The City of Sheboygan Historic Preservation Commission reviews potential properties listed in Architectural and Historical Survey that may qualify for local landmarking designation.
Under the local landmarking designation, you may benefit from the following: improved property values of designated historic properties and properties within districts; increased private investments in downtown and neighborhood revitalization projects; development of community pride and commitment to community improvement; and an increased attractiveness to new businesses, new residents, and visitors. In addition, the entire community benefits from the knowledge, enjoyment, and satisfaction associated with preserving and enhancing its historical heritage.
Look through the information below to learn more about the local process:
- Historic Preservation Brochure
- Designation Application
- Certificate of Appropriateness Application
- Section 105-1006 Historic Preservation Regulations
To see if your property is listed in the Architectural and Historical Survey, please click here. This is a condensed version of the report. The full 2002, 2004 & 2006 Architectural and Historical Intensive Survey Report is available here. The 2020-2024 Targeted Resurvey of Sheboygan is available here.
We encourage you to find out more about what you can do to help protect Sheboygan’s historic sites that may include your property. Members of the Historic Preservation Commission would be interested in discussing any further concerns you may have related to this potential designation. The Historic Preservation Commission meets on-call in City Hall. Contact the Director of the Planning & Development Department for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sheboygan’s Historic Preservation Ordinance
Q: What is the purpose of the Historic Preservation Ordinance?
A: The purpose of the Historic Preservation Ordinance is to safeguard the City of Sheboygan’s historic, prehistoric and cultural heritage and to stabilize and improve property values and enhance the visual and aesthetic character of historical buildings in the City.
Q: What is the criteria for the designation of Historic Structures?
A: Historic designation is granted to properties that are historically or architecturally significant and determined potentially eligible in the City of Sheboygan Architectural and Historical Intensive Survey Report prepared in 2002, 2004, & 2006. Public viewing of this report is available at the Department of Planning & Development, Mead Public Library, and the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center in Sheboygan Falls. Further details on the specific process can be found in the City of Sheboygan Zoning Code under Section 15.915(6)(a).
Q: How is the ordinance administered?
A: By the Historic Preservation Commission which consists of five members. Of the membership, if available in the community, one shall be a registered architect; two shall be historians; and one shall be a licensed real estate broker. The Director of City Development & Planning is ex-officio.
Q: How are the City’s historical and architectural resources preserved and safeguarded in this ordinance?
A: The Historic Preservation Commission reviews work affecting the exterior appearance of a designated historic structure or site. Work affected under this ordinance includes, but is not limited to, alteration, rehabilitation, restoration, construction, reconstruction, and demolition.
Q: Does that mean that the Commission reviews paint colors?
A: The Commission may make recommendations to the property owner on painting schemes, however painting is viewed as maintenance by the Commission and would not be reviewed.
Q: What kinds of changes can I make to property that is listed as a landmark?
A: There are fewer restrictions than you might think since the goal is to manage change, not to eliminate it. Protection is provided by review and approval of modifications to the exteriors. The following changes are included in the ordinance:
- Any change to the exterior of any building or structure
- New construction
- Demolition of any building or structure
Q: How do I get approval to make a change?
A: By obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission. If the Historic Preservation Commission determines that the application for Certificate of Appropriateness and the proposed changes are consistent with the character and features of the property or district, the Certificate shall be issued.
Q: What happens if I make a change without a Certificate of Appropriateness?
A: Failure to comply with a Certificate of Appropriateness or failure to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be a violation of this section. In addition to other penalties and remedies, the City shall issue a stop work order, and all work shall cease on the designated property.
Properties Locally Landmarked (Updated 7/25/2015)
Non-Residential Properties:
- Sheboygan City Hall
- Sheboygan Fire Station at North 9th Street and New York Avenue
- Heritage School at 819 S. 8th Street
- Fountain Park
- Sheridan Park
- Little Red School House at 1116 Huron Avenue
- Sheboygan Press building at 632 Center Avenue
- Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts at 826 N. 8th Street
- Masonic Mansion at 411 St. Clair Avenue
- Grace Episcopal Church at 1011 N. 7th Street
- Grace Episcopal Rectory at 1011 N. 7th Street
- Rudnick Jewelers Building at 919 N. 8th Street
- Schultz Insurance Building at 902 Michigan Avenue
Residential Properties:
- Residence at 1943 N. 6th Street
- Residence at 2728 Highland Terrace
- Residence at 710 Michigan Avenue
- Residence at 2302 N. 6th Street
- Reiss Residence at 233 Huron Avenue
- Residence at 1725 N. 7th Street
- Residence at 2033 N. 6th Street
- Residence at 703 St. Clair Avenue
- Residence at 519 Erie Avenue
- Residence at 605 Erie Avenue