07/22/2026
Hi Parents,
I know many have reached out with concerns, so I just wanted to follow-up regarding the City’s possible purchase of the City Center and what that means for Arts for Kids.
Currently the City is in the process of due-diligence. This means they are checking out everything within the City Center such as building structures, environmental testing, lease agreements with tenants and so forth. If all checks out the City is planning on purchasing the City Center sometime in September.
We did meet with staff from the City and they did state that if the City does purchase that they have no plans to do anything with City Center until the rebuilding of the Jackson Street bridge in 2028.
The bridge will be reconstructed so it is taller and does not need to open to allow large boats to cross. This is due to Froedtert Hospital being built and ambulances needed to cross the bridge.
The City did assure us that they do not want to lose a childcare center and understand that childcare is a necessity to keep the workforce in Oshkosh. When plans are finalized and the City decides to do whatever it is with the City Center, the City did state they will help us as needed to relocate or build.
Arts for Kids has no plans of shutting our doors. We plan on being here for a long time yet, whether it is at our current location or a new location – we’re not going anywhere. As I’ve told many families, my plan is to retire from Arts for Kids and that is not for at least 20 years!
I will keep you up to date as we continue to learn more of the plans for the City Center. In the meantime, you can also check out the City’s project page here: https://www.oshkoshwi.gov/CityCenterProject/
Sincerely,
Carrie Binder
Director
On May 26, 2026, the Oshkosh Common Council approved moving forward with an Offer to Purchase for the City Center property, beginning a formal due diligence process that is expected to continue through September 30, 2026. The proposed acquisition remains contingent upon satisfactory completion of du...