Updates on Uptown sites: Pick 'n Save sale, precast collapse, McKinley demolition and potential green space
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Summary
City staff updated the Kenosha Redevelopment Authority on multiple Uptown sites, including an imminent sale of the former Pick 'n Save for conversion to a charter high school, a failed precast plank that prompted demolition planning, demolition plans for two McKinley School sites and discussion of future green space.
City staff and administrators provided a multi-part update on Uptown properties and redevelopment opportunities during the Oct. 21 meeting.
Staff reported the sale of the former Pick 'n Save store site is expected to close imminently and the buyer is planning to convert the store building for KTech High School (described in the meeting as a charter high school). Staff said the school department has approved plans and the contractor is prepared to begin work.
Immediately east of the former store, an existing concrete slab and unused foundation (once intended to support two sister buildings) experienced a precast plank failure. Staff said one precast plank fell and the city placed orange construction fencing and requested proposals to remove the unstable structure. Staff said the structure was installed about 25 years ago and has been exposed to the elements; they intend to demolish the structure and fill the hole.
Staff said one mitigation approach under consideration is transferring spoil from the McKinley School demolition to the former Pick 'n Save outlot to fill the hole, which could simplify construction logistics and reduce hauling costs. Staff said the McKinley School sites will be cleared and paved or otherwise prepared for future housing, with an estimate of about 28 homes expected on the two McKinley sites once cleared.
Staff reported remnant parcels created by the Sixteenth Avenue extension have been transferred to adjoining property owners, and they are discussing a property transfer to the Clar(r)idge House nursing home (transcript spelling uncertain) that might permit campus redevelopment. Staff said there is continuing, albeit not imminent, interest from developers in townhomes and multifamily buildings on the blocks east of the former Pick 'n Save site; financing remains difficult but could improve if interest rates moderate.
Authority members asked about environmental restrictions on the former Pick 'n Save large lots; staff said the site was environmentally cleaned and that basements are not permitted on the cleaned parcel (surface use only). Staff said an outlot adjacent to the former store is roughly 1.2 acres, and the owner has listed it with out-of-town brokers.
Several authority members and a public commenter (Alderman Ruth Dyson) raised the idea of preserving or creating green space in Uptown as higher-density housing or school use proceeds. Staff said park planning staff will consult the city's comprehensive outdoor recreation plan to evaluate neighborhood park needs and potential playground or open-space options on the McKinley sites.
The authority welcomed new member Suzette Jasky, who introduced herself and described a background in health care; staff said Jasky will begin by listening and learning about ongoing projects. No formal action was taken on the site updates; staff said they would return with more detailed project proposals as work progresses.
