Aug. 15, 2021 10:15p; Updated 8-19 following commission meeting
(WGTD)---Conceptual design plans for twin apartment buildings for the south end of downtown Kenosha were reviewed by the Plan Commission Thursday evening.
The Woodview Group is proposing a five-story, 101 unit building on a tract of land west of 6th Ave. and kitty-corner to Simmons Library. To make way, two buildings would be demolished, including a two-story building that has been home to a series of banks. The proposed apartment building, to be called "Simmons Terrace," would include underground parking, more parking and a community center on the first level, and studio and one and two bedroom apartments in floors two through five. Part of the second floor would be dedicated to an outdoor terrace.
The second building would be built just east of 6th Ave and would be smaller. The four-story building, with parking on the first level, would include 59 units and require the demolition of an older residential structure. This building would be called "Theater Terrace Apartments," an apparent reference to the Kenosha Theater that's located just north of the proposed redevelopment.
Several commission members offered suggestions for improvement. The development team indicated that the input wasn't necessarily at odds with its thinking, and that more detailed versions of the plans to be presented at a future meeting would address some of the concerns.
All of the apartments are to be sold at "market rate."
The development group is the same company that's building Lake Terrace Apartments just a block away.
Earlier this month, the Commission recommended creation of a new tax incremental financing district that would cover the new redevelopment site. The district would become a mechanism for the city to cover the estimated $2.5 million cost of public improvements to the site.
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