Photo by Deb Gau The future of the vacant hotel building next door to Marshall’s city hall will figure into plans to renovate city hall.

MARSHALL — Torn down, or gutted — one way or another, the long-vacant hotel building next door was going to have to figure into plans to renovate Marshall’s city hall. But Marshall City Council members learned Tuesday night that there could possibly be another option for the former Marshall Hotel: renovation by a private owner.

During an update to the council, Barbara Marks of design firm Engan Associates and Marshall City Administrator Sharon Hanson said an “interested party” had asked about possibly renovating the former hotel. If that plan came to fruition, it could mean the city won’t have to pay to demolish or renovate the property. But, council members pointed out, having construction next door could also affect construction at city hall.

Marks said Engan Associates was working on design documents to renovate the Marshall municipal building on Main Street, as well as developing plans for building security and improved accessibility.

“I would also like to point out that today we spoke with an interested party who expressed interest in maintaining the hotel property, and looking at using that,” Marks said.

Hanson said and Marks said they were looking for council feedback.

The new question, Hanson said, is “Should we stay in our own footprint, and continue to work with this interested business owner on the Marshall Hotel for potential for redevelopment?”

The city currently owns the vacant hotel building, and previous discussions had looked at the option of tearing the hotel down to allow for new secure entrances for city hall, and for space for extra infrastructure to improve accessibility.

“I think the original intent was to demolish, but after today’s discussion, we’re not entirely sure,” Hanson said.

Council members’ reactions were mostly positive, but there were questions.

“Space-wise, we do have adequate space in the building we have,” and not having to demolish the hotel could potentially cut back on costs for the city, said council member John DeCramer. But the question would be how well a potential developer’s building timeline would mesh up with the city’s.

“It’s got to be in the same pace that we’re doing things, because (the buildings) are right next to each other,” said council member Steven Meister. “I’d be concerned about that.”

Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes said the other question would be how viable a private development project would be. If the proposal gets more detailed or feasible, Byrnes said, “Then we have a serious discussion.”

“I think it is feasible, but the timing may not match up,” Hanson said.

Council member Craig Schafer said a difference in construction timelines may not be that much of a problem for city hall. City offices will have to be relocated during renovation anyway, he said. If that’s the case, Schafer said staying in temporary offices longer than originally planned might not make a big difference.

“If there’s a private interest in doing that, I really want to give that room to operate,” Schafer said.

After Tuesday’s discussion, Hanson and council members said they would be waiting to hear if they get more details from the potential developer.