More details on purchase of former National Guard Armory released

Merrill Mayor Steve Hass provided additional details about the City’s purchase of the former National Guard Armory adjacent to the Merrill Fairgrounds.
The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs contacted the City last fall to see if they had any interest in purchasing the vacant building, Hass said. City Administrator Rod Akey, along with Mayor Hass and other City leaders, toured the building and the adjoining out buildings. All agreed the purchase of the buildings and land would ensure the continuity of the adjoining fairgrounds and allow the City to continue to develop the grounds as an event center.
Akey and Hass negotiated with the State and agreed on purchasing the property for $400,000. The City Council was made aware of the potential purchase and supported the negotiations throughout the process. At their regular monthly meeting on Feb. 11, 2025, the Council ratified the purchase unanimously.
Funding for the Armory was provided entirely by the Bierman Family Foundation.
“Funds for this purchase were received as part of a generous donation from the Bierman Family Foundation,” Hass said. “The City has been the recipient of many wonderful gifts over the years, and we cannot say enough what that generosity has meant to us.”
As for future use of the building, Mayor Hass said the focus of the building would be on the youth of the community. “A partnership is being explored at this time, and I feel once all the details are worked out, this building will support and develop the young people in this community for generations to come.”