Music venue proposal dropped for Sheboygan's South Pier District
Proposals for a music venue and brewery have fallen through
SHEBOYGAN — The man behind The Wharf in Manitowoc is abandoning his plans for a similar venue along the Sheboygan River.
Brennan Seehafer, owner of The Wharf and The Venue at Union Square, had proposed an entertainment venue in the South Pier District and was actively working with Sheboygan’s Redevelopment Authority on a lease agreement. In August 2024, he told the Redevelopment Authority that he was hoping to have construction start earlier this year but those plans have apparently fallen through. “At this time, we are looking at another location outside of Sheboygan for this project,” said Seehafer. When asked if he was considering a location within Sheboygan County, he did not respond.
The unnamed venue was to be located on vacant land along the Sheboygan River next to the Float Doctor Wellness Center on South Pier Drive. Local residents have commented on the success of Seehafaer’s The Wharf and the need to bring similar entertainment options to Sheboygan. The Wharf attracts a couple hundred guests every weekend during the summer months to the Manitowoc Riverfront.
Should Seehafer reconsider his plans to build the venue, the Sheboygan Redevelopment Authority has granted him an exclusive right to negotiate the ground lease of the South Pier property until September 15, 2025.
Seehafer also owns a production company, and has been booking concerts and organizing events since high school. An upcoming concert featuring musician Marc Martel at the Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Sheboygan is set for May 10th. Seehafer’s company produces and promotes 40 to 50 shows a year.
Brewery also proposed for South Pier
In June 2023, SwitchGear Brewing had sought to build a brewery on the undeveloped land but those plans have been abandoned as well. The Elkhart Lake-based brewery has been closed since late January. In March, owner Dustin Dutter stated he would be selling the company. “I have poured my heart and soul into every pint of beer we sold at the expense of my personal well-being and that of my family,” said Dutter.
In November 2024, the Kohler Credit Union sought to recover $15,979.35 from Dutter and earlier this month, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development issued a delinquent unemployment tax warrant against his company according to court documents.
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