Approximately six years after the former Marquette School was demolished, you may soon see some action on the site. The Kewaunee Common Council approved a resolution on Monday night authorizing the preparation of plans for the development of a new senior/community center on the site of the former school. The site was cleared after the building sat vacant on the property for almost 20 years. An attempt to build “twindominiums” occurred in 2021, but it was rejected by the Kewaunee Historical Preservation Committee. Kirt Johnson, speaking as a representative of the Marquette Historic District during the meeting’s public comment period, outlined why he thinks the former Marquette School property makes sense for the potential facility.

Representing the Kewaunee City Community Center, Inc., Cindy Tang said passing the resolution would allow all current and potential stakeholders to be on the same page before hiring more people to become part of the process.

The senior/community center would occupy half of the Marquette School property, leaving the other half available for other acceptable uses. Kewaunee Library Director Carol Petrina petitioned the board to be a part of the planning process for the new senior/community center, citing the inefficiencies it is dealing with in its current building. The hope is to have plans ready in approximately nine months. You can watch the full meeting below.

Photo courtesy of City of Kewaunee live stream via YouTube