History & Mission of the Gallery
Our History
Launched January 1st, 2016, The Automobile Gallery & Event Center occupies a building that was home to Denil Cadillac, a historic and prestigious Green Bay dealership between 1958 and 1997. The once gleaming, state-of-the-art dealership building was briefly used as a municipal storage garage. It then sat empty and abandoned for nearly two decades until our founder William “Red” Lewis, a Green Bay native and innovative entrepreneur, was inspired to convert the deteriorating building into a gallery for automobiles that integrated event and meeting spaces. With his vision in mind, Somerville Architects & Engineers of Green Bay breathed new life into the building, preserving the facade of the dealership while creating a graceful, contemporary gallery and event space where we host nearly 200 events per year.
Many of the automobiles themselves have come from a private collection, but many have been donated to The Automobile Gallery & Event Center, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment and enrichment of its visitors and the community.
Our Mission
The Automobile Gallery & Event Center serves as a unique vehicle to reach each individual’s destination. It rekindles memories from the past and provides a roadmap to dream, believe and achieve for the future.
The Automobile Gallery & Event Center is Driven…
A VISION TO REVITALIZE
The Redesign Of An Icon
In choosing this location, The Automobile Gallery & Event Center revived the automobile heritage of 400 South Adams Street in Green Bay. The location had previously been the original Denil Cadillac dealership, a local landmark, from 1958 to 1997. It was here where Joseph G. Denil envisioned a state-of-the-art facility of glass and stone for his Cadillac dealership. The building was completed in 1959 and was so advanced that General Motors used Denil Cadillac as the model for Cadillac dealerships throughout the United States. Many awards followed including recognition by General Motors as one of the Top 10 Cadillac Dealerships in the nation.
Denil Cadillac and the historic building set the standard for General Motors for nearly 40 years. Prior to its closing in 1997, it was the last remaining car dealership in downtown Green Bay.
Approaching from the south, The Automobile Gallery & Event Center and its surrounding neighborhood is a gateway to Green Bay’s downtown. This magnificently renovated building with gleaming restored vehicles on display both inside and outside turns heads and has brought Green Bay recognition for automobile collectors and enthusiasts far and near.
Mike Borlee, Board President
Entrepreneur and Business Coach
Rebecca Lewis, Board Vice President
R. Lewis Technologies, Inc. – President/Owner
Barb Gilling, Board Treasurer
PDQ Car Wash – Chief Financial Officer
Bob Rupp
Leadership Resources of Wisconsin, LLC – Owner
Doug LaViolette
The LaViolette Group – Founder
Paul Belschner
Base Companies – President & CEO
Dave Dewick, Board Secretary
Hager, Dewick, Zuengler, S.C. – Attorney
Raymond Shackelford
Phase III Service Center – General Manager
Dale Besson
Entrepreneur and Master Car Collector
Joe Draves
Bay Industries – Division Manager
Doug Mueller
Entrepreneur
Thomas Jackson
Schneider – Executive Vice President
Board of Directors
William “Red” Lewis
Founder
Joined by their love for community, cars, and history this group of esteemed professionals thoughtfully guides and propels The Automobile Gallery & Event Center’s mission to make a difference in the communities it serves.
