The SHEBOYGAN – Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, 902 N. Eighth St., is hoping to reopen in February after the building’s pipes and sprinkler system ruptured in extreme cold on December 25.
The building’s heating and cooling system failed due to the cold temperatures (a low of 1 degree in an average 14 mph wind), resulting in an “indefinite” closure and $150,000 in damages.
Walls, floors, and bathrooms need repairs, and most of the damage was in the basement, which houses offices, storage, and supplies.
The building’s WiFi and phone lines were also down as they had to be removed. ABCM is working to fix both this week.
ABCM memberships have been paused, and most programming has been suspended until the building reopens.
Some programs have been outsourced, such as the Bring Your Own Baby program for children ages 2 and under, which has been temporarily moved to the Mead Public Library.
Since the closure, several businesses and community groups, such as students at Sheboygan Christian School, have helped clean and move furniture to allow for building repairs.
ABCM chief executive Jackie Erdman said they were “overwhelmed” by the community support.
“This was appreciated so much because at first it feels overwhelming when everything is happening,” Erdman said. “Then you realize that everything is possible, it will be possible to open up again and do it in time. “
Erdman was two and a half hours from Sheboygan when she received a call from the Sheboygan Police Department on the morning of December 25, telling her that large amounts of water were leaking from the building onto the street and freezing over.
Erdman said she called ABCM’s operations manager and board members to get someone to the building.
“I thought the basement was underwater,” Erdman said. “It turned out to be about 2 inches of standing water and my back office was an ice rink.”
Several companies have helped with repairs, including Badger State Restoration, Neumann Plumbing & Heat Inc., Complete Fire Solutions, and Lee’s Color Studio.
Although insurance has covered repair costs, ABCM is still looking for volunteers to transport furniture, exhibits and supplies once repairs are complete, as well as financial assistance for lost revenue during the closure.
ABCM is hosting a fundraiser with Play is Healing and 3 Sheeps Brewing Company, 1837 North Ave., from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on January 29 in the brewery’s tap room.
The free, family-friendly event will feature stations for sensory calming activities, raffles, donations and ABCM 30th Anniversary shirts for sale. There will also be an ABCM table with information on volunteering and future needs.
Other activities include a sheep story hour and tile making. Water damaged the wall at one of the water fountains so ABCM is asking children and families to decorate tiles that can be added back.
3 Sheeps will also donate $1 for every pint of 3 Sheeps Pilsner sold during the event and throughout January.
“The Children’s Museum is a big part of our community and we’re trying to do our part to make it work again,” said Grant Pauly, founder and chief brewmaster of 3 Sheeps Brewing Co., in a press release. “My family has been members for years and we know firsthand how important space is to our community’s children and families.”
Visit abkids.org to learn more about the fundraiser and ways to support ABCM financially
More:This Sheboygan church bought the former Boys & Girls Club site. Here’s what you should know about future plans.
Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @alexx_garner.
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https://www.sheboyganpress.com/story/news/local/2023/01/17/sheboygan-childrens-museum-above-beyond-to-open-after-water-damage/69812406007/
