On February 15, a permit was granted for TB Scott Mansion in Merrill to be demolished. The destruction team will have 45 days to complete the project.
"Basically what we have here is a property issue. Ascension will be selling the hospital and all the surrounding property to Aspirus. The mansion is being torn down as part of that sale," City hall administrator David Johnson said.
Johnson also said that he is sad to see the building demolished, like most of the city of Merrill, however the building has sat empty for 20 years.
"All of a sudden when the eminent demolition is here, 'oh let's quick do something to save it.' Where were people 20 years ago? Ten years ago? Five years ago?" Johnson said.
Ascension offered the city the option of moving the building, however the funds were not available.
The Treasurer and Volunteer Administrator for the Merrill Historical Society said the location is part of the building's charm.
"I think honestly if you moved it some of the charisma of the house on the hill that has the haunted legend would disappear with it a little bit," Pat Burg said.
