Waushara County Circuit Court Judge Guy Dutcher has walked back his Aug. 24 ruling that the state of Wisconsin does not have the right to buy the Wisconsin Veterans Museum building on the Capitol Square, according to a report in the Wisconsin State Journal.
The state is embroiled in a fight with building owners to determine how to redevelop the 10-story building, located at 22 and 30 W. Mifflin St. in Madison.
State officials contend the building lease gives them the right to purchase the aging facility and even dictate how the purchase price should be set. Judge Dutcher’s ruling gives the state more time to present evidence of its claim.
The State Building Commission approved the purchase of the property for $9 million in August 2024, but property owners, who argue the property is worth more than $9 million, sued to block the purchase.
In his August summary judgment, Dutcher said the state’s purchase option expired several years ago and ruled in favor of the building owners.
