Planning Links

History

The 42-acre brownfield site, at the convergence of the Sheboygan River and Lake Michigan, was formerly owned by C. Reiss Coal Company. For over 100 years, the property was used for storage of coal, salt, fertilizer, and petroleum. The land is the last significant piece of municipal land on Lake Michigan’s western shore that remains available for development in the City of Sheboygan. Since acquisition of the parcel, an enormous amount of time, energy, local and private financial resources, and state and federal aids and grants have been committed to the mixed-use redevelopment project. Based on an estimated tax base increase of over $100 million during the life of the TIF District, the City undertook over $12 million in public infrastructure improvements, including over $3 million in remediation costs specified in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approved Remedial Action Plan for the site.

Master Plan

Since acquiring the property in October of 2001, City officials have been working with JJR of Madison, Wisconsin, to create a concept plan, site plan, and design guidelines for South Pier.  After receiving a considerable amount of public input, a concept plan design guidelines were created for the mixed-use development (i.e., family resort development, riverfront promenade, lakefront eco park and trails, retail and office development, live/work development, family attraction development, etc.)

The concept plan and design guidelines were based on the following project goals:

• Revitalize and redevelop underutilized waterfront property with economically and environmentally sustainable uses.
   

• Promote a mixed-use development encouraging water-related uses.
   

• Create an architecturally cohesive district with a distinct identity.
   

• Provide a continuous pedestrian experience along Sheboygan’s waterfront, with connections to regional trail systems.
   

• Promote a balance between private economic development and public use and access.
   

• Stimulate reinvestment in Sheboygan’s Central Business District.  Improve water-based recreational facilities and navigational access to the Sheboygan River.
   

• Establish Sheboygan as a regional waterfront destination attraction.
   

• Build upon Sheboygan’s maritime identity.
   

• Seek public / private opportunities and funding sources that minimize negative impacts on local taxpayers.

Development Opportunities

Proposals are being accepted for commercial and mixed-use development. Riverfront parcels are available, as well as parcels with spectacular riverfront or lakefront views. Development sites vary in size. Sites are zoned either Pre-Planned Unit Development or Planned Unit Development.

For a complete Request for Proposal, with attachments, please contact the Office of Planning and Development, 807 Center Avenue, Sheboygan, WI, 53081, 920-459-3377, development@ci.sheboygan.wi.us.

Design Guidelines
Click here for a complete set of design guidelines for South Pier District.

Available Property
Click here for a map outlining available property.

Public Improvements
Click here for information regarding infrastructure improvements for South Pier District.

Resort Development
Click here for information regarding development of Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center.

Recent Developments in the South Pier District

• Jomaji Salon and Spa: 682 South Pier Drive
  • The shanty-like structure opened May 2, 2005.
  • Contact Information: 920-452-3770
     
• Harborside Development and Entertainment: 640-652 South Pier Drive.
  • The project currently consists of one approximately 16,240 square foot building and one approximately 5,270 square foot building.
  • Planned use is retail, restaurants, entertainment uses, and second floor housing and/or office space.
  • Construction on the first building began in November of 2005 and was completed in 2006.
  • Currently several businesses occupy the first building including:  Popcorn Planet, 536 South Pier Drive, 920-451-6900 and Aras, Beks, Pottiers III, 652 South Pier Drive, 920-803-2727.
  • Pier 57, a new restaurant and bar opened in 2008!
  • See the "Development Opportunities" for contact information regarding available space.
     
• Three Shop Shanty: 534-538 South Pier Drive
  • Shanty-like building.
  • Retail space for three businesses.
  • A minimum investment of approximately $350,000.00.
  • Construction is complete and two tenants occupy the building: Curves, 538 South Pier Drive, 920-208-8501 and Provident Technologies, 536 South Pier Drive, 920-458-5540.  A third, 1,250 square foot, retail space is available.
  • See the "Development Opportunities" for contact information regarding available space.
     
• Historic Reiss Office Building:
  • Dixon Development, LLC and Vetter Denk Architects converted the former Reiss Office Building on the Sheboygan River into condominiums in 2007.  The developer is currently marketing the residential waterfront units.
  • Phase 2 of the project, immediately adjacent to the site, will consist of residential and commercial condominium units.
  •  A minimum investment of approximately $7,000,000.00 is anticipated for both phases of the project.
  • See the "Development Opportunities" for contact information regarding available space.
     
• The Islander Building: 528-530 South Pier Drive
  • The 2,850 square foot project was approved by the Redevelopment Authority and Common Council.
  • Construction began June of 2006 and was completed in September of 2006.
  • Two shops occupy the building:  McGinley & Baker (Floral and Gifts) - 530 South Pier Drive, 920-783-3055 and Islander Cafe, 528 South Pier Drive, 920-458-2233.
     
• Highland House II: 820 Indiana Avenue
  • The project was approved by the Redevelopment Authority and Common Council.
  • Construction began during the Summer of 2006 at the corner of 8th Street and Indiana Avenue.
  • The restaurant is a spin-off of Highland House, located in Mequon, WI.
  • Highland House II opened in the Summer of 2007.
  • www.highlandhouse.com, 920-451-1500
     
• New Horizon Development Group: South Pier Drive
  • Construction of a two-story shanty development began in the Spring of 2007.
  • The building will be home to 3 retail spaces on the first floor and condominiums on the second floor.
  • Tres Chic Boutique, 522 South Pier Drive, is scheduled to open in 2007.
  • See the "Development Opportunities" for contact information regarding available space.
     
• EOS: 668 South Pier Drive
  • Construction of  a shanty development began in the Spring of 2007.
  • The building will be home to an outfitters retail shop.
  • The retail shop opened during the Summer of 2007.
  • www.eosoutdoor.com, 920-208-SURF (7873)
     
• Moeller Development: South Pier Drive
  • Construction of a two-story shanty development began in the Fall of 2007.
  • The building will be home to retail space on the ground floor and a residential unit on the second floor.
  • See the "Development Opportunities" for contact information regarding available space.