The Weill Center for the Performing Arts, a 1,150-seat historic venue in downtown Sheboygan, announced a $13 million expansion.
“We promise to continue to preserve our historic performing arts venue while revitalizing the block with new spaces to gather, connect, inspire, and belong. These improvements will enhance quality of life, recruit and retain talent, and stimulate our local economy,” said Katy Glodosky, executive director of the Weill Center.
The Weill Center owns nearly half a block of property adjacent to its theater that is currently vacant. More than 800 community members shared local entertainment needs and desired improvements for the Weill Center through surveys and focus groups. The feedback shaped the plans for the project.
Phase one of the project consists of a lobby expansion with an ADA accessible family restroom, elevator access to the mezzanine level, an area for merchandise, ticket office improvements, additional concessions areas, lobby balcony lounge, and updates to existing theater equipment. The historic theater will remain intact.
Phase two of the project includes a rooftop lounge with stage and outdoor patio, and a “Box Office Bar” at street level with sliding doors that open to the sidewalk. With the Weill Center’smission to entertain, both spaces will support current programming, but will also host acts to activate the block with entertainment at every level – from street artists and acoustic singer- songwriters outside the box office bar, to comedians and DJs on the rooftop.
The project architect is Rickman Architecture + Design from Atlanta, Georgia which specializes in live event spaces. The construction manager on the project is Sheboygan-based Quasius Construction.
Demolition of the unusable buildings begins this week, and construction is planned to start this August. The current completion date is anticipated for November 2026, dependent on funding.
The fundraising goal for phase I of the project is $10 million and phase II is $3 million.
Private and public partners have contributed more than $6 million to date. This includes a $2 million matching grant from the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Non-State Grant Program. Other supporters include the city of Sheboygan, Sheboygan County, Visit Sheboygan, Frank G & Freida K Brotz Family Foundation, Melitta S and Joan M Pick Charitable Trust, Black Spring Foundation, Sargento Foods Inc, Kohler Co., the Zieve Foundation, the Grover Family Foundation, and an anonymous donor, in addition to several individual donations.
To learn more about the project and to donate, visit weillcenter.com.
