Rare and Historic Waterfront Opportunity in Oconto, Wisconsin

The City of Oconto is currently seeking development partners for one of the most prominent historic waterfront properties in Northeast Wisconsin — and the opportunity deserves a closer look from preservation-minded developers and investors.

Oconto backing historic development vision

The former hospital and county building, originally constructed in 1872, occupies a remarkable location along the Oconto River with direct access to Green Bay. After years of vacancy, the city is now actively marketing the property for adaptive reuse and encouraging redevelopment proposals.

This is a substantial historic structure with architectural character, civic history, and the kind of waterfront presence that cannot be recreated today. Combined with local incentives, TIF support, and potential historic preservation tax credits, the site presents a genuine opportunity for transformative redevelopment rooted in preservation. Hospitality, housing, mixed-use, recreation-oriented development, or other destination concepts could all fit naturally within the existing structure and setting.

Landmark building with a landmark location 

Oconto — known as the “Walleye Capital of the World” and a major fishing destination in Wisconsin’s Northwoods region — offers a compelling combination of tourism, waterfront access, and historic character.

According to a letter from Cliff Martin, Mayor of Oconto, interested parties are encouraged to contact the mayor’s office by July 1, 2026 to discuss redevelopment opportunities and next steps.

For the right developer, this is more than a real estate project — it is an opportunity to bring new life to a landmark building while helping shape the future of Oconto’s waterfront. We encourage preservation-minded investors, developers, and community builders to review the attached materials and consider what thoughtful adaptive reuse could accomplish in Oconto.

Our letter to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin regarding the Ozaukee County Distribution Interconnection Project

This week, we submitted to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin regarding PSC Docket 137-CE-221, the Ozaukee County Distribution Interconnection Project.

The Trust supports the project’s Alternate Route, which more closely follows Wisconsin’s long-standing policy preference for use of existing utility corridors and would avoid creating new impacts to historic, cultural, agricultural, and rural landscape resources.

We are sharing this letter with our community to continue the momentum as the PSC review proceeds, given the significant local and regional implications of the routing decision and the importance of ensuring that established statutory and preservation principles are carefully considered in the Commission’s deliberations.

We invite you to download and review our letter to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin regarding PSC Docket 137-CE-221 (and see who was CC-ed on the message).

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UPDATE! We’re proud to share that the National Trust for Historic Preservation joins us in supporting the Alternate Route for the proposed Ozaukee County Distribution Interconnection Project. Read their public comment submitted to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

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The open farmland, prairies, and historic buildings shown to the right are not empty spaces — they are living reminders of the state’s agricultural heritage, rural character, and cultural history. Once fragmented by a new high-voltage transmission corridor, landscapes like these cannot truly be restored.

While the Trust recognizes the need for reliable energy infrastructure, we support the Alternate Route, which would run largely along existing utility corridors and avoid introducing a new corridor cutting through intact rural and historic landscapes.

Wisconsin law expresses a clear preference for using existing corridors where feasible — precisely to protect places like these. Preservation is about choices. We believe Wisconsin can meet its energy needs without sacrificing irreplaceable places that define our communities and our history

Letter in Support of Historic Designation Milwaukee Auditorium and Arena

Letter sent to Milwaukee Common Council on December 4, 2025 in support of permanent historic designation of the Milwaukee Auditorium and Milwaukee Arena

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Milwaukee Common Council
200 E. Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

RE: Support for Permanent Historic Designation – Milwaukee Auditorium & Milwaukee Arena  (412 West Kilbourn Avenue; CCF 250995)

Dear President Pérez and Honorable Members of the Common Council:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation, I would like to congratulate the Common Council for supporting the permanent historic designation of the Milwaukee Auditorium and Milwaukee Arena. 

We are firm believers that the designation process established by city ordinance reflects a core value we share with the City: the belief that when a historic public resource faces potential change, the public should have a voice. Historic designation does not prevent redevelopment or demolition; rather, it ensures that any future proposal receives the appropriate level of scrutiny, transparency, and thoughtful review. The ordinance allows the public to be heard, ensures the historic value of these properties is fully considered, and places the final decision in the hands of elected officials—exactly as it should be for buildings of such civic importance.

This balanced, transparent process is not an obstacle to progress; it is a hallmark of responsible stewardship. The Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation strongly believes that such an approach serves both the city’s future and its proud architectural heritage.

The Auditorium and Arena are among Milwaukee’s most significant cultural and civic landmarks, deeply woven into the city’s architectural legacy and public life. They have hosted the moments, gatherings, and civic milestones that help define Milwaukee’s identity, and they stand today as irreplaceable components of the historic Civic Center.

These buildings also represent the work of architects whose influence shaped the character of Milwaukee. Their architectural and historic significance—well documented over generations—makes them exactly the kind of public treasures our community has long chosen to safeguard through the City’s historic preservation ordinance.

For these reasons, we wish to congratulate the Common Council for approving historic designation for the Milwaukee Auditorium and Milwaukee Arena. In doing so, Milwaukee affirms its commitment to preserving the places that matter, while ensuring that any future change proceeds through the thoughtful, democratic process the City has long embraced.

Thank you for your leadership and dedication to the people of Milwaukee.

Sincerely,

Dan Wilhelms
President, Board of Directors
Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation

cc: Honorable Cavalier Johnson, Mayor, City of Milwaukee

Racine Masonic Center: Historic Landmark Heading to Absolute Auction, November 6, 2025

The Racine Masonic Center, also known as the Henry Durand House, is heading to absolute auction on November 6, 2025 — a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a new steward to take on one of Racine’s most distinctive landmarks.

Historical Significance

• Built in 1856 as an Italianate cream brick mansion for Henry Durand.

• In 1922, the Masons expanded it with an Egyptian Revival–style temple wing, featuring lotus and papyrus motifs, a winged Masonic symbol, and striking architectural details.

• Notable interior details historically included 11 fireplaces, Philippine mahogany woodwork, and even a Tiffany-glass dome in the shower.

• Listed as a contributing structure in the Southside Historic District, on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places.

A Landmark Property

• Over 43,000 square feet across four stories, with prime downtown Racine frontage and views of Lake Michigan.

• Vacant and adaptable for many uses: nonprofit, cultural center, business offices, mixed-use redevelopment, or another creative reimagining.

• Because this is an absolute auction, the property will sell on November 6 — no reserve, no minimum.

Incentives for Preservation

Owners pursuing appropriate rehabilitation could be eligible for:

• The Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (20% of qualified expenditures).

• The Wisconsin Historic Tax Credit, (20% of qualified expenditures).

Together, these incentives can make preservation not only visionary but also financially viable.

Our Call to Action

The Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation is committed to helping this property find a conscientious owner — whether nonprofit, business, or civic-minded individual. We can offer guidance on:

• Navigating historic tax credits

• Preservation planning

• Building community support

Mark your calendar: November 6, 2025.

Learn more from the Wisconsin Historical Society listing and Founders 3 brokerage listing.

If you’re interested in helping secure this building’s future, or in learning more about how we can support preservation-minded buyers, please reach out. Let’s ensure the Racine Masonic Center begins its next chapter in caring hands.