Green Bay’s Landmarks Commission on Aug. 19 deemed 402 Dousman St., a downtown building its owner has struggled to redevelop, as demolished by neglect after frustration at the owner’s unresponsiveness and years of inactivity.
The commission’s decision, only allowable for buildings in historic districts, gives city officials “an opportunity to save this historic building,” according to a memo by city planner Stephanie Hummel. The city will hire a contractor to make necessary repairs on the owner Mike Schwantes’ dime to avoid razing the structure once home to a Ferrari & Antiques and a Golf Shack.
City officials found “major damage and deterioration” that put the building at risk of being razed, according to Hummel’s memo. According to a June violation notice sent to Schwantes, a city inspector found “hazardous conditions” in the building, noting the floors, doors, walls, ceilings, wiring, plumbing, foundations and HVAC were severely damaged. Holes were in the back of the building, Hummel said to the commission…