(WGTD)---The downtown building that was once home to the Kenosha National Bank and later 1st Bank Southeast will soon get new residents---in more than one sense of the word.
Tom and Julie Kook will soon make the 8th floor of the building their primary residence.
When the Kooks met as students at Carthage College in Kenosha in the mid-1970s they likely never thought that one day they would own the tallest and one of the most iconic buildings in Kenosha. And---it likely never crossed their minds that---one day---their home would be the 45-hundred square foot top floor of that building. A penthouse---if you will--- with a 20-foot ceiling, completely open floor plan and 28 large windows giving them a 360-degree panoramic view of the downtown, the lake and a good part of the city they have found a renewed love for.
The Kooks bought the building last year for $2.4 million.
The Kooks come to this position after growing and selling off an electrical service and supply company with locations in Racine and Milwaukee, raising two children in a large, beautiful home in Muskego and now owning and operating two Dairy Queens in Racine and one in Beaver Dam.
After becoming empty-nesters---it was time to look toward downsizing the homeowner workload. The decision to buy an old building with a view and moving in was not made on a whim. "It's always been an idea of Tom's, said Julie.
The two first became intimately acquainted with Lake Michigan as a result of having their Carthage dorm rooms overlook the lake. Years later, an alumni event that the couple attended propelled the idea of living near Lake Michigan. "We love this lakefront," Julie said.
They also became fans of downtown Kenosha.
The couple began looking for their dream building about 8 years ago. They looked at a number of properties before landing on the building at 625-57th Street---the former home of 1st Bank Southeast, radio station WLIP and ---originally the Kenosha National Bank…
In addition to its location and residential potential, the Kooks were also attracted to the building by its condition. The electric and plumbing had been updated---so---only a new roof and some elevator improvements were needed. They are also making the entire building more energy efficient.
The couple has long-term leases with their current tenants. The 1st and 5th floors are available for lease. They and Mike Stanich of Stanich and Stanich---the leasing agent-- like the idea of an event space or restaurant on the 1st floor where the banks were located.
The Kooks plan to be living in the building before the end of this year as its only residents.
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