For the City Times

STEVENS POINT — City officials have released information regarding the Fox Theater razing. According to a press release, Building Inspection Superintendent, D.J. Schneider, will be filing a raze order on the Fox Theater early next week.

“I have extreme safety concerns with the condition of the cupola, roof structure, and theater area walls. Other than the obvious danger within the structure if any of these items collapse, there is a high probability that there will be damage to the adjacent buildings” said Schneider. “These items are the immediate safety issues, there are interior safety issues as well. The bathrooms have immense water damage, the balcony supports are cracked and failing, and portions of the ceiling are falling down to name a few.”

The City has been working with The Fox on Main LLC over the past 10-11 months to try and slow the deterioration, but it continues. Items of concern include the roof leaking in multiple areas including on the area where the temporary shoring is located, deterioration of the lower walls of the theater area including potential damage to the foundation from water infiltration, Sagging of the cupola, failing fire escape structures on the outside of the building, and an unknown condition of the foundation.

“It’s unfortunate that it has come to this, but safety is a huge concern right now.” Said Mayor Mike Wiza. “While this theater was never really ornate, it holds many fond memories for a lot of people. The City has already made a commitment to help save the façade and I hope the CREATE project finds the rest of the support they need.”

The estimated cost of repairs far exceed the Wisconsin Statues 66.0413 (3) requirement of 85% of the assessed value, currently $66,200, and requires 30 day notice for the State Historical Society to create or preserve a historic record of the building

The order to raze the building will allow 90 days to the state historical society the time they need to complete their investigation and give The Fox on Main and CREATE some additional time for planning.

CREATE Portage County has been working on a plan to help preserve the historic façade of the building, while removing and rebuilding the main section to create an usable community space along with an entrepreneurial center. Raising the estimated 3.5 million dollars to complete the project have already begun.

If you would like to learn more about the project, visit www.createportagecounty.org/anewfox.