Stevens Point wants to save historic convent

Stevens Point want to save historic convent

STEVENS POINT, Wis. — A Stevens Point Catholic church wants to tear down an aging convent but city leaders are standing in the way.

The Stevens Point City Council has rejected a request by St. Stephen Parish to demolish the convent, built for nuns in 1954. Parish leaders say the convent has fallen into disrepair and is a financial burden.

The council has the authority to save the building because it’s located in the city’s historic district. Mayor Andrew Halverson says it’s the last intact full Catholic parish in the city, with a convent, a church, a school and rectory all in one location.

Wisconsin Public Radio News says the mayor wants to work with the parish to find alternative uses for the building.