Demolition of WPS building in downtown Green Bay picks up steam

GREEN BAY – The ongoing demolition of the former Wisconsin Public Service Corp. downtown Green Bay campus became more evident this week as a crane was on site to bring some walls down.

Here is what to know:
When did demolition begin?

Crews started work in October after the city of Green Bay on Sept. 27 issued a demolition permit for the property at 700 N. Adams St. The permit estimated the project cost at $3.7 million.
Why is WPS demolishing these downtown Green Bay buildings?
WPS has not used the building since March 2020 when it shifted its workers to remote work or to other WPS offices in the Green Bay area. It listed the site for sale in 2021 and Base Companies LLC in 2022 reached a tentative agreement to buy the site. But as the years passed, the cost for anyone to revive them grew and they became a magnet for vandals.
It will end further damage from trespassers and vandals who have been drawn to the site since WPS shuttered it in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic.

It was unable after two years to finalize terms of an agreement to sell the property to Base Companies LLC.

It will better prepare the site for future redevelopment.

Will crews blow up the former WPS buildings?

No. Cullen said a large excavator will be used to remove the buildings in sections to “minimize the impact of our work on nearby businesses and Green Bay’s downtown area.”