KENOSHA, Wis. — Two large-scale housing developments proposed by Bear Development are moving forward in the City of Kenosha, adding nearly 240 new apartment units — including one government-subsidized project for income-restricted tenants.

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Fox Meadowview: Government-Subsidized Housing

The larger of the two, Fox Meadowview Apartments, is planned for the northeast corner of 50th Street and 52nd Avenue. The 144-unit complex will be rent- and income-restricted, with units limited to residents earning between 50 and 80 percent of the Area Median Income, averaging 60 percent across the project.

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City documents show the development will be financed through state and federal low-income housing tax credits, making it a government-subsidized housing project. The plan includes six apartment buildings and a clubhouse for residents.

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The project was first approved in 2019 under a different developer but expired before construction began. Bear Development revived the proposal this year, earning support from Mayor John Antaramian’s administration and the City Plan Commission, which described the project as part of Kenosha’s long-term affordable housing strategy.

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Brookstone Multi-Family: Market-Rate Apartments

A second Bear Development project, Brookstone Multi-Family, is planned for the southwest corner of 42nd Street and 35th Avenue. It will feature a total of 94 units — a four-story, 48-unit building for seniors and two smaller stacked-flat buildings with 46 market-rate units open to residents of all ages.

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Unlike Fox Meadowview, Brookstone is not income-restricted and will operate entirely at market rates.

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City Support and Developer Background

Both projects have been endorsed by the mayor’s office and city planning staff, which have pointed to Kenosha’s rising housing demand and limited supply of new units. Bear Development, a major player in southeastern Wisconsin, has previously completed several apartment and senior housing projects throughout the region.

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Past Lawsuit and Settlement

Public records show Bear Development sued the City of Kenosha and the Redevelopment Authority in 2011 over a failed redevelopment deal. The city ultimately paid the company about $3.7 million to settle the case.

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That prior lawsuit has prompted some residents to question why the city continues partnering with the same developer on major projects, particularly those involving public subsidies.

Outlook

Together, the two Bear Development projects would add nearly 240 apartment units in Kenosha — one government-subsidized for lower-income tenants and one market-rate. City officials have praised the developments as a sign of growth, while others continue to monitor how the city’s close relationship with Bear Development may shape future housing policy and public spending.

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