The future of the former University of Wisconsin–Green Bay Marinette Campus is once again drawing public attention. The campus, originally established in 1964, was transferred to Marinette County in early 2024 after UW-Green Bay consolidated operations and shifted to expanded online learning. The transfer included the Administration Building, Library, Theater on the Bay, Fieldhouse, surrounding lands — and two million dollars in mitigation funding intended for adaptive reuse.

Now, a local resident has launched a petition calling for more deliberate planning before any major decisions are made regarding the “Main Campus” property. The petition, authored by longtime architect and community planner J. Benjamin Dorris, argues the buildings and land are valuable public assets and should not be subject to demolition or redevelopment without comprehensive professional assessment.

Dorris contends that for more than two years, the County has struggled to identify a viable path forward and says community-driven ideas have not received sufficient consideration. The petition outlines several requested actions, including:

• Hiring a qualified design professional to conduct a full facilities assessment…
• Providing detailed demolition cost estimates, including environmental impacts…
• Reviewing potential historic designation eligibility with the Wisconsin Historical Society…
• Assessing archaeological considerations connected to the Chautauqua Grounds and Copper Culture National Register designation…

And conducting environmental exploration related to PFAS and other potential contaminants.

It also calls for protections against transferring property without formal plans and deed restrictions in place and asks county leaders to extend public comment opportunities before final votes are taken. The petition focuses specifically on the Administration Building, Library, and Theater on the Bay parcel, noting that the Fieldhouse and waterfront park already appear to have more defined plans. Dorris states he is submitting the petition as a private citizen and does not represent the Association for Community and Culture or any financial interest group. County officials have not yet formally responded to the petition. Discussions regarding long-term use of the former campus property are expected to continue in upcoming county meetings.