West Bend, Wi – There will be a special meeting of the Washington County Board on August 27, 2025, to discuss and take possible action on the future of the UW-Washington County Campus.
Early indications are the property may be sold following an offer to purchase by Ozaukee Christian School and Cedar Lake Conservation Foundation.
OCS and CLCF have made an offer to purchase for $3 million. Another $2 million would come from the State of Wisconsin in the form of a grant, to bring the total on the table to $5 million.
The meeting starts at 3 p.m.
The meeting is free and open to the public.
Below are more details on previous meetings regarding the future of UW-WC.
August 18, 2025 – West Bend, Wi — A joint meeting between the West Bend Common Council and Washington County Executive Committee moved one step closer to determining the future of the former UW–Washington County campus.
On Monday night, the County Executive Committee voted to advance a purchase agreement with Ozaukee Christian School to the full Washington County Board for review.
County Supervisor Mike Schwab of the Village of Jackson, Wi, made the motion to send the agreement forward, noting that the action allows negotiations to continue.
“I move that we direct county executive and staff to continue negotiating with Ozaukee Christian School for the purpose of executing a sale,” said Schwab.
“The motion was to negotiate, and… I’m certain the county executive would negotiate with all interested parties to do the best thing for the community. When we make the final decision at the county board, we will certainly include that allowance in it.”
During the meeting the costs associated with maintaining the building were tabulated at between $300,000 to $500,000 annually. The county has been picking up the tab.
Several leasing options were reviewed, although there was no solid funding with any proposal.
Ozaukee Christian School and Cedar Lake Conservation Foundation was the only option with an offer to purchase for $3 million. The executive committee said another $2 million would come from the State of Wisconsin in the form of a grant, to bring the total on the table to $5 million.
City council members, who weeks ago sold Fire Department No. 1 on the corner of Seventh Avenue for $1 without opening the process to bid, questioned the appraised value of the UW-WC property, the listing process, the enrollment at OCS, and speculation on competition for public schools.
Washington County executive Josh Schoeman addressed the elephant in the room. “The solution to our declining enrollment and having less kids in this community, and the solution to schooling in general, is not to pit one against another. You’re not going to build public schools up by tearing parochial schools down,” he said.
Schoeman emphasized the county’s priority is to reach an outcome that benefits the broader community.
“This process is about making sure we’re acting in the best interest of taxpayers while also finding a sustainable future use for the property,” he said.
The Executive Committee, which included Supervisors Schwab, Denis Kelling, Jodi Schulteis, John Schodron, and Jeff Schleif voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
Washington County holds 74 percent ownership of the former UW-Washington County Campus. The city of West Bend is a minority owner of 26 percent.
The city did not hold a vote and deferred to its attorney.
Supervisor Denis Kelling ended the meeting by reiterating Ozaukee Christian School has a history of being a good neighbor. “They took a strip club and made it into something great, and I think that’s a good neighbor,” he said. “Certainly, I would put any amount of money on the fact that they would want to work with the community. They want to be a part of this community. They want to buy in and invest in this community.”
The full Washington County Board is expected to take up the matter in the coming weeks.
This is a working story, and more information will be posted when details are available.
West Bend, Wi – There will be a special meeting Monday, August 18, 2025, in the council chambers at West Bend City Hall as the Special Executive Committee for Washington County meets to discuss or take possible action on the future of the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Washington County campus.
Washington County has a majority share of the property, about 76 percent, compared to the city’s 24 percent.
Members of the county’s executive committee include supervisors Denis Kelling, John Schodron, Jodi Schulteis, Jeff Schleif, and Mike Schwab.
The final determination on the future of the UW-WC Campus property will rest with the full county board.
This past Thursday there was a public hearing on the future of UW-WC. Comments were wide ranging and included the need for a “community-centered facility” however no source of funding was presented.
Below is a story published August 1, 2025, regarding proposals from the University Campus Task Force that were forwarded to the county executive for consideration regarding the future of the UW-WC Campus.
