Downtown Sheboygan parking lot to be sold
The City of Sheboygan had big plans for the property but never moved forward
SHEBOYGAN — A public parking lot owned by the City of Sheboygan could become a private parking lot later this year.
Last month, the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum submitted an offer to purchase Municipal Parking Lot No. 2 which is directly west of the museum. If approved by the Common Council, the museum would purchase the 27 stall parking lot for $49,950. According to Dereck Muench, the city’s Director of Parking and Transit, the parking lot is underutilized and generates very little revenue.
“Our goal is to utilize the parking for both our staff and visitors,” said Cate Tinker, the Executive Director of Above & Beyond. “Additionally, we look forward to adding in handicap accessible parking options to better serve our visitors.” The museum plans to expand in the future but Tinker did not elaborate further on those plans.
To the north of the parking lot is the former Fountain Park Motel and Restaurant. Last year, the City of Sheboygan purchased the property for $3.2 million.
Dealership before parking lot
In 1912, Robert Thieman opened a car dealership at 816 Niagara Avenue. In 1970, his son William R. Thieman demolished the dealership when it relocated on the city’s west side. One year later, urban designers had considered demolishing the remaining buildings on that block to build a department store as part of the Plaza 8 project.
In 1976, the city turned the property into a parking lot at a cost of $17,101. When it opened, the parking lot had 23 metered stalls and generated $1,190 in revenue for the city in 1977. Last year, meters generated just $74.16 and permits generated $3,387.39 in revenue for the city.
Follow WKTS News on Facebook and Instagram for the latest local news.