STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — A local non-profit is working to save portions of a historic building in downtown Stevens Point.
A raze order was issued by Stevens Point on July 22nd for the historic Fox Theater on Main St. But CREATE Portage County has stepped in to try and save portions of the building. The non-profit expressed interest to the city in reconstructing, renovating, and saving parts of the building.
The city released a press release on Tuesday afternoon detailing CREATE’s plans for the building. CREATE hopes to demolish the rear theater area of the building but leave portions of the facade and the front in place. The group would then construct a new building in place of the theater and be rejoined to the facade.
The city of Stevens Point is expressing their support for the effort by CREATE Portage County to reuse the theater. The city says they will work with CREATE to try and complete the project. But the city also needs proof from CREATE that they have the financial support to fund the project and address immediate safety concerns.
The raze order was issued so the site would comply with Building Code in the city. With CREATE’s plan, the City has determined that the health, safety, and general welfare of the public can also be met with that immediate action plan.