August 1, 2025 – Washington Co., WI – The University Campus Task Force met Thursday afternoon to consider an offer to purchase the former UW-Washington County building. The University Campus Task Force Report below summarizes some of the key points of discussion and the weight of proposals put before the task force.
University Campus Task Force Report
Prepared for the Washington County Executive
Date: July 31, 2025
I. Executive Summary
This report summarizes the work conducted by the University Campus Task Force, formed
by Executive Order on February 20, 2025, to evaluate future uses for the former University
of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Washington County (UWWC) campus. The report outlines the
process undertaken, the proposals received, and the categorization of options under
consideration. It does not make a formal recommendation, which will be issued separately.
II. Background
Washington County assumed stewardship of the 80-acre UWWC property following its
closure on July 1, 2024, a result of sustained enrollment decline and broader trends in
higher education. The campus includes a 198,000 sq. ft. facility with classrooms, labs, an
auditorium, gymnasium, library, cafeteria, and abundant green space. As the majority
stakeholder in the site, the County issued a public call for proposals in early 2025 and
created a task force to explore long-term, community-oriented options for repurposing the
property.
III. Formation and Work of the Task Force
The University Campus Task Force was established by Executive Order from County
Executive Josh Schoemann in February 2025 and began meeting in March. The Task Force
included five appointed members with backgrounds in local government, real estate,
property management, and business:
• Scott Henke, Washington County Treasurer, Task Force Chair
• Joel Ongert, Mayor, City of West Bend
• John Torinus, Former CEO, Serigraph
• Adam Williquette, President, American Commercial Real Estate
• Jamie Wolski, VP of Property Management, Wangard Partners
The group held multiple working meetings, conducted site visits, and reviewed community submitted proposals — both those submitted through the formal RFP process and others
received informally. No formal scoring rubric was adopted; instead, the Task Force used
qualitative discussion to evaluate fit, viability, and community alignment.
In addition to reviewing proposals, the Task Force and County Executive engaged in direct
outreach to potential institutional partners. County Executive Josh Schoemann and
individual Task Force members held conversations with leadership at several regional
universities, including Concordia University Wisconsin, Lakeland University, and Wisconsin
Lutheran College (WLC). These discussions helped clarify the feasibility of reestablishing a
university presence on the site and informed the Task Force’s understanding of current
higher education dynamics in the region.
IV. Summary of Proposals and Expressions of Interest
The Task Force received a range of proposals that can be grouped into four broad categories:
1. Sale of Property
• Ozaukee Christian School (OCS) and Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation (CLCF)
OCS submitted a formal purchase proposal offering $3,000,000 for the UWM-WC building
and up to 27 acres of surrounding land. The offer includes a request for a 90-day due
diligence period if approved by the County and City Boards. CLCF would purchase the
remaining acreage.
– Financial Viability: High — Full purchase offer submitted
– Use of Facility: Consolidated K-12 non-denominational Christian school including a new
high school program, with future educational, athletic, and recreational expansion
– Additional Factors: Proposal aligns with the site’s historical educational and recreational
intent; coordination with CLCF offers complementary conservation outcomes
2. Charter School Models
• Accel Charter (in partnership with a community board)
Proposes use of the building for a K-12 classical arts/STEAM school, a virtual school, and a
pre-K early learning academy. Provided detailed space and rent projections
(~$562,100/year).
– Financial Viability: High — Capable of paying rent, utilities, and renovations
– Use of Facility: Partial occupancy via lease
• Nature-Based Charter School Proposal (Melissa Zehe)
Advocates for a nature-based high school and college with use of the full building and
adjacent parkland for experiential learning. Proposal emphasizes equity, mental health, and
hands-on education.
– Financial Viability: Not demonstrated; vision-oriented
– Use of Facility: Would seek full building use
– Other: May benefit from future support but lacks concrete funding model
3. School District Collaboration
• Washington County Public School Districts Consortium
Submitted a joint proposal to use space for collaborative college and career-prep
programming. Initial use would be limited but expected to grow over time.
