is historic."
His inclination is "to sell, donate, give it away," but he added the commission has received no formal inquiries.
To gauge interest in acquisition of the Carnegie Building, we contacted Steve Veile, president of the Historical City of Jefferson (HCJ).
Veile said HCJ itself is interested. In addition to relocating its offices, Veile envisions the possibility of opening a museum.
"We see some potential there," Veile said, "particularly if we can partner with other interested not-profit organizations." He noted that if restoration of a small theater in the original interior proves feasible, potential partners might include a local theater group.
The possibility of a renovated, active center for organizations serving the community is an exciting prospect. Obvious obstacles remain, not the least of which is financing renovations of a historic structure.
Whenever major reconstruction and relocation is proposed - be it St. Mary's Health Center or Jefferson City High School - discussion must include the fate the vacated facility.
We invite community discussion pertaining to the Carnegie Building's future.