BID OKs $25,000 for downtown coordinator; some balk at price tag

The Lakeshore Business Improvement District has made its commitment to the position of a downtown coordinator. Though some area property owners warn the budget increase associated with that support could lead to some backlash.

The Lakeshore BID Board approved committing $25,000 Thursday to pay a portion of a new position to coordinate downtown revitalization efforts. The Lakota Group identified the creation of that position as one of the most important initial steps in its comprehensive study of Kenosha’s downtown. View Article

BID OKs $25,000 for downtown coordinator; some balk at price tag

The Lakeshore Business Improvement District has made its commitment to the position of a downtown coordinator. Though some area property owners warn the budget increase associated with that support could lead to some backlash.

Support is there, but money in flux for downtown leader

The exact details for the downtown coordinator position still are being finalized, but there is widespread commitments to supporting that position.

Downtown plan gets council’s support

The Kenosha City Council Monday unanimously approved a plan to revitalize downtown Kenosha.

Commission seeks more time for Elks Club building

The city of Kenosha’s Historic Preservation Commission urged city administration Thursday to give the former Elks Club building a resource its supporters said it desperately needs: Time.

Downtown study stresses streetcar expansion, full-time focus on redevelopment

Collaboration, new policies for vacant buildings and expansion of the streetcar are just some of the strategies outlined in the final recommendations of the downtown strategic development plan.

KABA has not received demolition donations

KENOSHA — Several Kenosha aldermen want to take a look at where potential money to demolish downtown structures could best be used.

Consultant sees potential in vacant downtown buildings

Some of downtown’s largest, and longest-vacant, buildings could be considered for redevelopment, according to the preliminary findings in The Lakota Group’s downtown study.

Streetcar line a high priority; Elks Club, Theatre lower

KENOSHA — The Lakota Group’s strategic plan for downtown development categorized projects as a high, medium or low priority, and some people at last week’s presentation didn’t like where their projects fell.

Leadership, primary zone among first priorities

The Lakota Group’s final take on how to proceed with the development of downtown Kenosha is about a month away.

New store signs entice potential customers to see what’s inside

KENOSHA — Downtown Kenosha has a few new residents, be they web-slinger, bounty hunter or an adventuring pair of Italian plumbers.

Committee meets Thursday to discuss fate of former Elks Club

The fate of a stalwart downtown building is once again in the hands of a city committee.

Transforming a downtown takes leadership

By Karl Frederick

Group ponders ways to save former Elks Club

With a demolition order pending at the end of the month, about a dozen people gathered Monday in an attempt to save the former Elk Club building.

Big crowd ‘invests’ in downtown Kenosha

The event at the Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St., was hosted by The Lakota Group.

Meeting on downtown’s future Thursday

Those interested in downtown Kenosha have another chance to weigh in on the future of the area Thursday.

New signs will direct people to downtown, attractions

Where is downtown Kenosha?

Initial study points to downtown’s needs, weaknesses

The first results of an extensive downtown study are in, providing a glimpse of what the targets of the next two phases of the project will be.

Survey shows interest in downtown entertainment center

There is strong local interest in seeing a venue for live entertainment in downtown Kenosha, according to a new survey.

KABA hears of Dubuque’s resurgence

Out in Dubuque, Iowa, the joke used to be, “Will the last one out of Dubuque turn out the lights?” said Rick Dickinson, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Dubuque Development Corp. City leaders were engaged in a “political food fight” over the small amount of credit to be taken. When Dickinson took the job in 1995, a raft of corporate departures and cutbacks made him feel like the angel of death.

United Way to move downtown

United Way of Kenosha County announced Thursday that it will move its offices from its current address, at 3601 30th Ave., to the downtown building owned by the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, 5500 Sixth Ave., by the end of May.

Group hopes to preserve Elks Club building

When Kristine Roemer looks at the once-grand, now-decaying Elks Club building, she doesn’t see a structure that should be razed, as the city has ordered.

Big turnout for initial downtown meeting

Mayor Keith Bosman didn’t expect such a large turnout by the public Wednesday night to kick off the initial phase of planning to revitalize downtown Kenosha.

Former Elks Club manager remembers Heritage House as elegant

KENOSHA — Thursday night the Historic Preservation Committee will consider the future of a building that has stood vacant for years and been damaged by fire, broken water pipes and vandalism.

Heritage House’s fate to go before committee

The fate of the Heritage House will go before a city committee and the public this week.

Input sought on downtown revitalization efforts

Public input is being sought concern effort to revitalize Kenosha’s downtown.