Restoring an abandoned brownfield to build an aesthetic and economical riverfront

P.H. Glatfelter Paper Mill Brownfield Redevelopment

After more than 100 years of operation, P.H. Glatfelter Co. closed its paper mill in 2006, resulting in the loss of 220 jobs. The industrial complex located on a seven acre site near downtown Neenah, Wisconsin and the adjacent 7.65 acre former paper sludge landfill leased by Glatfelter ran the risk of blighting the community’s waterfront if left vacant and unused. Recognizing the opportunity for redevelopment, the city and Community Development Authority (CDA) quickly acquired the property. When one of the city’s major employers expressed interest in the site, the city had to act fast to work with the challenging brownfield site. 

The CDA aggressively initiated environmental remediation, and provided a package of incentives to transform the site along the Fox River from blight to a commercial success. Stantec carried out a comprehensive plan to investigate, remediate, and prepare the site for new construction. We prepared multiple successful grant applications to secure approximately $1.2 million in brownfield grant assistance from the State of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.