Eyesore in Manitowoc could meet wrecking ball in 2013
By: Millaine Wells
Updated: January 8, 2013
MANITOWOC, Wis. (WFRV) - An eyesore on the lakeshore may finally be coming down in 2013.
The abandoned Mirro plant takes up almost a million square feet of prime real estate in Manitowoc.
It has been closed for a decade.
"The Mirro property doesn't really give a good feel to the community of Manitowoc. It is one of our eyesores in the middle of town" says Jamie Zastrow, Ex. Director of Mainly Manitowoc.
A day does not go by that Manitowoc's Mayor does not hear a question about the Mirro building.
"Someone asks what is happening with it, what's going on" says Mayor Justin Nickels. "We hear it from visitors".
With broken windows and holes in the floor Manitowoc has worked with the owner to keep people out of the dilapidated property.
"We have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep the building safe" says Eric Spirtas, who bought the abandoned building in 2006.
He says just tearing it down is not good enough.
"We want to have something that will bring some economic progress to the area other than just a flat lot" he explains.
Spirtas does still pay property taxes, but Local 5 has learned that number is based off the purchase price of just $200.
"I am not balancing my budget on the back of this tax" says Mayor Nickels.
Demolition could cost upwards of $6 million.
Spirtas is trying to offset that by selling valuable materials from the building including 12,000 tons of steel and 10,000 tons of wood.
"It is great for renovations, great for reuse, reconstruction, for floors, furniture" explains Spirtas.
His goal is to have demolition done by the end of the year.
The community is ready.
"There is a lot of emotions attached to that building as well. Many people worked for Mirro. It is just a reminder of something that didn't end well" says Zastrow.
The mayor remains skeptical saying "I have heard that song and dance before. It is encouraging that it is at least still on their radar. I would like to see something concrete. Won't believe it until I see the wrecking ball there.
