The City of Two Rivers is sharing a vision with developers for what it wants to see on the former Hamilton Property.
The city council voted 8-1 to approve a resolution for its 2026 shared community vision.
The resolution followed multiple community input sessions on what residents want to see developed on the Hamilton site.
According to city documents, the plan is a broad framework for the property’s future rather than a specific site or development proposal, allowing developers to see what they do and do not want.
Community Development Director Jeff Sachse presented a model of what the area could look like once developed.
One part of the model included waterfront access.
“It is consistent with DNR waterfront zoning restrictions,” he explained. “So the DNR basically requires that for any new construction of waterfront property that we need to maintain a 75-foot setback from the waterline. That boardwalk then encompasses that barrier, thereby allowing us to build structures closer to the water.”
Sachse noted that the community also wanted to see retail and businesses along the water while also giving a space for people to gather.
The site could also include different types of permanent housing or townhouse development.
After the presentation, Councilmember Adam Wachowski raised concerns that the design did not include public parking or other outlets for proposed businesses.
He recommended a feasibility study.
“There’s a lot there, and I don’t see that all happening and being able to survive,” he stated. “So, I think getting a feasibility study from the development community, the business community, to see what actually would work there. It’s great to see what the community wants, and obviously that’s one big thing. But it also has to have the investors that want and are able to make that footprint work.”
The city council also unanimously approved blighting the Hamilton Property before any future acquisition could be made because of soil contamination.
The City of Manitowoc also took this step before redeveloping the Mid-Cities and Lakeshore Mall sites.
When development would actually start on the property was not announced during the meeting.
