Perry Grueber, spokesman for Wausau Paper, said the company plans to have the facility demolished by the middle of the year “if everything does all right.”
“For us this is part of an ongoing process of trying to improve the overall condition of the facility,” Grueber said. “The buildings have been unoccupied for a number of years and we felt it was time to demolish them.”
Wausau Paper will continue to hold the site for potential future use, but Grueber said the company has no redevelopment plans.
The operational part of the facility on the northwestern side of the property will remain untouched, according to Grueber.
Wausau Paper has also agreed to pay for renovation and relocation of the mural from the side of the factory to another building prior to demolition.
“I’ve seen the mural and can understand why they might want to retain it,” he said. “It’s part of our overall value we place on Middletown.”
Mike Robinette, Middletown’s economic development director, said the demolition is “another good indication we’re starting to see movement toward the revitalization of downtown.”
While the removal of the former Sorg plant is not directly connected to the city’s development plans, Robinette said opening a green strip where the paper plant once sat is an important part of getting things moving in the “right direction” for the area.
“It’s just another element of what we hope to be a series of actions and activities you’ll see over the coming months to heighten people’s interest in downtown,” Robinette said. “The fact that Wausau is making an investment in their presence is certainly a positive thing.”
Grueber declined to say how much the demolition would cost the company, but Robinette said it generally runs between $2 and $3 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the structure.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or rgauthier@coxohio.com.
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