Major progress is being made on a first phase of a major Downtown redevelopment project.

A vacant bank building has been razed to allow for the construction of a five-story apartment complex with 158 units at 5525 Eighth Ave. and 5506 Seventh Ave. Construction of the new complex is expected to begin later this fall.

Scott Yauck, founder and CEO of Cobalt Partners, a Milwaukee-based real estate development firm, said Cobalt is partnering with Fond du Lac general contractor C.D. Smith on the project.

Yauck said the demolition of the old bank was completed in the last few weeks.

“That structure is gone,” Yauck said. “This demolition was really the first step. Now we’re going into the soil and relocating some sanitary sewers and we’ll be putting all the subterranean parking in. We’ll be excavating lots of soil.

Yauck said the apartments will range from one to three bedroom and will have a “pretty significant amenity package in the building with fitness and outdoor areas and a terrace.”

“This project represents a pivotal step in revitalizing our Downtown, creating vibrant, modern spaces for both residents and businesses to thrive,” Mayor David Bogdala said. “With this development, we are not only enhancing the livability of our city but also laying the foundation for future growth that will attract new opportunities and energy to Kenosha.”

Read more at the Kenosha News.