UWM Waukesha campus sale pending, housing development awaits approval
UWM Waukesha campus sale pending, housing development awaits approval
Demolition crews were supposed to be knocking down the old UWM at Waukesha campus by now. But it turns out, the property hasn’t even been sold yet.
WAUKESHA, Wis. - Demolition crews were supposed to be knocking down the old UWM at Waukesha campus by now. But it turns out, the property hasn’t even been sold yet.
"We’ve had this since 1991," Badger said.
"Boy, I sure would like to get a hole in one on television," Badger said.
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He didn’t. But what Badger is getting is a lot of new neighbors. "Apartments, single-family homes – even some high-end," Badger said.
Most days, you’ll find Tom Badger taking a swing on this small-scale golf course he built in his backyard.
UWM at Waukesha closing in 2025; WCTC to help with transition
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee announced on Monday, March 11, that the UWM at Waukesha campus will close after the spring 2025 semester in response to a directive from the Universities of Wisconsin.
Future of the campus property
What we know:
Badger’s backyard butts up to the former UWM at Waukesha campus. It closed for good at the end of the spring 2025 semester. Waukesha County leased the 70-acre property to the university and a year and a half ago told neighbors demolition could begin this summer.
"It’s been mute since. No one has come to us," Badger said.
UWM at Waukesha campus closing; what's next for 70-acre site?
The UWM at Waukesha campus will close at the end of this semester. What takes the campus' place could include $1 million homes.
Dale Shaver, the county’s director of parks and land use, said by email they expect to approve an offer to purchase in September. Shaver did not say who the buyer is, but added, "We are in the process of finalizing the financial components of the project."
Shaver reiterated the desire for single-family and multi-family homes. He says high-end "million dollar homes" are still a possibility. He points to a 2024 site study that shows a gap in owner-occupied housing for income ranges greater than $100,000.
"If it’s a big five-story apartment – umm, come back, and I’ll talk to you later about that," Badger said.
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Badger says he isn’t teed off about the development. He just hopes with new deadlines fast approaching, the neighborhood will get some answers.
"I’m curious! But not frustrated," Badger said.
Because the land has been off the tax roll for decades, Shaver previously told FOX6 News that the new development could generate more than $1 million annually in new tax base.
Portions of this article were formatted using A.I. FOX6’s Bret Lemoine and an editor reviewed it for accuracy and tone prior to publishing.
The Source: Information in this story was gathered from Tom Badger, Dale Shaver and past FOX6 News reporting.