KENOSHA, Wis. — The Kenosha Public Library Foundation announced Monday that it is launching a landscaping renovation project at the historic Simmons Library in an effort to improve the appearance of the property and generate momentum for future redevelopment discussions.
According to the foundation, the project will focus on improving the perimeter of the library through landscaping that reflects the property’s original historic design. Planned improvements include new plantings, green space upgrades, and aesthetic enhancements intended to make the library more welcoming to visitors and the surrounding community.
“This project is about more than beautification,” foundation president Suzette Jaskie said in a statement. “It’s about reclaiming the Simmons Library as a part of the city’s heritage. By investing in the space around the building, we’re showing the community that this library matters — and that its next chapter is just beginning.”
The landscaping work is expected to begin this month and conclude in July, weather permitting. Foundation officials said the project is intended to serve as an immediate visual improvement while also encouraging broader public conversations about the future of the historic library and park property.
The release also states that Sarah Townsend, director of the Kenosha Public Library, plans to conduct a community planning and public input initiative in 2027 focused on the future of Simmons Library.
Simmons Library is one of Kenosha’s most recognizable historic buildings. According to the foundation, the structure was designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham and donated to the city by industrialist Zalmon Simmons. The adjacent park was designed by noted landscape architect O. C. Simonds.
Foundation officials said the landscaping project represents the beginning of a broader long-term effort to reinvest in and reimagine the historic library property for future generations.
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21 Responses
It truly is a beautiful building but… absolutely in need of help on the inside not so much outside.
Disgusting… Sorry but its a big restroom and WiFi antenna with sketchy people and porn on computer usage. Vehicles parked along the street using free internet.
My kid wont go there and if they absolutely need to, gloves worn! Goodbye Libraries. Hate to see it but they are now obsolete with the “wonderful web”.
Until the City officials stop the open drug use, loitering and homeless sleeping in the park, you can’t reclaim Simmons.
No parent wants to walk their child past all of that and go into the library….disgusting!
The one time I came here, parking was ridiculous, had to walk all the way around the building to find an entrance? What was I doing wrong? When we asked about parking they said it wasn’t planned out for that back in the day so I’m assuming that’s the case. Homeless guy snoring loud af in chair by computers. Trash af. Rude staff.
Big homeless issues fix that and you won’t have issues
The homeless and mentally ill have completely taken over library park.
Who’s fault is that?
Society fault. Decay of morals.
If you don’t want to waste good money quickly, you need to address all the bad elements that loiter inside and out. Someone more intelligent than I could tell you why some humanoids just HAVE to destroy anything beautiful, and place their mark on things like a dog. Civility, isn’t what it used to be; spend your money wisely.
Maybe some nice lounging quarters for the homeless that live there. Yes, “live” there. All Kenosha parks close at 10pm (at the latest) and the police department will not remove the homeless that “live” there each night so they get the hint. They have no problems closing beautiful Kennedy Drive by 7 every night, but the bums get to live in library park and poop on the lawn, and get free wifi that taxpayers pay for.
But these bums need more free stuff….when does the city open up a free food kitchen inside the library next!
OPEN Kennedy Drive until the park is actually closed. Who are these “elusive” bad people that necessitates closing a road before the park closes?? We need to all divert our summer evening drives up to 5th avenue past the aldermans house until the parks department opens Kennedy Dr until the park actually closes.
Who actually owns and is responsible for the building and property?
Kenosha public library system……
The library system is owned and controlled by the City of Kenosha.
Just like the parks are NOT owned by the park system and the streets are NOT owned by the street system.
The buck stops with the City of Kenosha. All of these systems receive funding and oversight from the City of Kenosha.
The library & park are owned by the City of Kenosha. Call your Mayor and tell him to fix the libraries and our roads.
Roads yes, library no.
Simmons Library is a historical landmark, but all of our past mayors and city councils have stopped funding the repairs & improvements for Simmons Library and Park for decades. No one has put a dime into Simmons Library for more than 30 years. Glad someone is trying to stop the decay.
The library and park are falling apart and become a homeless encampment because the City has allowed it. Drive by in the early morning and see how bad it is.
It is easier to ignore the drug use and homeless encampments – when more people leave downtown will our mayor wave and say, “Bye”?
Truly what purpose does it serve anymore? I get all the nostalgia and history but it really doesnt serve a purpose with the internet and its capabilities.
The carpet is nasty, the wood work is gross from dirty hands and the computers….absolutely disgusting. Bathrooms are gross etc etc.
Much like the street cars, the library needs to be shuttered. At least shut WiFi off.
Society needs to get off their collective screens and read a book!
And you’re right – turn off the WiFi!!!!
Library Park would be a great location for a high density apartment complex to provide more consumer traffic for downtown. Only thing standing in the way is the Simmons Library building which likely is on borrowed time.
What company got the landscaping job? It certainly isn’t Kenosha grounds as they are “too busy” Cha Ching goes the tax payors again…