Historic site that was once Brannum Lumber Co. in Racine is now demolished

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Racine company was nearing its 100th anniversary when it closed its doors forever in 2008. The site has been completely vacant since, and the buildings are now being demolished.  

Brannum Lumber was a well-known local family company for 99 years, distributing construction supplies to contractors and residents in the Racine area.

Dean Polaski is the operator at Vassh Excavating and Grading. He told CBS 58 News the county of Racine recently purchased the six acres of land, 15 years after the company shut down.

Contractors say it will take up to 90 days to clear the entire space out.

"I heard -- it could just be a rumor, but I heard they couldn't pay their union dues, they had two workers here, they were union," said Polaski.

According to a 2008 Racine Journal Times article, the downfall was due to an underfunded union pension.

"Last week, the owner, or actually...(he) owned it about 50 years.... stopped by and his son worked here for about 30 years," added Polaski. "He was very sad, but he wanted to watch every part and he brought his grandkids."

It's unclear what future plans the county has for the property.