Abandoned car wash in Sheboygan racks up over $50,000 in unpaid taxes
The car wash is tied to the failed SQRL convenience store chain
SHEBOYGAN — The man behind the insolvent SQRL convenience store chain is attempting to sell the abandoned car wash on Sheboygan’s southwest side.
The asking price is $650,000 for the 2,491-square-foot car wash, which is located at 3632 South Taylor Drive in Sheboygan. It was built in 1999 on a less than 1-acre property just south of the McDonald’s restaurant. According to Brian Brockman of Bang Reality, the sale marks an exciting redevelopment opportunity. But due to an easement agreement with McDonald’s, a new restaurant will not be built.
Omitted from the real estate listing, is the fact the out-of-state property owner has not paid property taxes since taking ownership of the car wash in October 2022. According to the Sheboygan County Treasurer, the current balance due is $56,320.42 and included in that amount is $763.22—for an unpaid water bill.
“No comment,” said Brockman when WKTS News asked him about the unpaid property taxes and slew of property maintenance issues.
As of Thursday morning, there are two overflowing trash receptacles on the property, multiple nests in the signs, weeds growing over a foot tall in some places, overgrown shrubs and the grass was not cut. The City of Sheboygan is aware of the condition of the property. Last summer, the city’s Building Inspection found the property in violation of city ordinance regarding property maintenance.
The Sheboygan-based Quality State Oil Company had constructed the two-bay automatic car wash in 1999. At the time, the company had operated two Q-Mart gas stations at the intersection of South Taylor Drive and Washington Avenue. The one immediately north of the car wash was located on land owned by the McDonald's Corporation. When Quality State Oil sold their gas stations to TravelCenters of America in 2016, the stores rebranded to Minit Mart.
RELATED: Hampton Inn abandons Sheboygan after starting construction
In January 2022, the corporate owner of Minit Mart decided to end operations in Wisconsin. They ended up selling their Sheboygan area stores to various entities. In October 2022, Standard Development Company purchased the car wash. The owner of that company is Joseph Blake Smith, who was behind the failed SQRL convenience store chain. The only local remaining remnant of the venture can be seen at the vacant gas station at Calumet Drive and North Avenue, which is also for sale.
Follow WKTS News on Facebook and Instagram for the latest local news.