An indoor greenspace, event space and tea and mocktail lounge planned for the former Wausau Chemical has been delayed a year.
The city’s Economic Development Committee last week approved a one-year delay of the project that would transform the former chemical facility. The city helped move Wausau Chemical to the city’s industrial park, and away from the river several years ago.
Asch Properties owner Matthew Aschenbrenner presented the proposal for Infused last summer. The city sold the building to Asch Properties for $40,000 but part of the agreement was that they occupy the building by August of this year.
That won’t happen for a few reasons, Aschenbrenner explained in a letter to the city. The roof needed far more work than originally expected, and contractors were much less available. Construction is now expected to start in August.
But, he says, a lot of work has already been done on the building. A new HVAC system has been installed, roof repairs made, electrical and plumbing work. The building will need a completely new roof at some point.
And, Aschenbrenner says, plants are starting to grow in the space.