Landmarks Commission tables demolition-by-neglect finding for 402 Dawson Street after owner vows window work

The Green Bay Landmarks Commission on June 17 heard staff testimony that 402 Dawson Street (the transcript also contains an early reference to “Delosman” Street) has deteriorated after years of vacancy and incomplete repairs, but tabled a formal demolition-by-neglect finding to its July 15 meeting to allow the owner an opportunity to show progress.

Stephanie, a city staff member, told commissioners the commission has reviewed the property’s COA and façade grant applications multiple times and that the building has suffered “a lot of deterioration” in recent years. She said the city previously approved a COA authorizing removal of infill and a subsequent COA to install new windows, and that the façade grant was secured, but “since then we have not seen much action.” She explained the demolition-by-neglect provision would authorize the city to perform stabilization work and assess costs back to the owner if the commission makes a finding: “This basically allows the city to go in to make stabilization repairs to the property … and assess those costs back to the property owner,” she said.

The owner, Michael Schwantes of Sam’s Investments, told the commission he has invested in the building’s upper floors and encountered contractor turnover and other delays. Schwantes said he and his team “spent over $100,000 gutting the second and third floors” and that an architect involved with the project died midwork. He said he now has “a new contract with a window installer … and we want to have those windows in no later than the end of August.”

Commissioners asked staff to clarify whether a demolition-by-neglect finding would prevent owner-initiated repairs; Stephanie said the finding does not block the owner from working on the property and instead provides the city authority to step in for stabilization if necessary. Commissioners also noted inspection department deadlines: staff and a commissioner cited a July 2 correction date in the inspection notice and the commission’s own next meeting on July 15 as relevant benchmarks.

After deliberation the commission voted to table the demolition-by-neglect declaration until its July 15 meeting so the owner could demonstrate “significant progress,” per the request of several commissioners. Rebecca seconded the tabling motion; the motion carried by voice vote and the item was continued to July.

The commission’s staff packet includes a three-page violation notice documenting required exterior and interior repairs; the transcript records staff description of work that could be prioritized for stabilization but does not show a detailed cost estimate. The inspection-report author (Rob) was referenced in the owner’s remarks but did not speak during the meeting.

Next step: the commission will take up the item again on July 15, 2026 and may make a formal finding if the inspection department’s corrections are not completed or if the city determines stabilization is required.