By Joe Bachman
Editor

STEVENS POINT — A glimpse into the possible future new city hall was presented to council members on Monday night.

A presentation was made by architect Nathan Schieve, of Bray Architects, unveiling what could be the new city hall.  Last year, the city purchased three properties; two on Water Street and one on Arlington Place, that would serve as the future site of the new government building. The reasons for this venture, aside from stepping away from a part-ownership with the county of the current city hall, range from the necessity for extra space, better functionality, and more parking.

In addition, city memos indicate that it may be more cost-effective to move into a new building, as opposed to remodel the current facility. The latter option would also prohibit any future growth.

The new city hall is proposed to sit on the corner of Water St. and Arlington Place, right next to the Green Circle Trail. (Photo: Google Maps)

While the project is in its early stages of conceptual design, Schieve presented approximate size and costs for the new facility. This includes a potential and unofficial construction cost of $6,696,600, with added soft costs bringing the estimated total up to approximately $7.8 million. The space utilized will equate to around 26,500 sq. feet, which given the total estimated cost, equates to $294 per sq. foot.

The building is expected to utilize natural materials in its construction, using natural wood, stone, glass and metal for its interior and exterior components. The three-story building will also utilize the view of the Wisconsin River on its east-side, including space on the roof for staff use.

In addition, multiple transactions windows on multiple floors will be featured in efforts for ease of public use.

It is important to note that this was a presentation only, and that no official decision has been made on any conceptual designs, groundbreaking dates, specific funding, or construction details.