APPLETON POST CRESCENT

1969

Waupaca’s Old City Hall, soon to be razed to make way for a 30-unit apartment building, served the city for 75 years. Built in 1894 at the cost of $7,999.50 – it served the city offices, police department and fire department until December 1968, when all offices were moved to the new City Hall at the corner of Washington and Union Streets. (Post-Crescent Photo)

Built in 1894

Apartments Will Replace Waupaca’s Old City Hall

WAUPACA – One day soon, the old City Hall on Main Street will be reduced to rubble and hauled away. In its place will rise a $300,000, 30 unit- low rent apartment building.

"When was it build, who built it, and how much did it cost?" These are just some of the questions being posed along Main Street, as memories of the old landmark fade away. The brick two story building served as city offices, council chambers and police and fire departments for more than 75 years.

Early in 1894 the city council advertised for bids on a city hall. They received 13 bids, early council minutes disclose, and the lowest bid came from Simon Jensen, a local builder, who agreed to construct the building at a cost of $7,495.

The building was designed by Architect F.H. Clark, his address not noted.

Four days after the bid was approved, Jensen came to the council and told them he had made a mistake in his bidding, failing to include the cost of footings, an additional $1,000.

This made Conrad Gminer, another local contractor, the successful bidder and he was awarded the contract at $7,999.50. Under the terms of the contract, he was to complete the building on or before Oct. 15, 1894.

Few Specifics

The only known specifics of the contract are: The footing stones were to be eight inches thick, four feet long and of Kaukauna River footing stone. These cost 21 cents per square foot and were laid at a cost of $10 per cord.

The land was purchased from Edwin and Hannah Selleck, except for the south eight feet of the lot and this was later purchased from Winfield Scott.

This is the building and land sold to Anderson Brothers Construction Co. several years ago for $2,500. The firm will build the apartments.