Groundbreaking Ceremony Kicks Off Community Center Build in Phelps
Four years of hard work by municipal officials and other community-minded individuals resulted in the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for the new community center in Phelps.
Supervisor Dave Selby greeted the attendees that included board supervisors, builders, chamber and library staff, and excited residents who are thrilled the expanded new community space is coming to town. The structure will be more than just a community center, also housing town offices, the library, chamber of commerce, and gathering spaces that can be utilized for various causes.
The project was originally presented to Phelps electors in 2022 with a $5 million price tag. Selby said at that time, the town had the design and vision, but not the funding to move forward with the undertaking.
But that changed when the Department of Administration announced its Flexible Facilities Program funded through the Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund. The town was notified by Gov Tony Evers' office last fall that Phelps was the recipient of a $4.25 million grant to go toward funding public facility expansion or improvement projects designed to provide reliable broadband access to local communities.
Selby noted in his speech that the grant funding was what "really kicked it into action." Projects that were considered for the grant included libraries, community centers, and multi-purpose community facilities like the one the Town of Phelps had envisioned.
Building Plans
Hoeft Builders out of Altoona is the general contractor for the project. Selby said he is "really optimistic they'll do a great job for us." Aaron Stern from Hoeft spoke briefly at the groundbreaking, saying he was excited to take part in the "very neat and very unique" project.
The $5.6 million structure is being built behind the current town hall and library, which will ultimately be torn down once the new build is complete to make room for a spacious parking lot. The plan — which comes in at just over 14,000 square feet — provides a new community center with a prominent front along Highway 17 that will also allow for new town offices, chamber of commerce, and a library that is about double the square footage of the existing library. Plans also include covered canopy areas which will add nearly 2,800 square feet of additional space to the indoor portion of the center.
There also will be space to hold public meetings, and a centrally located warming kitchen to serve food at large group gatherings. Three large meeting rooms are part of the design, which will create space to offer all kinds of programs to benefit the community, including telehealth and in-person health clinic services; high speed internet; senior meals, outreach and activities; exercise classes and workshops; EMT training facilitated by Nicolet College; and much more.
While the building will bring many upgrades to the town, retaining the Northwoods feel was important to designers. Selby noted the building will incorporate historical elements such as large peeled log columns that recall the area's rich logging history. The interior also be decorated with local art work and historical photographs that celebrate Phelps. Selby called the building a "showpiece and gathering spot for everyone in town."
Hoeft Builders is confident the construction will be completed in spring of 2026.
Funding the Build
The grant money went a long way in bringing this building to life, but there is still work to be done to fund the final portion. Mak Holcomb is leading the charge to raise $500,000 to support the construction project. Contributions will be acknowledged through public displays of plaques for those who donate, with a various donation levels available.
Legacy donors are those who give $5,000-$10,000; Visionary donors, $1,000-$5,000; Patrons, $100-$1,000; and Friends, $1-$100. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can leave their mark on the community center by putting their name, honoree's name, or "in memory of" on their plaque. There also are opportunities for donors to sponsor an entire room or office of the building.
To learn more about how to donate or to provide funding via credit card, visit the Phelps Area Community Foundation online. Checks can also be mailed to: Phelps Area Community Foundation, 200 Washington St., Wausau, WI 54403, with "PACF Community Center Donation" in the memo line.
