WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau’s Capital Improvements and Street Maintenance Committee got their first look at renderings for a new Department of Public Works complex on Thursday.
The $25.2 million proposal would go at the site of the vacant Wausau Iron Works building on West Street, replacing the current garage on Myron Street. Public Works Director Eric Lindman says that simply doesn’t work anymore. “It’s drastically undersized. It was built in the 1960s and our efficiencies are about half of what they should be.”
That includes limited storage and parking and cramped working quarters. It’s also not the ideal starting point for snow removal crews when they are called into action. Lindman says all of those issues can be fixed at the proposed site on West Street. “We’re looking at all kinds of efficiencies and improvements. It’s going to get us a state-of-the-art facility. It’ll serve us and the community for several decades,” added Lindman.
The location provides easy access to arterial streets for plowing, including all three bridges over the Wisconsin River.
Thursday’s presentation from Barrientos Design included sketches and renderings of three elements; a parking structure, office space, and a repair facility. Designers called for those areas to come from a mix of demolition and new construction and remodeling of existing structures on the site.
Members of the committee asked the representatives from Barrientos to provide information on adding solar panels to the facility now, instead of having to retrofit. Lindman says that would be in line with the city’s efforts to “step into” solar energy as a way of bringing down overhead costs.
Alder Gary Gisselman inquired about electric vehicle charging infrastructure to future-proofing the facility for electric police or fire vehicles. That’s also included in the current plans.
No action was taken by the committee on Thursday. Lindman says more detailed drawings are needed before they can move forward. Action from the city’s Finance Committee will also be required before a timeline for construction emerges.
Lindman adds that preliminary discussions are underway with the owners of the property regarding a purchase price.
