FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – UW-Oshkosh’s Fond du Lac campus will be officially closing at the end of the month. The Universities of Wisconsin System president announced the closure last fall, citing low enrollment.
That’s opened up new possibilities for the county.
“Even though UW is closing, I see this as an opportunity — not as something that’s negative,” Fond du Lac County Executive Sam Kaufman said. “I think we are now at the front of starting something brand new that can be an example for all UW two-year campuses, for their own future.”
Kaufman has wasted no time exploring ways to breathe new life into the area. On Tuesday, he presented a proposal to the county board. Kaufman’s plan, which is referred to as the Fond Du Lac County Campus, includes the reuse of existing buildings.
“County government, state office, law enforcement mixed in,” Kaufman said.
It also looks to create new living facilities.
“Specifically, senior housing,” Kaufman said. “There’s a big need for senior housing and one of my goals has been to look — how to create senior housing within the county in hopes that the seniors then in their current home will relocate making more homes available for other individuals.”
Plans also call for the reimagining of the theater to a new performing arts center, and the gym to a sports complex.
“The marketing of this, I think would be a plus,” Kaufman said. “Not only for the city of Fond du Lac, but the county as a whole. It falls in line with my theme of trying to move the county forward to attract a much younger generation to move into our community.”
Some of the land may be put up for sale to help fund the project.
“My goal has been to figure out a plan that does not hit taxpayers — they cannot be burdened,” Kaufman said.
Kaufman projects initial startup expenses this year to total just over $1.2 million. He projects estimated revenue to be roughly half a million the first year, with more added in the future.
“With the stream of revenue coming in 2025, I do not anticipate having to allocate any money in the 2025 budget to help pay for the campus itself,” Kaufman said.
Kaufman said he hopes to start construction in July.
Kaufman will be hold a public information meeting on June 27 at 6 p.m. It’ll be held in the commons area adjacent to the Prairie Theater at the new FCC. The meeting will allow the public to see the conceptual drawings as well as ask questions.
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