BY TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR

On Aug. 1, 2023, the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce and SC Swiderski (SCS) held a groundbreaking ceremony at 2015 Webster St. in Merrill, the location of the complex that will be known as Alexander Estates. (Webster St. was extended by the City of Merrill in preparation for this development and now connects Eugene St. and Alexander St., and the new complex will be located on this new street.)
Short formal ceremonies prior to the ceremonial groundbreaking included a few words from special guests including Clyde Nelson, Executive Director of the Merrill Chamber, and Merrill Mayor Steve Haas. A large number of SCS employees involved in many phases of the project, along with Merrill City Council members, Merrill Chamber staff and ambassadors, team members from REI Engineering, representatives from County Land and Title and North Shore Bank, and special guest, Woody the Woodchuck from the Wausau Woodchucks Baseball Team, gathered along with neighbors from the area to learn more about the scope of the project.
Refreshments included donuts from Helene’s Hilltop Orchard and Ana Blair’s Coffee on the Go.
When completed, Alexander Estates will include nine multi-generational buildings in three different styles, featuring eight different floor plans. Some will be single level units, while others will be multi-level. All will rent at current market rates, and SCS is already starting a list for those interested in renting at the property. Rental rates will include heat, water, sewer, cable, Wi-Fi, trash pickup, lawn care, and snow removal. Altogether, the new complex will add 68 new units to help provide additional needed housing in Merrill.
Apartments will each feature a private entrance, attached or detached garage, private laundry, and patio or balcony. And, the apartment homes are pet friendly for cats and dogs and feature green space throughout the site, SCS representatives said.
As with the other three current communities in Merrill–SCS Merrill, SCS Fox Point and Northside Estates–the Alexander Estates property will feature on-site management to address any tenant needs.