Common Ground says ruling is a win for tenants. See what happens next.
By Jeramey Jannene – Jun 10th, 2026 01:24 pm
A failing ceiling at a Highgrove Holdings property. Photo by Sophie Bolich.
It was a major slap-down for embattled landlord David Tomblin and his firm, Highgrove Holdings.
On Wednesday, Judge Michael Hanrahan granted U.S. Bank‘s request for a receiver to take control of 86 properties owned by Highgrove Holdings. The bank, which holds an unpaid $6.8 million mortgage, filed a foreclosure case in January 2025.
Highgrove had until May 29 to raise funds to recapitalize its operations, which total more than 260 properties. Court records indicate the firm was seeking up to $30 million.
But Highgrove’s attorney, James Barton of Barton Cerjak, argued Wednesday that Highgrove’s ability to raise money was imperiled by the City of Milwaukee and Common Ground Southeastern Wisconsin going public on March 29 with nuisance lawsuits against Highgrove’s other properties for their alleged poor condition and by a tenant organizing campaign.