Incorporated in 1883, Merrill built this City Hall in 1888–1889 for $16,275. The building was designed by architect T. D. Allen of Oshkosh, Wisconsin in the Richardsonian Romanesque style and was constructed of local brick, sandstone, and virgin timber. From 1891–1911 the City Hall housed one of northern Wisconsin's first three libraries. The building served as the seat of city government until 1977. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.