Oct. 7, 2022 3:15p
(WGTD)---A nearly $2 million restoration of a building in Kenosha that’s on the National Register of Historic Places is in its final stages.
The Southport Beach House in Southport Park adjacent to Lake Michigan was built by depression-era work crews and features at Art Deco-styled ballroom.
Some 15 years ago, city officials came to grips with the need to spend some big money in order to preserve the structure, according to project manager Mike Maki. "At one point the Public Works. Dept. proposed to remove the slate roofing and go with a simulated slate roofing with asphalt shingles," Maki said. "There was a tremendous amount of push back from the public on that so the city abandoned those plans and embarked on an exhaustive project to get some consultants involved to see what was going to be needed to bring it back historically correct," he said.
That led to a five-year plan to restore the exterior of the building and make some critical interior renovations.
The project’s fourth phase—bathroom upgrades and the replacement of several large ballroom windows--is currently underway.
The final phase—to begin next year-- will focus on tuckpointing and replacing brick in the building’s two interior courtyards.
Yet to come this year is an official request for proposals from operators that might have an interest in running a coffee shop or a bistro in the building.
It’s unclear whether the ballroom will continue to be leased out for private events, as it has been in the past.
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