SPN Staff

Last week we asked residents to vote on whether or not they are looking forward to the new roundabout currently being constructed on Division Street and Northpoint Drive. Results are in, and the city is a bit split.

Out of 628 votes, 49.4% say they are looking forward to it, with 43.8% say they are dreading it. 6.8% say they need more information. While these polls are non-scientific, they are a quick way to gauge thoughts of a portion of residents in the Stevens Point community and surrounding areas. However, it is important to note that they do not reflect the opinions and will of all of Stevens Point and its residents.

This week, we look into the new city hall proposed by city officials. 

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.

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.