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Marathon County staff outline options for UW–Stevens Point at Wausau campus; state redevelopment grant could shape process
Summary
County staff told joint Marathon County committees on Nov. 7 that the UW–Stevens Point at Wausau campus covers about 10.5 acres and roughly 240,000 square feet of buildings and outlined two options for determining future use: an internal RFP or hiring external redevelopment planners to leverage state funds.
County administrators and campus facilities staff presented a facilities assessment and a set of choices to guide future use of the UW–Stevens Point at Wausau campus, telling the joint committees on Nov. 7 that the campus totals roughly 10.5 acres and about 240,000 square feet of buildings.
Chris Berg, who compiled the building information, described the campus layout and infrastructure. He told the committees that the theater building is largely standalone with its own HVAC, whereas a set of parcels is tied to a central heating plant across the railroad tracks. Berg said the older arts building currently lacks water service, has lead pipes and likely asbestos, and has not been used for some time. Marathon Hall (the old dorm) is aged and would require substantial work for repurposing.
Administrator Leonard summarized two broad approaches for determining future use: (1) issue an internal request for proposals (RFP) to solicit direct interest from local organizations and developers, or (2) commission an external professional redevelopment plan — an approach other counties used to access state redevelopment funds. Leonard said the state set aside roughly $2,000,000 per closed branch campus for redevelopment; staff are investigating eligible uses and whether portions of a campus can be eligible while academic uses remain elsewhere on the property.
Leonard and staff emphasized timing pressures. He said UW Stevens Point plans to occupy the campus through about mid‑2026 and has committed to holding‑cost support through that time, which gives the county a practical timeline for decisions and potential use of transitional funding. Miranda (UW Stevens Point representative) said the university wants minimal disruption to students for the current academic year and expects to vacate sections gradually after the semester ends.
Committee members asked whether WEDC funds can be applied piecemeal; staff said peer counties (Sauk, Fond du Lac, Waukesha, Marshfield/Wood County) had varied experiences and that staff would seek formal guidance from WEDC and reach out to peer counties for lessons learned. Staff also noted a recent modernization of the campus central heating plant at several hundred thousand dollars and that UW’s routine maintenance contribution is roughly $60,000 per year, which has not covered all needs.
The committee directed staff to prepare a timeline, explore WEDC eligibility, and return with more detail at a joint follow‑up scheduled for Dec. 4, 2025.
No final action was taken; staff said they will solicit more information and draft a timeline and RFP materials for board consideration.
