For the time being, the old grain elevator on Sturgeon Bay’s waterfront will remain as is. The city council decided to forgo weatherproofing the 100 year old structure until a determination can be made on whether or not it pays to rehab the building. Council-members were told that an alternate bid of $19,000 had been submitted to essentially “button up” the iconic structure which has taken a beating due to the elements & time. But more evaluation is needed before a decision on the grain elevator is made, once & for all. During discussion on the subject, Alderman Rick Wiesner asked Community Development Director Marty Olejniczak about “critters” that may be making the building their home…[audio:http://wdor.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/N1353.mp3|titles=Marty Olejniczak]
Wiesner noted that there are concerns about vermin exiting the grain elevator once work begins…[audio:http://wdor.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/N1354.mp3|titles=Marty Olejniczak]
A recent analysis of the old building indicated that it was structurally sound, but a check of its footings was recommended. The Sturgeon Bay Waterfront Redevelopment Authority is awaiting that information before sending the matter on to the city council.
