Manitowoc Mirro: From powerhouse manufacturer to empty building to rubble to workforce housing

Photos by Retiring Guy (2010 and 2026)

Rendering screengrabs and headline:  NBC26, 2/24/2026

Rendering screengrabs and headline:  NBC26, 2/24/2026

Abby Hamacheck reports:

The project, called Maritime Lofts, will bring much-needed housing to an area that has struggled with low vacancy rates and limited affordable options.

"There is a low vacancy rate, which means there's not enough housing stock across the spectrum from low-income to higher-income housing opportunities," Homb said. "From my perspective and the work we do, low-income housing, which is not quite workforce affordable, is a huge need," Homb said. 

For many in Manitowoc, the site carries deep personal and historical significance. Mirro Aluminum Company was founded in 1909 and helped define industry along the lakeshore for generations.

Other Retiring Guy photos taken on Monday, April 27, 2026:

Related posts:

2026

Maritime Lofts, workforce housing development, slated for construction on former Mirro Aluminum Company site.  (3/2)

Workforce housing to be constructed on former Mirro site.  (2/17)

2025

Clean-up begins at Mirro site.  (10/13)

Clean-up to begin.  (8/20)

Redevelopment of former Mirro site remains on hold.  (5/18)

Latest Mirro property update.  (1/22)

2024.  

Manitowoc Mirro update.  (11/27)

Manitowoc Mirro update.  (10/17)

Manitowoc Mirro building:  All that's left now is the arch . (5/25)

Manitowoc Mirro plant site update.  (5/22)

Manitowoc Mirro plant site update:  (4/22)

Manitowoc Mirro plant site update.  (3/20)

Manitowoc Wisconsin's former Mirro site remains a wasteland.  (2/12)

2023

Still no sign of redevelopment of Mirro site in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  (9/3)

Update on the Mirro site in Manitowoc Wisconsin.  (8/19)

Mirro site will be on the City of Manitowoc's Community Development Authority.  (7/23)

The Arch:  Memorial to Manitowoc's manufacturing past.  (6/4).  

2021

What was once Mirro is still an empty city block 4 years later.  (12/1)

2020

Dear Don Zimmer, I think you have much bigger fish to fry. Please get your county's priorities straight. Best, Retiring Guy.  (1/23)

2016
But in the meantime, the only thing moving at the ruins of Mirro is this rooftop tree.  (7/31)

Dear Mayor Nickels, I'm still standing. Love, Mirro.  (5/3)

2014
Following up on Mirro's demise and demolition (part 1).  (7/29)
Following up on Mirro's demise and demolition (part 2).  (7/29)

2010

The Mirro Company, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  (8/10)