Dec. 3, 2023 12:55p
(WGTD)---A five-year-long project to rehab a historic building on Kenosha’s lakefront is continuing, but the end is in sight.
The city’s Parks Commission got an update last week on the multi-million dollar project to renovate and preserve the 83-year-old Southport Beach House in Southport Park.
The majority of the work has been completed. That involved a new roof, replacing bricks, tuck-pointing, installing new ballroom windows and renovating bathrooms. This spring, additional work is expected to be accomplished, including installing a drainage system.
A private citizens group, the Southport Park Association, has been instrumental in applying and securing grants to cover the cost of a small portion of the project. Association member Lydia Spottswood told the commission last week that the work has been worth it. "We think this is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city," she said. "And that given time, and patience and hard work and thankfully your support over the years this can be a real showcase for the city."
A consensus seems to have developed over the desirability of turning over the future management of the building to a private vendor. Officials envision a coffee shop with some food service, beach amenity rentals and some type of educational partnership.
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