City-owned Washington School site cleared for 18-lot single-family subdivision in central Oshkosh

The City of Oshkosh Plan Commission on Jan. 7 approved a preliminary plat to redevelop the former Washington Elementary School site, 929 Winnebago Avenue, into an 18-lot single-family subdivision.

Planning staff said the city purchased the property from the Oshkosh Area School District in September 2024. The 2.831-acre parcel will be cleared, the school building demolished, and prepared for 18 single-family lots ranging from about 5,500 to 9,800 square feet. Staff said lot widths along Winnebago will generally be 55 feet; lots along School Avenue will be about 52 feet wide with a few larger lots at the eastern end.

The city amended the comprehensive land-use map in July 2024 from institutional to low-density residential to accommodate redevelopment. The staff report said the density—approximately 6.4 units per acre—meets the SR-9 zoning maximum of nine units per acre. The plan does not dedicate parkland; the city will pay fees in lieu of dedication totaling $7,200 ($400 per lot). City utilities for water and sanitary sewer are available from both Winnebago and School avenues, and police and fire departments indicated no service problems. The Oshkosh Area School District was notified and did not raise concerns about accommodating students.

City staff said the demolition is scheduled for winter 2025 and utility construction is expected to begin in spring 2025 following final plat approval. The city said it will use an architectural design book to guide house designs; Habitat for Humanity will build on nine lots while the city will construct the other nine lots. Commissioners and neighborhood representatives said they want continued engagement on design details; the Stevens Park Neighborhood Association requested to be included in future meetings. The commission approved the preliminary plat on a roll call vote.