STEVENS POINT—The Common Council has approved an issuance of request for proposals to renovate the Portage County Public Library – Stevens Point Branch. According to the streets superintendent, Christopher Johnson, “The selected consultant will evaluate the identified concerns, develop repair alternatives, prepare construction documents, provide bidding and construction administration services, and identify potential grant opportunities that may help offset future project costs.”
The city of Stevens Point owns the library building, however Portage County has brought several concerns forward regarding the building. The building concerns include water intrusion at the north entrance and near the east electrical room, structural and foundation issues concerning the Pinery Room, and repairs to historic building components. Currently, the Pinery Room remains closed at the external entrance from an order from the City's Community Development Department pending further evaluation. The Pinery Room remains open and accessible from inside the library.
In Jan. 2026, Ionic Structures and Design LLC performed an initial evaluation of the library building. The evaluation resulted in a recommendation to acquire a multidisciplinary architectural and engineering team to develop repair recommendations.
The Stevens Point Library Branch occupies a historic building that was originally constructed in 1873, with a significant addition completed in 1902. The building was last majorly renovated in 1991 when another large addition was built.
The library building is located in Main Street’s Historic District, leading the City to possibly look into historic preservation grants to help finance the project. According to a current request for proposals draft, the chosen consultant is to evaluate Wisconsin Historical Society grant opportunities, library-related grants, state and federal finding programs, and other applicable funding sources.
On July 20, the Stevens Point Common Council green lit the first step to the library’s renovations. The council approved the issuance of request for proposals for professional design services.
“It needs some rehab, that’s for sure.” Mayor Wiza said.
According to the current draft, the chosen consultant and contract are expected to be completed in 2026, design completion will occur in 2026, and bidding will take place in late 2026 to early 2027. The current timeline estimates construction to possibly begin in 2027.
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