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Milwaukee Wedding Venue Operator Affirms an Interest in Kenosha's Anderson Arts Center

Sept. 3, 2025 6:45p

(WGTD)---The Milwaukee developer who has an interest in investing money in Kenosha's Anderson Arts Center stumbled upon the place as she was looking for a second location suitable for weddings and other gatherings.

Kate Crowle, owner and operator of St. James 1868 in Milwaukee, is offering to spend $2 million to bring the arts center on the Kemper campus up to snuff for ritzy wedding receptions. 

The offer is a cornerstone of an initiative by the non-profit that runs the county-owned 18-acre park to increase usage and expand revenue. Their plan was laid out at Tuesday night's Kenosha County Board meeting. 

In a brief phone interview with WGTD Wednesday, Crowle affirmed that her potential involvement is contingent on the county board approving a long-term lease with the non-profit. 

Her tentative plan for the arts center includes an outdoor atrium, an English garden, a cafe located inside of the arts center and various other improvements. "I've got big ideas," she said.

She expects her discussions with the non-profit's board to continue.

Crowle called the Anderson Arts Center a "spectacular" facility and said the non-profit's board has been very receptive to her ideas. 

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