A New Safer and More Efficient Campus
Courthouse Replacement/Jail Support and a Jail Pod Alternate
Based on the master planning study and analysis of the courthouse campus, the recommended solution is a phased replacement of the current facilities located on the existing courthouse campus. This approach allows Shawano County to modernize and right-size its facilities while maintaining continuity of services. A key priority throughout the planning process was ensuring that the campus remains fully operational during construction, minimizing disruption to court functions, county services, staff, and the public.
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The proposed improvements directly address identified safety and security needs, including updated building layouts, improved circulation, and appropriate separation of public, staff, and inmate movement. The plan also enhances overall operational efficiency by organizing departments in a more functional configuration, reducing redundancies, and improving adjacencies between related services.​
As illustrated in the aerial site view, the phased strategy strategically positions new construction to allow existing facilities to remain in use until replacements are complete. This sequencing not only supports uninterrupted operations but also creates a framework for long-term campus development. The plan preserves space for future phases, ensuring the county can adapt to evolving needs without requiring additional property acquisition or major site reconfiguration.
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The estimated investment for the Courthouse Replacement/Jail Support is $88.5 million, which delivers the core components of the campus replacement plan. In addition, a $32.5 million jail pod alternate has been identified to further address detention capacity and operational considerations, should the county choose to proceed with that option.
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Overall, the master plan provides Shawano County with a fiscally responsible, safety-focused, and forward-looking solution that modernizes the courthouse campus while positioning it for future growth.
Library Recommendation Site 1 - Addition to Existing
As part of the overall master planning effort, an additional phase includes the expansion of the existing Shawano County Library at the Genex Cooperative property, located at 117 E. Green Bay Street in Shawano. This option focuses on enhancing and modernizing the current facility through a thoughtfully planned addition that supports long-term community needs.
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The proposed project includes approximately 13,500 square feet of new library space integrated with the existing building. The addition is designed to improve functionality, expand programming capacity, and create more flexible spaces for patrons of all ages. Enhancements would allow for improved circulation, expanded collections, collaborative and study areas, and updated amenities that reflect the evolving role of a modern public library.
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As illustrated in the site plan, the addition is positioned to maintain existing site access and parking while enhancing the library’s presence along Green Bay Street. Outdoor reading and gathering spaces are incorporated to strengthen the connection to the surrounding neighborhood and create inviting community-focused amenities. The design approach ensures the expanded facility remains cohesive with the existing structure while improving operational flow and overall user experience.
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This phase of the project represents a strategic investment in educational, cultural, and community infrastructure, ensuring the library continues to serve as a vital resource for Shawano County residents well into the future.​
