Resolution to Amend the Administration 2025 Budget and Award a Contract to Kendig Keast Collaborative in partnership with InSite Consulting Architects (ICA) for the Baraboo Sauk County Campus Redevelopment Plan

BACKGROUND: Since 2018, enrollment at the UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County Campus has experienced a steady decline. For the Fall 2025 semester, only 116 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students are enrolled. Earlier this year, the Campus Commission, in close collaboration with UW-Platteville, made the strategic decision to consolidate the university’s presence on campus to reduce operational costs. Currently, UW-Platteville occupies the Umhoefer/Pleger Classroom and Science Center, while the remaining three academic buildings have been vacated—reflecting both declining enrollment and the need for a focused approach to campus strategic planning.

Recognizing the shifting landscape of higher education, the City and County are collaboratively exploring the highest and best uses of the campus property— a 63.25-acre parcel located at 1006 Connie Road, Baraboo, WI 53913. These options include expansion of higher education, economic development, business growth, residential housing or other innovative uses designed to maximize the property's potential.

In response, the Campus Commission requested Sauk County lead this initiative. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued, resulting in the selection of Kendig Keast Collaborative, in partnership with InSite Consulting Architects. The project has a budget of $150,000 and is scheduled for completion in June 2026. The resulting redevelopment plan will serve as both a physical blueprint for campus improvements and a policy framework to guide decision-making by elected officials, boards, staff, residents and other stakeholders.

To support this effort, the 2023 Wisconsin State Budget Act 250 established a grant program aimed at revitalizing former University of Wisconsin (UW) branch campuses. This program offers up to $2 million in funding to local governments—including cities, villages, towns and counties—to cover planning, demolition and related costs. Eligible activities include economic development, community enhancement, job creation, workforce development, small business support, housing initiatives, infrastructure improvements and more. Importantly, the $2 million UW Branch Campuses grant does not require a matching fund.

Sauk County’s Administration team has successfully submitted a grant application to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) for $150,000—enabling the County to contract for a comprehensive campus redevelopment plan. Upon completion of the study in June 2026 and the identification of priority components, the remaining $1,850,000 of the Campus Redevelopment Grant may be pursued through WEDC.