KENOSHA, Wis. — The first private development at the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood (KIN) has been announced: a community bank branch operated by Wintrust Financial Corporation.
The new location, a branch of State Bank of the Lakes, will serve as a local hub for banking services, with added amenities like a community-accessible conference room. The bank, a subsidiary of Wintrust, has a longstanding footprint in southeastern Wisconsin and is already recognized for helping fund LakeView Technology Academy, a nearby high-performing STEM school.
“This project represents what KIN is all about—economic development, entrepreneurial empowerment, and educational opportunity,” said Tim Mahone, chair of the KIN board. “We’re proud to welcome State Bank of the Lakes not just as a bank, but as a true community partner.”
The bank will emphasize financial education and community outreach, aligning with KIN’s mission to foster inclusive economic growth. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with the branch expected to open in 2026.
Mike Deney, president and CEO of State Bank of the Lakes, said the decision to build at KIN stems from a belief in “intentional partnerships” and the potential to uplift underserved communities through access to capital and revitalization efforts.
Mayor David Bogdala praised the development as a milestone: “This announcement represents more than bricks and mortar—it’s about momentum, trust, and shared vision.”
The Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood aims to transform a legacy industrial site into a vibrant hub for startups, research, and civic life. The project spans 107 acres and is seen as a cornerstone of Kenosha’s economic future.
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