– Financial Viability: Moderate — Committed to rent/utilities; savings anticipated through
program consolidation
– Use of Facility: Gradual expansion for technical labs, classrooms, and administrative
space
– Other: Strong local alignment; dependent on public-private partnerships for long-term
funding
4. Community and Cultural Uses
• Performing Arts Organizations (Musical Masquers, Hartford Players, West Bend Theatre
Company)
All expressed interest in continued use of the ‘Theatre on the Hill’ for community
performances. Most would operate through rental or shared-use models.
– Financial Viability: Low to Moderate — Rental-based use; limited capacity for full lease
– Use of Facility: Theater and performance space for seasonal and year-round
programming
• Senior Citizens Activities, Inc.
Proposed exclusive use of the library and access to shared spaces like the gym and
auditorium.
– Financial Viability: Limited — Demonstrated funding capacity, but now already has a new
space
– Use of Facility: Senior center activities, programs, and events
• Other Uses
Proposals also included daycare operations, classroom rentals, and nonprofit workspace,
though not all provided formal financial plans.
5. Property Sale Without Redevelopment (Razing Option)
• While not formally proposed, the Task Force considered the theoretical option of razing
the UWWC building and marketing the land for sale as vacant property.
– Financial Viability: Undetermined — would require upfront demolition costs and site
restoration
– Use of Site: Could allow for residential, recreational, institutional, or commercial
redevelopment depending on zoning and long-term County priorities
– Other Considerations: Demolition would eliminate ongoing maintenance costs and security
risks, but would also permanently remove educational and community-use infrastructure.
The decision could generate public concern due to the site’s historical role in higher
education.
V. Site Context and Strategic Considerations
The 80-acre campus sits on scenic Kettle Moraine topography in West Bend with convenient
access to Hwy 33. It includes significant green space and a 23-acre fen that could be
preserved through coordination with the Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation (CLCF). The
adjacent Ridge Run Park enhances the site’s appeal for educational and recreational
integration. The City of West Bend owns a 26% stake in the property, and future steps will
require negotiation with the City.
Maintaining the UWWC facility carries significant financial implications. According to
internal estimates, the County incurs approximately $500,000 annually to keep the
building operational in an unoccupied state, and approximately $575,000 annually when
the building is occupied. These figures include costs related to utilities, preventative
maintenance, janitorial services, landscaping, and general repairs. Even in a vacant state,
the building requires regular restroom flushing, basic cleaning, life safety system checks,
and environmental controls across 188,000 square feet. The building’s scale and complexity make it costly to maintain indefinitely without active use or tenants. Staff has also noticed vandalism occurring on the property.
VI. Key Observations and Constraints
– Only two financially viable options were submitted: a full purchase offer from OCS/CLCF
and a lease-based offer from ACCEL Charter.
– Other proposals offer significant community value but would require additional funding
partnerships or County support.
– No master tenant has emerged; a mixed-use or multi-tenant model would be needed if sale is not pursued.
– Ongoing maintenance, security, and deterioration risks underscore the need for a timely
decision.
– Environmental stewardship and public access remain priorities consistent with community feedback.
VII. Conclusion
The Task Force has completed its charge to gather, evaluate, and summarize potential
future uses of the former UWWC campus.
This report outlines all proposals received and analyzed, and it is now submitted to the county executive for review.
The Task Force recognizes that future action is necessary to avoid continued vacancy and recommends prompt decision-making. As stated in the original Executive Order, this report also serves as the final deliverable of the Task Force, which may now be considered for formal dissolution.
At the end of the meeting, the proposals above along with a variety of amendments were submitted to the county executive for review, including a proposal to combine some of the land with the north end of the school including the gym, cafeteria, and theatre.
The only proposal with an offer to purchase was submitted by Ozaukee Christian School and CLCF.
No date was set for the next meeting; however, the county board and common council are set to meet in the coming weeks.
