NEW GLARUS — The Swiss Center of North America (SCNA), in partnership with the New Glarus School District, has been awarded $108,000 through the Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Non-State Grant Program to advance Phase 2 of the New Glarus Glarner Community Complex — a shovel-ready outdoor cultural venue that will serve as Wisconsin’s only Swiss-themed public gathering space. The grant was announced May 8, by Governor Tony Evers as part of a $50 million investment in 71 community development projects across the state and passed final approval by the Wisconsin State Building Commission on May 13.
Located at 1701 2nd Street in New Glarus, directly across from New Glarus High School, Phase 2 will construct a Swiss-inspired pavilion, public plaza, modern restrooms, and food service facilities on the site where Phase 1, a track and multi-use athletic field, was successfully completed in 2024. For SCNA President Bekah Stauffacher, the award marks a long-awaited turning point for the community.
“New Glarus already draws 750,000 visitors a year, but we’ve never had the permanent infrastructure to host the kind of world-class cultural events our heritage deserves,” said Stauffacher. “The Glarner Community Complex changes that. With this venue, we can welcome international festivals like the 100th Anniversary Jodlerklub in 2028 and a potential Sängerfest, giving Swiss-American traditions a permanent home that reflects Wisconsin’s identity as America’s Little Switzerland.”
The project has drawn extraordinary community backing, with more than 108 donors contributing over $300,000 to the local fundraising campaign against a total project cost of $545,100. The New Glarus School District, which will own and maintain the facility, has been a cornerstone partner from the start. Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Thayer says the complex will serve students and the broader community for generations.
“This complex will serve our 900-plus students as an outdoor classroom and performance space, while bringing the broader community together for cultural events and celebrations,” said Thayer. “We’re committed to maintaining it for generations to come, and we’re grateful for the partnership that has made this vision possible.”
Beyond its cultural mission, the complex is expected to be a meaningful driver of economic and community development, bringing new visitors to the region, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs in construction, hospitality, and cultural programming. Olivia Otte of the Green County Development Corporation, which supported the grant effort, called the award a reflection of the community’s collective work.
“This award is a tremendous vote of confidence in New Glarus and the vision our community has worked so hard to build,” said Otte. “We’re proud to have supported this effort and grateful to Governor Evers for recognizing its statewide value.”
The Green County Development Corporation supported preparation of this grant application, providing grant-writing and administrative assistance. Once funded, roles will be divided as follows: SCNA will lead cultural programming, coordinating events and partnerships with regional arts and tourism organizations; the New Glarus School District will oversee long-term facility management; and both SCNA and the School District will collaborate on scheduling events and activities.
