STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — Demolition of a building once owned by Portage County is underway on Ellis Street in Stevens Point.
The property will become City Hall’s new home as part of a land-swap agreement between the two governmental bodies. Mayor Mike Wiza says early demolition will focus on removing anything that can be reused or recycled from the building. “All of the wire, there is value in that copper and some of it can actually be reused,” said Wiza. “Some of the piping could be scrap metal, that’s recyclable. Any metals that are reusable will definitely be pulled out. Light fixtures are probably reusable.”
Some items, like carpet and ceiling tiles, can’t be reused. Other fixtures, like the building’s generator, could go up for auction. “It [wouldn’t] meet our needs, it would just cost too much and it was too old. But it might meet someone’s needs. [It could be sold] on an online auction to someone who needs a cheap generator.”
Plans are still in the works for the new building, which Wiza says will be more efficient for staff and residents. He notes that some permitting processes currently involve multiple trips between floors.
The building will also be planned with growth in mind, allowing for additional floors or a bigger footprint if needed.
The land swap deal will clear the way for Poratge County to expand and modernize the courthouse. Wiza notes that the deal is good for the taxpayers as well, because no property will be removed from the tax rolls.
The new building is expected to cost $15 million and will be ready by the summer of 2027.
Other topics Wiza discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video: ‘Dress Your Best’ day at Jefferson Elementary
5:50- New City Hall
16:00- Division Street work
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