On June 5, 2017, the Common Council approved the Purchasing Agent to seek bids for the demolition of the Sheboygan Municipal Armory and to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the redevelopment of the site. January 3, 2018 was the deadline for the submittal of proposals related to the Request for Proposals. Six proposals were received. Four proposals are for the redevelopment of the site without the armory building and two of the proposals are for the repurpose of the existing armory building. The key elements of each of six proposals are listed below:
- Armory Community Project: Proposal provides a variety of uses for the existing armory building including a culinary incubator, business incubator, events space, and dining options. The proposal also provides a separate housing component – 40 market rate apartments on the west portion of the property that would provide an estimated assessed property value of $6.6 million for the City.
- TDK Group, LLC: Proposal provides a variety of uses for the existing armory building including concerts, wedding, receptions, and conferences. The armory redevelopment would be privately owned and would pay property taxes.
- True Vine Development: Proposal provides for 155 market rate apartments to be constructed on the property in two phases with an estimated assessed property value of $35.5 million. Proposer would purchase the property for $1.
- T Wall Enterprises: Proposal provides for 198 units of market rate apartments to be constructed in three phases. Proposer would purchase the property for $1 and requires TID-funded incentives of $11 million from the City.
- Scott Crawford, Inc.: Proposal provides for 122 mixed uses housing consisting of 48 units of affordable housing and 74 units of market rate housing including rental townhomes. The affordable units would have rents between $715 and $850/month for 650 square foot and 950 square foot units, respectively. The project also consists of approximately 8,600 square feet of first floor commercial space to include retail, entertainment, and/or restaurant/lounge. The $26 million project would be completed in one phase.
- Catellus Group: Proposal provides for the construction of an $18.6 million 125-room lakefront hotel, restaurant, and conference center. It is unknown at this time whether the hotel would be a franchised hotel or an independently owned hotel. The project would be completed in one phase. Proposer would start construction in spring 2019 with completion in summer 2020.
More detailed review of the proposals and other information on the Armory can be found on www.sheboyganwi.gov. A copy of the summary of the proposals can be found at tinyurl.com/y8pfexts.
On February 12, 2018, the Committee of the Whole passed a motion to recommend that the Finance and Personnel Committee review with the City Attorney’s office the option of a possible referendum. At the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting on February 26, 2018, the committee will be discussing the two resolutions to enter into a development agreement with Scott Crawford, Inc. and separate resolution with the Armory Community Project.
Recently Nextdoor.com released a polling opportunity to interact with Nextdoor users. The city has posted a question on Nextdoor related to the Armory.
Do you want the City of Sheboygan to support one of the proposals that will:
____ Remodel and continue to use the Armory
____ Remove the Armory and replace with additional housing or hotel rooms
You are encouraged to sign up at Nextdoor.com to receive updates as well as provide an opportunity to vote on polling questions.