Pioneers carved the city of Merrill out of the forested wilderness of northern Wisconsin. In 1889, community leaders constructed Merrill City Hall as a symbol of civic pride and as a focus of community life. All of city government, as well as a variety of social and humanitarian services, took place in the building. One of the first libraries in northern Wisconsin was opened in city hall in 1891. The library also formed an early traveling library, sending books to small towns and lumber camps throughout the county. Other services housed here included the City Nurse Service, the Merrill City Band, Red Cross, Humane Society and the Chamber of Commerce.

Built with elements of the Ricahrdsonian Romanesque style, this imposing civic monument is the focal point of Merrill's main street. Elaborate towers decorate the building. A framed turret adorned with Moorish arches crowns the tall octagonal tower at the façade. The curved balcony above the front entrance served as a podium for speeches and announcements.

After facing demolition, a developer converted the vacant building into 17 unique apartments using the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit. The building is not open to the public. Please respect the privacy rights of the residents.