McDonald Companies moves to acquire former Georgia Pacific mill in Green Bay
Developer aims to revitalize 48-acre site along the Fox River; zoning decision postponed to July
Real estate developer McDonald Companies is positioning itself to acquire the former Georgia Pacific mill site on the east side of the Fox River in downtown Green Bay. The company has secured a 120-day option to purchase the 48-acre property and has indicated it is committed to working closely with the community to transform the area.
“We absolutely think there’s an opportunity to work in collaboration, as you’ve expressed other partners have in the past, and we hope to in the future”, said Chip McDonald, president of McDonald Companies.
While detailed redevelopment plans have not yet been disclosed, McDonald expressed optimism about repurposing the existing infrastructure. City Council President Brian Johnson, who spent several hours discussing potential ideas with McDonald, noted that the developer’s vision aligns with community values. “I think he’s got the community’s best interests at heart”, said Johnson. “He’s got some great ideas for that site, but more importantly he shares the same vision with wanting to protect that East River entry way into our community”.
Earlier this year, Green Bay’s economic development team proposed rezoning the site from industrial to downtown mixed-use. However, Georgia Pacific asked city officials to delay the decision to allow time for negotiations with prospective buyers. Now, together with McDonald Companies, Georgia Pacific has requested additional time to solidify a redevelopment plan.
Alderperson Jim Hutchison emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue. “Here we have a chance on the river, not only the Fox River, but the East River, to make a change from industrial to something different and it would be a shame if we lose that through non communication or whatever,” Hutchison commented.
The City Council has agreed to postpone the zoning vote until July, giving city staff time to collaborate with McDonald Companies and Georgia Pacific to determine the site’s future.
The mill, which operated for 122 years, was closed by Georgia Pacific in 2023.
