Developer delays, downsizes, renames proposed Sheboygan apartment complex
Construction was expected to have started in June but site work has not started yet
SHEBOYGAN — The developer behind the $5.8 million Jakum Hall Apartments has made a number of last minute changes which has delayed construction.
Last year, Jacob Buswell of Tomah-based Americon Construction had proposed building 33 affordable townhome-style apartments near North 15th Street and Division Avenue. On Tuesday, the City Plan Commission approved revised plans from Buswell. Instead of 33 apartment units, 32 will now be built. 16 will be one-room and 16 will be two-room units. Three-bedroom units have been removed from the plans.
The parking lot will have room for 50 vehicles, down from 64 as originally planned. There were plans to have 22 garage parking stalls and 42 surface parking spaces.
Another change is the name of the apartment complex. Buswell originally called the development the Jakum Hall Apartments. Now, the project is being called the Luedke Apartments. Construction was expected to start in June according to a Tax Increment District (TID) Development Agreement approved by Common Council in December 2024. Buswell had asked for the commencement date be pushed to the end of August.
The City of Sheboygan is offering up to $1.1 million in incentives to the developer.
Luedke's to Jakum’s
Luedke's Market opened in May 1914. After 82 years, the store closed in February 1996. In November 1997, Darlene and Richard Jakum opened Jakum’s Hall. They operated the Happy Days tavern across the street. The event venue closed in 2017. Richard Jakum died at the age of 71 in August 2018.
The city purchased the building in 2022 for $165,000. It was demolished the following year by Scott's Excavating.
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