View Comments
WAUKESHA – A state appeals court Wednesday upheld a challenge to a city of Fond du Lac order to raze the Sisters of Holy Nativity Convent, a historic building at 101 E. Division St.
The District II Court of Appeals opinion reverses Circuit Judge Robert Wirtz’s decision to dismiss a suit brought by a corporation that has repaired the 1800s-era building, damaged by fire and vandalism in 2015, and wants to raise funds to complete its restoration.
According to court documents, in June 2015, the convent was vandalized and partially set on fire. Citing the resulting fire damage, Chief Building Inspector Doug Hoerth served the building‘s owner, Hollywood actor George Panoussis, a raze or repair order in October 2015. Panoussis purchased building with plans to restore it for use as a museum, hotel or a home for Catholic sisters, he told The Reporter.