Kenosha State of Downtown Report.indd - The Lakota Group

SECTION 5: SETTING A COURSE
Downtown Character & Aesthetics
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The general aesthetics of the Downtown area are poor
and in need of improvement.
The vacant buildings and perceived “absentee landlords”
create a challenge to the character of the Downtown.
There seems to be a desire for direction on which vacant
buildings should be saved and what to do with the ones
not worth saving.
While there are many vacancies and lack of upkeep
on certain properties, the foundation of buildings and
businesses along 6th Avenue creates strong opportunities
for a main street, mixed-use character.
The City lacks strong wayfinding to direct visitors
from the Interstate to the Downtown and to specific
destinations and parking within the Downtown.
There is generally an acceptance for taller buildings
within the Downtown, as long as they are designed and
located appropriately.
Several stakeholders commented on a desire for multiblock
walkability within the Downtown by creating a
strong cluster of retail uses.
In the Visual Preference Survey, workshop participants heavily favored
scenes with outdoor cafes. This image of Lockport Street in Plainfield,
Illinois was the Community’s most preferred image overall.
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CITY OF KENOSHA, WISCONSIN
KENOSHA DOWNTOWN STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN: STATE OF THE DOWNTOWN
SETTING A COURSE