Sheehan v. 535 North Water Street

It is conceded that the building in question is a public building within the meaning of ch. 101, Stats. By sec. 101.01 (11), Stats., the term “safe” or “safety” as applied to a public building means such freedom from danger to the safety or welfare of frequenters (among others) as the nature of the building will reasonably permit. Sec. 101.06 states that every owner of a public building shall so construct, repair, or maintain it as to render the same safe. We have held that an owner who has divested himself of possession and control by land contract or lease so that he has no right of entry…