Weinbrenner Shoe building in Marshfield. Image courtesy: City of Marshfield
MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU) — The City of Marshfield is seeking interested developers to take over the historic Weinbrenner Shoe factory when the company vacates it for a new facility in 2026.
Leaders are issuing a Request for Qualifications, which City Administrator Steve Barg says is more focused on a developer’s track record than their ideas. “We want to know who you are and what similar projects you have done. Who were the key players, and what are their backgrounds?” said Barg. “[We’re trying] to figure out who would be a good company for us to work with to come up with a plan everybody can be happy with.”
He says he could see a mix of residential and light commercial space in the building. “A fair amount of residential but maybe some light commercial or retail. We [recently] had a joint meeting with the City Council and CDA and there was a conversation about a coffee shop or a gift shop.
“It will have to be certain types of businesses but the main purposes will probably be residential,” added Barg. “Again, we look forward to any ideas developers may have.”
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The building is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places, adding another layer to the potential project. “People who do this across the state and across the country are familiar with what needs to be preserved in terms of the architectural character. Whether that be windows, roofing, or siding they will be familiar with what’s acceptable in order to get tax credits and not compromise the historic integrity,” said Barg.
Weinbrenner announced plans in mid-August to move to a new $14.5 million factory in the Mill Creek Business Park. Barg says the project has broken ground and is on track for completion in late 2025. This means the current factory will be vacant and ready for a developer in 2026.
Qualification summaries are due December 20th. Barg adds that interested developers can participate in a walk-through of the building in early December. The city hopes to turn the property over to an interested developer immediately after it is vacated. For more information, click here.
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