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Redevelopment Authority approves Mid State Technical College offer to buy downtown building
Summary
The Redevelopment Authority approved Mid State Technical College's offer to purchase the former Great Lakes facility at 1101 Centerpointe Drive to expand campus space, add a conference center and renovate interior and exterior areas; staff and Mid State outlined phase‑1 renovations, parking plans and a timeline tied to approvals and environmental reviews.
The City of Stevens Point Redevelopment Authority voted to approve an offer from Mid State Technical College to acquire 1101 Centerpointe Drive, a former Great Lakes building downtown, and to work with the college on phased renovations to expand classroom, lab and conference space.
Benjamin Nous, dean of Mid State’s Stevens Point downtown campus, told the authority the college’s feasibility study concluded there is sufficient market demand for conferences of about 150–300 attendees and that the building could be renovated to accommodate roughly 400 people in a banquet configuration. Nous said Mid State has seen enrollment and community use grow and that the proposed acquisition would allow the college to keep pace without relocating: “We are really serving the community,” Nous said, describing recent growth to about 10,000 learners served across the district and increasing downtown programming.
City staff described a phased approach to the project. Staff noted state limits on how much the college may spend on new square footage and said the first phase includes a large open meeting space, limited staff offices and exterior site improvements. Staff cited a state cap on spending for new square footage and a phase‑one budget figure the college plans to work within; the college said it has allocated capital funds for exterior work this year and will pursue approvals and environmental screening before construction.
Parking and operations were a central part of the discussion. Mid State reported roughly 260 parking spaces on campus and an additional ~55 stalls at the former Great Lakes frontage; the college said it is adopting a parking policy to limit overnight and non‑college parking and will coordinate with downtown event schedules so public events retain access when needed. Mid State and staff said they believe the combined stalls and on‑campus spaces will meet typical conference demand but acknowledged some overflow coordination will be required.
Commissioners asked about the studies that informed the proposal, the purchase price methodology and timeline for approvals. Staff said feasibility work began in 2023, with a revised final study in 2024 after clarifying the college’s scope. Staff also told the authority they had discussed the project with the Convention and Visitors Bureau and that a mix of funding sources will be required.
After questions, the authority moved and seconded the staff recommendation to accept Mid State’s offer and proceed with purchase and review of required approvals; the motion carried on a roll call vote. Staff said next steps include completing the city’s purchasing and environmental review processes, coordinating architect and construction planning for the phased renovations and returning to the authority with final acquisition and construction details.
The authority’s approval allows Mid State to continue planning but does not yet authorize construction; additional permits and approvals must be obtained before major work begins.
