Sheboygan plan commission approves Urban Middle School addition, flags stormwater and preservation concerns

The Sheboygan City Plan Commission on Wednesday approved a conditional‑use permit and architectural review for a multi‑story addition to Urban Middle School, 1226 North Avenue, aiming to modernize classrooms and restore historic elements of the south façade.

Elise, a city planning staff member, summarized the project as a significant addition and renovation that will modernize the interior and add classroom space. Nate Constantine of Bridal Architects and civil engineer Nick Tennyson of Kapoor and Associates said the work will restore the building’s southern facade and add new wings to the north and west. "The main entry will now be on the west side of the facility," Constantine said during his presentation.

Tennyson described the proposed stormwater approach: a bioswale in the southeast corner designed to detain runoff, typically remaining dry except after rain events when it could hold two to three feet of water and is expected to drain within about 48 hours. He said the bioswale’s bottom will be planted with native vegetation. Constantine said the school district is evaluating an alternate underground storage option but called it "a very expensive solution" and said the choice will depend on bid results.

Neighbors raised safety concerns about an unfenced bioswale near the school; one resident said, "suddenly having 3 feet of water with middle schoolers doesn't seem like a great idea." Constantine and Tennyson responded that the feature will not hold a permanent pool, will be vegetated, and that plantings should discourage access once established.

Commissioners also questioned the fate of the existing auditorium. Constantine said the district is not planning to replace the auditorium at the middle‑school site, citing asbestos in the auditorium that limits salvage options. "The district is committed to enhancements at both the North and South campuses' auditoriums to accommodate events," he said.

Commissioners discussed window treatments for the restored south elevation, and the applicants said some spandrel panels will be used where interior reconfiguration and new classroom sizes prevent a full restoration of original window patterns. Constantine noted interior renovations will include new HVAC chases and wall layout changes that affect window placement.

After discussion, the commission moved and approved both the conditional‑use permit and the architectural review as submitted. The approvals passed with no recorded objections.

Next steps include final design and bid processes; applicants said they will return with bid‑day decisions that could affect whether the bioswale remains or is replaced by underground detention.