By Taylor Hale
STEVENS POINT – Crews began tearing down the former Belke Lumber building near downtown Stevens Point on Sept. 22. The demolition lasted several days.

The city first acquired the property the building is located on in 2018 for residential projects. Funding for the purchase initially came from Tax Increment Financing funds.

The Belke property also has a historical significance in the city. The company has roots in the city dating back to 1915 when Emil Belke obtained the former Polish Hotel and transformed it into a lumber company that would serve the county as it grew.

Barry Calnan of Calnan Design Group did a 3D virtual scan of the building using a specialty 360-degree camera and software, creating a digital environment akin to a video game.

The free virtual walkthrough offers those interested a chance to see the interior rooms of the historic building, even after its demolition.
To take the virtual tour, search for “Calnan Design Group Belke Lumber Scan” online.