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Waunakee trustees continue discussion of potential purchase of 105 E. Second St.; no purchase approved
Summary
Trustees discussed a potential acquisition of the historic property at 105 East Second Street, reviewed an inspector’s report noting no major structural defects but potential roof and sprinkler work, and directed staff to continue outreach and planning rather than proceed with an immediate purchase.
The Village of Waunakee Village Board discussed the potential purchase of the building at 105 East Second Street on March 17 but did not approve any purchase or option at the meeting.
Staff reported that a building inspector was allowed to inspect the property inside and out and prepared a one-page summary. The inspector, according to staff, did not identify major structural defects that would make the property uninhabitable but noted conditions that could require significant investment, including a roof that “may need to be replaced” and the possibility that installation of restaurant equipment or conversion to residential use would trigger a need for a sprinkler system. Staff emphasized that full sprinkling would be a major investment for a future user.
Trustees expressed concern about buying a property without a clear, funded plan for reuse. Trustee Nyla Frye said she was sympathetic to historical buildings but “it would be very hard at this time for me to support this project” given current fiscal caution. Trustee Robert McPherson and Trustee Joe Zitzelsberger said they were undecided and urged a clearer vision; McPherson called the roof and related repairs “not cheap” though not necessarily structural defects. Trustee Tricia Brown suggested staff and the community development authority could help the owner find private redevelopers and recommended the village consider pursuing development partners or an RFP if the village held an option or ownership interest.
Trustees discussed possible programmatic next steps rather than immediate acquisition: staff agreed to continue dialogue with the property broker, contact potential developers identified by trustees, and explore whether the property could be part of downtown visioning or an expedited comp-plan micro-study. Staff also noted prior contact with adjacent property owners about future interest. A figure of $550,000 was mentioned by trustees in the discussion as the current asking/sale reference for the property; no formal offer was made or recorded.
No motion to purchase was made. The board indicated it would revisit the item at a future meeting after additional staff follow-up, developer outreach and possible inclusion in comp-plan work. Staff-level conversations with property owners and preliminary market/finance options were authorized to inform future decision-making.
