MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – What was once a staple of manufacturing in the city, is now piles of rubble and broken windows.
Corey Peterik lives right across the street from the Mirro Building and spoke to WLUK.
“There have been several different owners that have had it, a lot of different people come in and strip stuff, and you’re left with this”
He calls it a big black-eye for the entire community.
“You want to come to Manitowoc and see the biggest eye sore in the county it’s right here. How would feel living across the street from that?”
On Monday, the Manitowoc Common Council unanimously approved a demolition bid on the vacant building.
The city took ownership of the former aluminum cookware plant last July.
Bradenburg Industrial Services out of Chicago submitted the bid for the project. The contract states the building must be demolished between March 1 and July 1.
The total cost of demolition is estimated to more than $2.5 million.
“The citizens knew how much we budgeted, how much we expected, it came within budget, and we’re still aggressively looking for other funds,” said Mayor Justin Nickels.
Brandenburg’s portion is about $1.4 million; the city will also consider awarding a $585,000 contract to Waste Management for disposal of waste.
The city already has a separate $583,516 contract with Holian Environmental Cleaning Corp. for removing asbestos. That process is already underway.
Overall, city leaders say the bids would make the project come in more than $128,000 under budget.
A federal grant of nearly $400,000 is helping offset the city’s costs. The city is also applying for a $500,000 state grant.
“It’s about time, but it’s a win win situation for Manitowoc,” said Alderman Jim Brey.
The Mirro building sits in Bery’s district. He says he is already looking towards the future for the site.
“I see the frontage part on Washington Street being small retail stores, or something like that”
Once the contract is approved, the city plans to schedule a demolition ceremony with a first swing at the building.
The city says it has not made the decision on whether to sell wood or bricks from the building yet, but said it will issued a press release once more is known.
The Mirro Building, located at 1512 Washington Street, has been vacant for more than 13 years.
