MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU-WDLB) A new multi-million dollar facility for Marshfield’s public power and water utility is another step closer to becoming a reality. The city’s Plan Commission voted 5-2 last night in favor of a conditional use request from Marshfield Utilities to build a $17.5-million facility on the site of the existing office building at 2000 South Central Avenue.
Because the project exceeds 50,000-square feet, Development Services Director Josh Miller told the Commission the project is considered a large development and warrants review through the Conditional Use Permit process: “The type of building they’re proposing, along with the landscaping will fit in with this part of the community. There aren’t really any residential buildings nearby. When this building was first talked about there was a concern about having a three-story building next to the pool. This new design will be a two-story building that will look like a one-story building because of the grade changes.”
The parcel is located on the south end of the city between Central and Roddis Avenues, and the northern-most property line is adjacent to the future home of the new Vandehey Waters Outdoor Aquatic Center. “Office space will be very visible from Central Avenue… and could spur on redevelopment of other crucial properties in the area,” Miller said.
The conditional use permit deals with issues like proper setback requirements, landscaping and fencing issues and appropriate buffering between adjacent developments. The project includes a 30-thousand square-foot two-story office building attached to a 57-thousand square-foot garage and warehouse facility, plus ample parking for utility employees and customers.
The project is tentatively scheduled to start in March of next year, with completion scheduled for July of 2022. The utility has operated out of its current facility since 1966.
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