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Raise and Revive: city reports 40 demolitions so far in 2025, eyes deconstruction pilot and revival strategies
Summary
Department of Neighborhood Services reported 25 private demolitions and 15 DPW razes so far in 2025, seven contractors now active, and a plan to pilot deconstruction; raise-and-revive work is outpacing new construction and staff and aldermen discussed how to pair demolition with revival efforts and ARPA-funded demolition budgets.
Mike Mysmian, deputy commissioner for the Department of Neighborhood Services, and commercial division manager Jumaane Cheatham reported to the Judiciary and Legislation Committee that the city’s Raise and Revive demolition effort had completed 40 demolitions so far in 2025 — 25 private demolitions by contractors and 15 DPW razes for city properties.
Mysmian said the department has expanded contractor participation (seven contractors currently active after a low period) and reduced Arville condemned-record totals by about 100 since the last report. He said the department is packaging some larger city-owned or commercial properties into bid packages typically used for private demolitions.
Cheatham and Mysmian noted deconstruction is not yet operational but staff have identified properties for a deconstruction pilot to reuse materials and promote workforce retooling. Committee members asked about revive strategies; DCD’s Dave Misky said reviving lots and building new units remains constrained by funding and market economics, and that rehab programs such as Homes MKE can be relatively cost-effective compared with new construction in many cases.
Mysmian said the department’s 2025 goal remains about 80 demolitions. Committee members and staff also referenced the status of ARPA-funded demolition budgets and restoration agreements that can pull properties off the condemned list when owners agree to rebuild.
No formal action was taken; staff said they will continue to manage bids, restore records when restoration agreements proceed and design a deconstruction pilot.
