McKinley School window bricks smashed out, May 20, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Work began Wednesday to transform a Manitowoc school built more than 100 years ago into an affordable housing complex.
It didn’t take long for members of the public to knock bricks out of a blocked-up window at the McKinley School. It’s an early step in turning the school building into an apartment building with 36 affordable units.
The Neighborhood of Manitowoc County is the nonprofit behind the project. Organizers said this complex will fill a need.
“There’s a tiny amount of entry-level units. We’re talking about people that are getting out of high school, people that are going through divorces, people that are relocating, things like that. So, you just need a simple place for yourself to be,” said board member Alexander Hunt.
“Our goal is that this place shows that everyone deserves an incredible place to live. And this [building] has served for 100 years. We expect it to serve for another 100 years by the time we’re done,” said board president Matt Sauer.
The project is expected to cost $12 million. Right now, the organization is between $2-3 million short of that goal. Private donations and tax credits make up the funding. The Neighborhood of Manitowoc County doesn’t receive any funding from the city or county.
Several Manitowoc residents took a sledgehammer to the bricks covering the windows at McKinley School. For James Bowling, helping out Wednesday was personal.
“I’m almost 70 years old. I have COPD and stuff, so I don’t get the physical activity that I used to,” said Bowling. “I’m trying to help other ones in need, because even though I’m homeless and I have been a number of times, it’s expensive.”
Bowling said one thing people can always do is donate their skills.
The goal is for work to be complete in summer 2028, but in the meantime, The Neighborhood of Manitowoc County is aiming to have all of the windows done by the end of this year.
Comments