KENOSHA, Wis. — In a detailed and passionate presentation Tuesday night, Kenosha County Supervisor Laura Belsky urged her colleagues on the County Board to act swiftly to secure the future of the historic Kemper Center and Anderson Arts Center. Her proposal includes a $2 million private investment, expanded programming, and millions in projected economic benefits for the local community.
Belsky is asking the board to approve an early renewal of the nonprofit’s lease with the county — a lease that currently runs through 2027 — warning that waiting could put the entire revitalization plan at risk.
“This isn’t theory,” said Belsky during the presentation. “It’s real progress already underway — and we’re at a once-in-a-lifetime moment to transform a historic treasure into a thriving, sustainable cultural destination.”
From Decline to Renewal
Kemper Center Inc., the nonprofit that has maintained the 17.5-acre lakefront campus for nearly five decades, faced serious challenges in recent years. Between 2018 and 2024, fundraising revenue dropped by nearly 50 percent. Leadership turnover, a shrinking volunteer base, and a lack of strong donor engagement contributed to the decline.
But in 2024, a new board of directors stepped in and began a dramatic turnaround. Since then, the organization has made major strides:
- Over $114,000 in in-kind support from Design Partners, including signage, branding, and a redesigned website
- Grants secured for key staff positions, including a Curator and the upcoming President role
- Return of major events like Art of the Car Show, Gallery of Trees, and Music at Twilight, which drew more than 500 people to one performance
- A clear path toward national accreditation through the American Alliance of Museums
Belsky said accreditation would not only validate Kemper’s standards, but also unlock new federal, state, and private funding opportunities. “It puts us on the same level as national museums,” she told the board.
$2 Million Private Investment on the Table
The presentation’s biggest announcement came with the pledge from Milwaukee developer Kate Crowle, owner of St. James 1868. Crowle plans to invest $2 million in the Anderson Arts Center and its surrounding grounds, transforming it into a premier cultural and wedding venue.
The proposal includes a public café, a 250-guest outdoor atrium, restored historic gardens, and significant upgrades to the Arts Center. The plan is structured around a revenue-sharing model, allowing Kemper Center to generate long-term sustainable income.
“This is not a grant,” Belsky said. “It’s a direct investment in Kenosha County’s historic lakefront — and it hinges entirely on us renewing the lease.”
Economic Impact
The projected economic benefits of the revitalization are substantial. Over the next five years, the enhanced Kemper and Anderson campus is expected to:
- Host 62,000 visitors, including 44,000 from outside Kenosha
- Generate $25 million in taxable local sales
- Create 33,500 hotel room nights, adding $7.9 million in lodging revenue
- Bring in $1.9 million in new sales tax revenue, including more than $115,000 directly to the county
Kemper Center also plans to convert the Rectory and additional space into hospitality suites, capturing a portion of that revenue directly to move toward full self-sufficiency.
Why Act Now?
While the lease is not set to expire until 2027, Belsky argued that waiting would undermine momentum and risk losing the private investment. Accreditation bodies, donors, and investors all require long-term certainty, she said, and an early renewal signals stability and commitment.
“The real risk is waiting,” she said. “Momentum is fragile. If we hesitate, we risk losing the opportunity.”
A Proven Public–Private Model
Belsky reminded board members that Kemper Center’s nonprofit model has saved taxpayers millions over the last half century. The county provides $100,000 annually in utility costs, but the nonprofit covers insurance, maintenance, and programming for the 17.5-acre campus — the only Kenosha County park operated by a private organization.
In 2025 alone, the organization has contributed over $88,000 in in-kind services. Rental income from Lakefront Art Studios and Ambrose Hall currently generates $91,000 annually to support operations.
“This model works,” Belsky said. “And with new leadership and investment, it will only get stronger.”
A Call to Action
Belsky closed her presentation with a direct appeal to the board: renew the lease now and secure the future of one of Kenosha’s most iconic cultural assets.
“With early renewal, we unlock private capital, accelerate accreditation, and strengthen Kenosha’s economy — all while preserving a cultural jewel on our lakefront,” she said. “Let’s choose investment over delay. Let’s begin the next 50 years — tonight.”
6 Responses
The Kemper Center needs to continue this transformation. The location on the shoreline is perfect for weddings and public events, but the grounds and buildings need improvement/maintenance to make it a destination spot drawing in new customers/revenue. We should be able to wake up on a Saturday morning and wonder “I wonder what’s going on at Kemper today?” Better marketing and more public events will make that a reality; but it requires vision, money, and work.
They said that 20 years ago with the same chairman. It never happened.
That is a corrupt organization. And she is full of BS. She runs a market there and she only wants to benefit herself. I’m not even sure if the market is not for profit.
The market is a not for profit and none of the board members make a dime. We’re all volunteers. We do the work because we value local vendors bringing fresh local products to our community. Do your homework before broadcasting inaccuracies.
Camper center is always been used for personal gain by the board members.
Kemper center