The T.B. Scott Mansion, a residence built by one of Merrill’s founders and first mayor in 1884, has been languishing in a state of increasing disrepair for years. The mansion, located on the Good Samaritan Hospital property, has changed owners and uses numerous times since being built, and currently sits unused.
On Sept. 26, city of Merrill staff met with members of the Ascension/Good Samaritan leadership team to discuss the T.B. Scott Mansion and express the city’s concerns with the condition of the structure and its future. City staff expressed their concern with the current condition and the potential future of the building. According to City Administrator Dave Johnson, the Ascension/Good Samaritan leadership team expressed their commitment to Merrill and a willingness to work with the city.
On Oct. 15, as a result of this meeting, city staff received a proposal from Ascension to bring the building into compliance with city ordinances related to the upkeep of properties. The city received the following proposal from Ascension Wisconsin to align with their fiscal years which run from July through June.
•2018/2019 Fiscal Year: Tuck pointing; cupola/front porch repair; siding/shingle repair or replacement.
•2019/2020 Fiscal Year: Lead paint abatement and exterior painting.
•2020/2021 Fiscal Year: Window repair and replacement.
“City staff has accepted this plan from Ascension Wisconsin to bring the T.B. Scott Mansion into compliance with city ordinances and appreciates the commitment to our community made by Ascension Wisconsin,” Johnson stated. “Their actions demonstrate their commitment to more than their stated mission of providing compassionate personalized healthcare services to the community, they are demonstrating their commitment to the history and heritage of the city as well.”