Published more details on the purchase of the former National Guard Armory

The mayor of Merrill, Steve Hass, provided additional details on the purchase of the former National Guard Chamber next to the Merrill Fairgrounds.
The Ministry of Military Affairs from Wisconsin contacted the city last autumn to determine whether they were interested in buying the free building, said Hass. The city administrator Rod Akey, together with Mayor Hass and other city leaders, toured the building and the adjacent buildings. Everyone agreed that the purchase of the buildings and the country would ensure the continuity of the adjacent exhibition grounds and enable the city to further develop the site as an event center.
Akey and hate negotiated with the state and agreed to buy the property for $ 400,000. The city council was made aware of the potential purchase and the negotiations were supported throughout the process. At its regular monthly session on February 11, 2025, the Council unanimously ratified the purchase.
The financing of the weapons chamber was completely provided by the Bierman Family Foundation.
“The funds for this purchase were received as part of a generous donation from the Bierman Family Foundation,” said Hass. “The city has received many wonderful gifts over the years, and we cannot say enough what this generosity meant for us.”
With regard to the future use of the building, Mayor Hass said that the focus of the building was on the youth of the community. “A partnership will be examined at this point in time, and I think that this building will support and develop the young people in this community for future generations as soon as all the details are developed.”