Green Bay’s Landmarks Commission voted on Tuesday to give the historic‑district property at 402 Dousman Street a “demolition by neglect” designation. The move marks only the second time the city has used this tool, which allows municipal officials to require an owner to fund safety‑related repairs when a building has been left to deteriorate.
Background on the vacant building
The three‑story, roughly 120‑year‑old structure sits just off the busy Dousman and Broadway intersection. City records indicate the building has been empty for at least 15 years, with plastic sheeting covering its windows for the past two years. Although the owner, Michael Schwantes, says a contractor has been hired to install new windows and that engineers have confirmed the building is not unstable, the city says progress has been insufficient.
Commission process and owner response
The commission first discussed the property in June, granting the owner a two‑month window to address a city‑issued list of needed repairs. After that period elapsed without the required work, the commission moved forward with the demolition‑by‑neglect designation. City officials now plan to issue a formal repair order and will continue reinspection fees three times a week until compliance is achieved.
Schwantes, the registered agent for the LLC that owns the building, told reporters that three contractors have expressed “serious interest” in purchasing the property and that the pizza restaurant moving into the former Chefusion building next door is also interested. He noted the building is currently listed for sale at $350,000, down from $425,000 in June.
City incentives and previous approvals
In February 2024, Green Bay approved window replacements for the building, a decision that was later re‑approved in April 2025 before lapsing again at the end of June. The city also allocated a $52,500 façade grant to assist with the work, but that grant has since expired. Despite the building’s long vacancy, the city has issued only one citation related to the property, even though eight documented complaints have been logged.
Next steps
According to a city memorandum, officials will prepare a letter outlining the forthcoming repair order tied to the demolition‑by‑neglect designation. The city says it intends to work with the owner to “save the structure,” emphasizing preservation of the historic district while ensuring public safety.
The designation underscores Green Bay’s broader effort to address blighted properties that threaten the character and safety of its downtown core. Residents and neighboring businesses have long expressed concern that neglected buildings can drag down property values and deter investment. By invoking demolition‑by‑neglect, the city hopes to spur action, protect historic assets, and encourage responsible ownership.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
