KENOSHA, Wis. (WRJN) — Construction on the first phase of a $450 million downtown redevelopment project in Kenosha is set to begin after Labor Day, marking the start of a transformative initiative for the city’s harbor district.

Cobalt Partners and Summit Smith Development will break ground on a five-story, 158-unit apartment building between 7th and 8th Avenues and 55th and 56th Streets, on the site of a former Chase Bank drive-through and city parking lot.

The project, part of the Kenosha Downtown Vision plan, aims to revitalize nine square blocks with a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces. Plans include additional apartment buildings, premium office space, restaurants, retail outlets, a branded hotel, outdoor plaza, green space, civic center, and market hall.

Former Mayor John Antaramian, involved in the planning, emphasized the development’s potential impact, stating, “This project will transform downtown as the development team brings a fresh perspective to this public/private partnership and will eventually provide a much-needed new city hall.”

The first building is expected to be completed in early 2026, with a second 10-story tower featuring 188 apartments, ground-floor retail, co-working space, and seven townhomes to follow.

Scott Yauck, President/CEO of Cobalt Partners, expressed optimism about the project’s significance, saying it will “strengthen the shared sense of community and growing momentum in downtown Kenosha.

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