New building in downtown Antigo

I am a little upset to read the article from Antigo Daily Journal today regarding the ok from the Common Council to put up a new building in downtown Antigo.  I know there were previous discussions on this topic and it still doesn’t seem right to me.

According to the article in the Journal, the new plans are scaled back from the original plan to build a two story complex, but, I still find it to be unnecessary.  The article says that the original “renters” had backed out, and so that was part of the reasoning behind going to the scaled down building.  Doesn’t that say something?

How many buildings in downtown Antigo are vacant right now?  My bet would be at LEAST 10, and some of those buildings are not in disrepair.  One that enters my mind that would good sized and fairly new, is the old Chiropractor building right next to Gunkel’s Bakery on Superior Street.  Why wouldn’t a company just go with something like that?  There are so many other choices, I just can not believe that we NEED to put up another building.

Now, something else that bothers me about all this, according to the paper, the tenant in the new building with be Anytime Fitness, like we really need another fitness joint!?  Let’s see, does Antigo have any fitness places to go now?  The answer to that question would be YES!!!  We have Downtown Fitness, Curves, Antigo Athletic Club, and Antigo Fitness Center.  With the population of Antigo being as small as it is, do you think we really need another fitness place?

I just think this is beyond ridiculous.  Why don’t they just put some sod down on that corner of 6th & Superior like they did where the McMillion was, because at least if that fails, it could be used as a parking lot!

ADJ Article

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Sidewalk Plans in the Works for North Side of Town?

Someone has posted a question regarding this and it is certainly a good question.  Since we have hotels, motels, stores, restaurants and apartments on the north side of town now, are there any plans to have sidewalks put it??

It is certainly not very “walker-friendly” now, and hazardous would probably be a fair statement.

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Fifth Avenue Finally Getting Some Improvement!

I was so happy to see the story in the Antigo paper about some of the old, run-down buildings getting demolished!  I think this is definitely a good step in the right direction!  I hope that this kind of work continues to the other run-down blocks along Fifth Avenue. Maybe Antigo’s downtown area will at least look presentable soon.

According to the article, the old Koeppel’s Printing, 5th Precinct, and Hobby/Trinket Shop have been torn down.
You can read the full story in the Antigo Daily Journal HERE.

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According to the ADJ, the new Maurices store in the North Town Centre is set to have their Grand Opening on Friday, May 20th.  The Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3:30pm.  There will be a fantastic sale of buy one get one 50% off.

You can read the full ADJ article HERE.

AntigoBuzz has added Maurices to the Business Directory and we encourage Ratings and Reviews by our visitors.  You can find it HERE.

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According to the Antigo Daily Journal article, which you can read HERE, the Antigo Common Council has approved the grant program that has been in the works to help improve the downtown area.

According to the report, the grants will be awarded to $3,000, with the applicant being reimbursed $1 for every $3 spent.

I feel this is a great program, but, am seriously wondering if it is just, simply, too little, too late?

I would imagine that the properties which need the improvements most, are and have been vacant for quite some time, thus, not bringing income to the property owners.  In this economy it is probably not out of the question to think that the property owners simply do not have the funds available to make improvements to their properties.

I hope that this grant program will help and the downtown area will be perking up soon, but, as pessimistic as it may sound, I doubt it will do much of anything.

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It would be a welcome change to see a nice looking building in place of the old Musloff Plumbing, but, I don’t know if an office complex is the best answer.  I would hate to see another vacant building in the area, as there is certainly no shortage of them.  I am wondering how others feel about this proposed new building plan?

The article in the Antigo Daily Journal,which you can find HERE, states that the 2 story office complex would house Wittenberg Telephone and possibly offices related to the new Langlade Hospital.  It would surprise me if the hospital would really need to rent space, as you would assume that since they are in the process of building a new facility, they won’t need to rent space elsewhere.

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Spring Means Remodel or Construction….Beware!!!

Okay, spring is soon upon us and some people start their house repairing, remodeling, or even build new buildings.  Since last year I noticed A LOT of BUZZ about certain construction companies in the Antigo area that did not get such good reviews.  So, please beware of who you are getting to do your work for you.

Here are a few things to do before hiring a contractor:

1.  Get several quotes and don’t always go with the most expensive or the cheapest contractor.
2.  Get plenty of references from the contractor you want to hire.
3.  Have EVERYTHING written up and signed by the contractor for future problems.
4.  DO NOT take the word of the contractor that they will fix a problem if it arises.  GET IT IN WRITING.
5.  Have a written agreement that they will fix or repair any of their mistakes up to least 24 months at their expense.
6.  DO NOT become friends with any of the contractors.
7.  Last but not least……Do Not Contract Incompetents

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This was reported awhile back in the Antigo Daily Journal, that McDonalds will be putting up a new building to the west of Dunham’s Sports on the north side of town.  The article had suggested that the current McDonalds location will be closed.  I am wondering how this will impact the community?  I can recall as a teenager going to McDonalds and one of the reasons was because of its location.  I would love to hear others’ views on this.

*********************UPDATE 10/17/2011***********************

Due to the moving of equipment to their new facility, McDonalds at it’s current location is now closed.  The NEW facility will be open on 5am on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011.

You can read the article about this in the Antigo Daily Journal HERE.

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According to the Antigo Daily Journal, the remodeling at Antigo’s Dairy Queen will not close the business.  They will remain open during the construction to the building.

There will be a few tables inside and the drive thru will also be fully functioning.

So, don’t let the looks of it stop you.

You can read the full article from ADJ here.

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Here are some photos of the progress being made at the Langlade County Humane Society shelter: