Mayor Nichols touts growth, announces nearly $2 million federal grant for waterfront cleanup

Mayor Justin Nichols delivered the City of Manitowoc’s annual State of the City address, citing recent industrial expansions, downtown redevelopment and housing activity as evidence of the city’s economic rebound. Nichols said the city has expanded its industrial park, welcomed new companies and seen private investment return to downtown, while also prioritizing housing, parks and infrastructure.

Nichols announced that the city purchased the 36‑acre Mid City Mall parcel and said the federal bipartisan infrastructure program awarded $1,961,500 for final cleanup and preparation of the Mural (Washington Street) portion of the site. “This will fund demolition, excavation of contaminated soils and engineered fill to create a clean, developable site,” Nichols said, adding that demolition, excavation and engineered barrier construction would likely begin this fall if funds are available.

The mayor described several housing initiatives, including a planned workforce housing development he said would house roughly 59 units pending tax‑credit reapplication, and said the Mid City Mall site and the Mural property together create opportunities for long‑term development. “We have an opportunity to really craft that side of the city for the next hundred years and we’ve got to do it right,” Nichols said.

Courtney Hanson, Visit Manitowoc’s tourism director, also spoke earlier in the meeting during a proclamation for National Travel and Tourism Week, noting the SS Badger’s early return to service and a busy tourism season ahead. “We’re gearing up for a busy tourism season and are looking forward to welcoming visitors,” Hanson said.

The mayor framed the announcements in the context of the city’s finances, saying the council has built reserve funds and pursued targeted investments in parks, marina infrastructure and roads. He noted grants recently received for marina dock replacement and site assessments at Riverpoint and Mural locations and described staff work securing competitive grant funding.

What’s next: city staff will proceed with cleanup work pending receipt of federal funds and follow required procurement and environmental steps; the council will consider TIF and development agreements at upcoming plan commission and council meetings.