By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD – A new multi-million dollar facility for Marshfield’s public power and water utility is another step closer to becoming a reality. The city’s plan commission voted 5-2 last night in favor of a conditional use request from Marshfield Utilities to build a $17.5million dollar facility on the site of the existing office building at 2000 South Central Avenue.

Because the project exceeds 50,000 square feet, Development Services Director Josh Miller told the Commission the project is considered a large development, and warrants review through the conditional use permit process.

The parcel is located on the south end of the city between Central and Roddis avenues, and the northern-most property line is adjacent to the future home of the new Vandehey Waters Outdoor Aquatic Center.

The conditional use permit deals with issues like proper setback requirements, landscaping and fencing issues and appropriate buffering between adjacent developments. The project includes a 30,000 square-foot two-story office building attached to a 57,000 square-foot garage and warehouse facility, plus ample parking for utility employees and customers.

The project is tentatively scheduled to start in March of next year, with completion scheduled for July 2022. The utility has operated out of its current facility since 1966.