Wisconsin counties transform closed UW campuses into K-12 classrooms, housing, even a wedding venue

Wisconsin counties with shuttered University of Wisconsin branch campuses are reimagining the properties to serve a range of purposes including senior housing, K-12 classroom space, even a wedding venue.

The transformations of these sites come after years of declining enrollment and financial pressures at the two-year campuses previously known as UW Colleges. A 2018 merger placed these branch campuses under the oversight of various four-year UW institutions. But the hemorrhaging of students continued amid demographic challenges and competition with nearby technical colleges.

Since 2023, five branch campuses have closed or will close by the end of this school year. A sixth campus has ended in-person instruction. Unlike four-year institutions that are considered state property, the branch campuses are owned by the counties where they are located...