Watertown City Council to discuss future of Wells Fargo Bank building

January 9, 2024

Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–It could be an interesting conversation at today’s Watertown City Council work session.

The council will discuss what to do with the former Wells Fargo Bank building at 20 North Maple Street in the downtown area.

The city bought the building in November 2020 for $1.3 million with the intention of making renovations and then moving into as the new City Hall. But renovation bids came in way over budget, putting the city’s plans on hold.

Last year, the council declared the building “surplus property,” which allowed them to solicit bids from anyone interested in buying it, but just one bid came in.  It was for less than half the appraised value of the building, and it was promptly rejected.

The city also floated the idea of building a new City Hall on Highway 20 near the former Stockmen’s Cafe location, but that idea was shelved after the public indicated a strong preference of keeping City Hall in the downtown area.

Today’s work session begins at 4 p.m.