Former Zahn's Building Bought, Plans For Redevelopment

RACINE, WI - It's giant, it's ugly and it's been vacant since the Milwaukee Brewers last won the American League pennant in 1982.

On Monday, the long-vacant former Zahn's building that glowers over Monument Square at 500 Main St. has been purchased by the Milwaukee real estate firm Dominion Properties - which has plans to restore the building.

Redevelopment plans for the four-story structure that was built in 1924 should be ready for city review in about six months, real estate officials said. Redevelopment plans could mean historic restoration tax credits and other government-supplied revenues for being in a federal Opportunity Zone.

The former Zahn's building has been the subject of a number of aborted redevelopments over the years, most notably the Imaginarium children's museum.

Racine Mayor Cory Mason said in a statement that "Racine is very excited" about the news.

"Saving this historic property and putting it into reuse on our amazing Main Street will help spur additional economic activity downtown,” Mason said.

Image Via Google Street Map