Jan. 11, 2026 12:30p
(WGTD)---The owner of the former Eagles Club in downtown Kenosha is entertaining proposals that could lead to the demolition of the 100-year-old building.
Members of the Madrigrano family have operated the building and its ornate ballroom for decades as Madrigrano Marina Shores. It has been a site for concerts, banquets, family gatherings and a multitude of other events. For a time, a restaurant operated in the lower level.
In recent years, activity has slowed, and the place has been for sale. An asking price was $2.3 million. The building is assessed at $1.6 million.
Owner Dan Madrigrano said recent water damage has made continued operation untenable.
In a social media post, Madrigrano claimed that the city is blocking demolition and discouraging would-be developers.
City Administrator John Morrissey disputes the contention. For one thing, Morrissey said the owners have yet to seek approval to demolish the structure from the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. "If they turn him down, the worst case scenario is he has to wait six months," Morrissey said. "After six months he can tear down the building--bulldoze it down."
As it does with any other development proposal, the city will examine any plan on its merits and determine whether the developer has the financial wherewithal to see it through, Morrissey said. "I think it's an absolute prime property--on the lake there--but it has to be the right development," he said
So far, the city's criteria hasn't been met.
In meetings with prospective developers, Mayor Dave Bogdala has asked whether the existing building could be incorporated into a new development.
One proposal was for a 20-story condo development, Morrissey said. But the developer appeared to lack the necessary financial backing.
In a message to WGTD, Madrigrano said a new prospective developer was readying a proposal that might be more amenable.
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