May 10, 2023 4:30p
(WGTD)---A revised downtown Kenosha redevelopment plan is scheduled to be considered by the Kenosha Plan Commission Thursday afternoon.
The plan is similar to a project unveiled three years ago in that it calls for a private developer to build a new city hall that would then be signed over to the city in exchange for the site where the current Municipal Building sits.
The project, as currently envisioned, includes 1,000 housing units spread over several mid-rise buildings and one larger tower, and condos on the eastern-most block adjacent to the existing Harbor Park District. The plans include space for offices, a grocer and what's described as a "market hall."
The $450 million plan covers a nine-block area from the harbor to Sheridan Rd. and from 52nd to 56th streets.
The project is different from what was originally proposed in that it does not include a theater. Nor does it include a twin-tower high rise for a site immediately north of the Municipal Building. That land is still controlled by the original developer who dropped out of discussions with the city after being unable to secure the financing package.
The new developers are calling themselves Kenosha Downtown Partners. The group is made up of Milwaukee-based Cobalt Partners and C.D. Smith, a general contractor and development firm based in Fond du Lac.
"We've been impressed with the strong economic growth in Kenosha for many years," said Scott Yauck, President of Cobalt. "Kenosha's lakefront is beautiful, and the downtown has many attractions, restaurants and shopping. We are confident in the market for high quality multi-family with fantastic views and within walking distance to all the downtown and lakefront."
Mayor Antaramian said the development team brings a fresh perspective to the project and is backed by "significant" experience in public/private partnerships throughout Wisconsin and in other states.
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