As an outcome of strategic planning and a feasibility study, the City of Sheboygan, in collaboration with the Friends of the Senior Activity Center of Sheboygan Board of Directors, have determined that a new building site is necessary for the Senior Activity Center, currently located at 428 Wisconsin Avenue. The new site will be located in the former Save-A-Lot building at 1817 N. 8th Street.
One year ago, in September 2019, the Friends of the Senior Activity Center of Sheboygan (SACS) Board of Directors, City of Sheboygan Administration, including then Administrator Darrell Hofland, Common Council President Todd Wolf, and City Liaison Alderperson Barb Felde, and City and SACS staff met for strategic planning to set a direction for the growth of the Senior Activity Center. The priority outcome was to assess the physical and programming needs of the current building, located at 428 Wisconsin Avenue.
A feasibility study was commissioned with Groth Design Group, with the costs of this study shared between the Friends of SACS and the City of Sheboygan. This study began in early 2020, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Work continued on the feasibility study throughout the closure of the center due to COVID-19 in March. In July, a significant failure of building systems was discovered. The HVAC system was known to be outdated and failing, as well as the roof system. The costs to repair both the HVAC and roof, as well as bringing the building into ADA compliance were found to be estimated at more than $700,000, which did not address the additional programming needs of the building.
These building costs created an immediate and urgent need to determine if repairing the building was a better option versus finding a new location for the center. Three options were presented to the Common Council, the Friends of SACS, and the SACS Commission. The first was to repair the current structure, the second was to investigate a move to a temporary location, and the third was to purchase a new site. By unanimous decision, option three was selected by the Common Council.
The City of Sheboygan Common Council accepted the counter offer to purchase the former Save A-Lot store located at 1817 N. 8th Street. Population trends through 2040, like most Midwest communities, show a substantial increase in the senior population, nearly 72%. Planning for future needs, the move into the former Save A-Lot facility makes the most sense long-term for the senior population of the city.
The 30,000-square-foot former Save-A-Lot and Pet Supplies Plus was vacated in 2018. Plans for the new space include a phased build-out to address the current needs of the Senior Activity Center of Sheboygan, with future needs for expansion, and potential community partnerships. The City plans to upgrade the façade to be a more suitable fit for the residential neighborhood.
Artist rendering of the former Save-A-Lot building located at 1817 N. 8th Street, courtesy of the City of Sheboygan
The Common Council unanimously confirmed their commitment to provide senior services for the community. The Senior Activity Center of Sheboygan continues to provide programming through social media and at appropriate venues which allow for social distancing. Partnering with the Department of Public Works has allowed for the use of park shelters; other community partners have offered space programming while renovation of the new facility is under construction.
City staff is working with our federal legislators and the federal government to determine the next steps for the current senior center building. The City obtained the current facility in 1999 from the National Park Service. The closing on the Save-A- Lot building is anticipated to happen in the first quarter of 2021. Design and bidding for the renovations will occur after the closing. Based on funding availability, construction may occur in the fall of 2021.
Questions regarding this media release can be directed to City Administrator Todd Wolf at 920-459-3315 or Director of Planning and Development Chad Pelishek at 920-459-3383.