Sheboygan, WI, Developments Spark Change
When a city prioritizes “livability,” putting considerable time, money and attention behind it, results are achieved, and Sheboygan, WI, is the perfect example, as it has focused on improving its downtown through developments – like adding apartment complexes like Encore and Portscape – and even more progress is on the way.
After reflecting on numerous studies, soliciting feedback from businesses and residents, and studying promising projections, planners noted a 15-20% increase in manufacturing over the last three years, with the city’s major employers anticipating a need for 2,000 new employees in the next five years, says Sheboygan City Administrator Casey Bradley. This data is driving further studies and major steps toward providing not just the basics, but a world-class, lake-living community that offers a dream lifestyle.
New Developments Improve Quality of Life in Sheboygan, WI
Largely driving these changes are the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corp. and Bradley, who work together to pore over housing and employment studies and anticipate needs.
“We hear from all our employers that housing is the most pressing need, so we track the new jobs coming into our economy and determine what kind of housing will best serve those employees,” Bradley says.
While the city is building luxury residences, it’s also eyeing affordability, buying down the cost of homes, supplementing senior homes and constructing units with rent caps. In the next three years, 3,000 new housing units of all types will become available, with more rolling out later to meet its projected 5,000-unit need.
“Everything is with a view toward the future,” Bradley says. “We’re looking at duplexes and fourplexes down the road, and, of course, we’ll balance all of it out with luxury housing, fountain parks and green spaces, and attractive lake amenities.”
Outside of housing, Sheboygan plans to capitalize on its biggest recreational draw – Lake Michigan – by adding beach access and marina improvements, water recreation amenities and parking.
“We’re also working on year-round amenities that expand offerings and make use of vacant lots, like creating theater- and arts-focused communities and amplifying seasonal festivals and cultural events,” Bradley says. “And we’re excited about our self-contained neighborhoods, where commercial, residential, child care and food spaces are all within walking distance.”
Area Residents Contribute to Change
Area residents are also playing a key role in the developments taking place in Sheboygan, WI.
“When you feel empowered to get involved, provide feedback and then see that feedback reflected in the vision for your community, change and redevelopment is invigorating,” says Braden Schmidt, who volunteers with Sheboygan Active Transportation, an organization that works to drive awareness about development issues and engage citizens in their community.
Sheboygan Active Transportation hosts an event called Critical Mass, which is a monthly bike ride that gives participants a chance to explore the city, familiarize themselves with development sites and stay informed on city projects – all while bonding with other riders.
“What better way to talk about the future of the riverfront than over a bike break at a riverfront beer garden?” Schmidt says.
Providing opportunities like this is crucial for community buy-in.
“Our advocacy lowers the barrier of entry for being involved,” Schmidt says. “City meetings aren’t always at convenient times (like during the workday), and their procedures and jargon are often intimidating and unclear. A group bike ride, happy hour or book club are much more approachable ways to stay informed so citizens can then provide informed feedback.”
While much of Sheboygan was designed long ago, it received a boost about 20 years ago when it won millions in federal grants to fund nonmotorized transportation. At the time, routes were focused on individual neighborhoods powered by local businesses. Now, Sheboygan Active Transportation wants to connect the neighborhoods, forming a cohesive network that makes walking and biking safer and more accessible for all ages.
“The city has started planning for a Complete Streets policy, which looks at streets as more than just a way to move cars. At the regional level, Bay-Lake, our metropolitan planning commission, is leading the development of a bicycle and pedestrian master plan to make this a reality,” Schmidt says.
The Region Is Shifting From Good to Great
“The livability and quality of life here is like none other,” Bradley says. “We have access to the best golfing, we’re an hour from Milwaukee and Green Bay, we have an international airport, Road America racetrack, world-class cuisine, biking and hiking on a great trail system, and award-winning education. Whether personally or professionally, there’s something here for everyone.”
Schmidt agrees, adding that things are only getting better in Sheboygan, WI, through the redevelopment.
“You could move here for everything Sheboygan is right now – with tons of growth on the horizon – and be happy,” he says. “Sheboygan is big enough to be interesting and small enough that you can get involved, put down roots and leave a mark. Lots of places have jobs and amenities, but you don’t always get the opportunity to be part of something larger than yourself. Here in Sheboygan, we seize that opportunity.”