May 21, 2026 6:15p
(WGTD)---Construction could begin as early as this fall on "The Helmsman"---the seven-story, 212-unit apartment building that's to complement the nearby "Karrick" in downtown Kenosha.
With the five-story, 158-unit Karrick apartment building over half full, the developers are moving forward with the Helmsman to make it the second project to be completed in the nine-block, downtown redevelopment area. The Karrick opened earlier this year.
The new building's modernistic design won praise during an initial hearing at Thursday's Plan Commission meeting. The developer--Summit Smith Development--has been working closely with Mayor Dave Bogdala and city staff on the building's design elements.
The structure--to be built partially into a slope on a vacant lot just north of the Karrick--is expected to include a 3,000 sq. ft. restaurant. Summit Smith is open to proposals from prospective operators, said company vice-president Sean Roberts.
The building will include inside parking and 1, 2 and 3-bedroom market rate apartments.
The 'Helmsman' name was revealed for the first time Thursday night. It's keeping with a nautical theme struck by the christening of the first building as the 'Karrick'--- a reference to a knot oftentimes associated with maritime uses, although the spelling of the 'Karrick' knot usually begins with a 'C'.
At Thursday's Plan Commission meeting, Mayor Bogdala said the downtown redevelopment plan will achieve "real momentum" with the anticipated groundbreaking later this year of the Helmsman. Next up, Bogdala hinted, will be a focus on building a condo development on vacant land across the street from the Helmsman.
-0-
.