Columbia

Nearing its 175th birthday, Kenosha became important for automotive manufacturing. Within this Wisconsin city beside Lake Michigan is Columbia, an older neighborhood also known as Columbus Park. The Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, or KIN, is being developed on a 107-acre space here as part of the city's $400 million-plus revitalization plan. "It's kind of the New Kenosha; KIN and downtown have been talked about for years and now are moving forward," Tim Casey, director of city development, says. "We had to clear and clean the area first." New development in Columbia's vicinity includes the mixed-use Uptown Lofts, replacing properties that sustained damage during a period of civil unrest in 2020 that followed the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

As far as what KIN will bring, it's the first of its kind for Kenosha. "We've toured a lot of innovation neighborhoods across the country; the whole idea is centering them around companies and education," Casey says. "It's going to be a 24/7 live, work, play environment." A considerable portion will be green space, and an extensive bike trail and 800 to 1,300 apartment units are planned. "The majority will be market rate," Casey says. Nearby, the Uptown Lofts development will set capped rental rates based on the area's median income.

In contrast to what's coming with KIN, existing housing stock mainly dates to the first half of the 20th century and includes Dutch colonials, national folk style and midcentury ranch-style homes. An older, three-bedroom with about 1,300 square feet can sell for under $85,000. Newer builds blend in aesthetically and can sell for more than $220,000. Lots sit close together, and front yards are modestly sized. Trees add curb appeal with seasonal shade and color, and there are over 25 types approved by the city, including oaks, elms, lindens and maples.

Kids may attend public schools, including Frank Elementary, graded C by Niche, which named it one of the most diverse public elementaries in the state. Peggy Gregorski, the executive director of Kenosha Public Museums, says students are close enough to walk to the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. "We do a lot of field trip experiences that meet the standards and curriculum goals required by Wisconsin and Illinois." Other students participating in field trip experiences include those at Lincoln Middle, graded C by Niche, and charter high school Harborside Academy, graded B. "Harborside has a cool program around Veteran's Day. Veterans are invited to come to the Civil War Museum so students can have one-on-one experiences hearing their stories," Gregorski says. Public magnet LakeView Technology Academy started construction in the fall of 2023. Relocating from Pleasant Prairie, about 7 miles away, LakeView, which will be part of KIN, has an A grade from Niche and is listed as the top high school in Kenosha County.

Though KIN will bring more green space, there already is an abundance of parks. Columbus Park, dedicated in 1911, is a popular gathering place for the community. The Kenosha Farmer's Market is held here on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Hitting its 75-year mark in 2024, the Mount Carmel Festival is a popular July event hosted at the park by the parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. "The church's Italian roots are reflected in a delicious spaghetti and meatball dinner and baked goods," Kris Kochman, community relations liaison for the city, says. Even when the festival isn't on, Italian cuisine and other culinary delights are available close to Columbia, including downtown. Plenty of eateries, stores and boutiques are just a mile to the east. For groceries, Festival Foods is a few miles south.

Though Kenosha is considered part of greater Chicago, Milwaukee is closer, at about 35 miles away versus 60. For drivers, state routes 31, 32 and 50 are in proximity to Columbia. Public transportation includes Kenosha Area Transit buses and electric streetcars that run along the downtown, historic districts and Lake Michigan. There's a stop at Kenosha Station, the only Metra station outside Illinois.

Written By

Robin Silberman

Photography Contributed By

Hayley McCormick

Video By

Michael Voyack