Wonders
RACINE COUNTY of
Winter 2022
Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC
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WONDERS OF RACINE COUNTY
WINTER 2022
A frigid family tradition New Year’s plunge honors late family member
By Chad Hensiak CORRESPONDENT
How did you welcome 2022? Most people watch the ball drop in New York City’s Times Square, kiss a loved one, toast with a glass of champagne, or make a New Year’s resolution. However, there are some folks that like to begin the new year by diving into freezing cold water in something called the Polar Plunge – and this is exactly what the Madlener family did when they the waded into the frigid water of the Fox River at Ten Club Park in Waterford on Jan. 1. Participating in a polar plunge is considered by some to be a bucket list item to happen once in a lifetime. Some braver souls may choose to take the plunge a few times in their lifetime, but according to the members of the Madlener family, they have been plunging into the new year for nearly 40 years. The family tradition of taking the plunge was started by the late Robert “Bob” Madlener in Washington State on New Year’s Day in 1983, according to Bob’s widow Cathy Madlener. Although the exact reason Bob took the first plunge is unknown, Bob’s brother Dave said, “He just joined a bunch of his buddies that were doing it. It is a great way to wash away the old year and bring in the new.” So how did a tradition that started in Washington state end up in Waterford? Well, Bob Madlener was born in Illinois. He was a deep tunnel miner who traveled the country for work and one of the places the Madlener family lived during these travels was Wisconsin. While here, one of the places where the Madlener family plunged was the Fox River in Waterford. As Cathy Madlener recalled, “The first year we plunged at Fox River it was for Cook’s Corner bar in Waterford. When Cook’s stopped doing it, the plunge went to The Rat’s Nest which is now Dizzy’s.” According to Cathy, the family decided to bring the plunge back to Dizzy’s in Waterford as it was the first place Bob’s kids – Matt, Mike, and Bobby – took the plunge. Matt and Mike Madlener said they both started plunging with their dad when they were 8 or 9 years old.
clockwise from top left: Matt Madlener (front) and Dave Madlener run to shore after submerging in the frigid waters of the Fox River in Waterford Jan. 1; Cathy Madlener pours water from the Fox River onto her late husband Bob Madlener’s tombstone. The graveside visit is planned so Bob doesn’t miss out on the family’s annual New Year’s Day plunge into the Fox River; Members of the Madlener family wade out into the Fox River before taking the plunge. CHAD HENSIAK PHOTOS Wonders of Racine County
According to Dave Madlener, the tradition is so strong that their family plunges in memory of Bob wherever they are on New Year’s Day, like their brother Bill Madlener, who did it in Florida this year. Every year a new theme is picked for the plunge. The 2022 theme was the “Gnarly Narwhal Dive.” This year
also marked a first plunge for Phoenix Madlener, John Turner, and Amber Davis. After taking the plunge, the Madleners head to Bob’s final resting place in the Grant Township Cemetery so they can reminisce and pour some of the water from the Fox River onto his grave, so he never misses a plunge.
Take a trip to the
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ZOO
he Racine Zoo is home to some of the world’s most remarkable and endangered wildlife. The zoo is easy to walk for kids and seniors, making it a great way to enjoy the outdoors and see the animals with the family and friends. The zoo was voted the No. 1 Best Place to Take Kids in Racine County in 2020 and the No. 1 Top Place to Take Kids In and Around Milwaukee in 2021. The Racine Zoo, a non-profit in Racine, was established in March 1923 by Jacob Stoffel Jr. That winter, the Racine Zoological Society was formed to work with the park board and to increase interest in the zoo. According to the Racine Zoo website, the zoo’s first animals were donated by Stoffel himself. After that, many organizations throughout Racine donated animals such as badgers, foxes and mountain goats to add to the collection. In 1925, monkeys were added, the first species native to areas outside the United States. The Racine Zoo cares for about 75 different species and more than 300 individual animals from Wisconsin and around the world. The zoo is one of only 240 zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Each year, more than 125,000 guests visit the Racine Zoo’s 28-acre park on the shores of Lake Michigan. The Racine Zoo maintains a staff of 25 full-time employees including animal care specialists, administration and facility managers. The zoo’s mission is: “To foster an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature. The Society will provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science.” The Racine Zoo Conservation Education Department offers a multitude of popular programs to spread a positive message about wildlife including, live animal educational programs, birthday parties, Zoo Slumber Safaris, holiday events, the Wildlife Explorers school program, Zoo summer camps, scout programs and Behind-the-Scenes Safari. For more information, visit racinezoo. org.
WINTER 2022
WONDERS OF RACINE COUNTY
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Upcoming events
The Racine Zoo offers fun year-round. Here what’s happening at the zoo this winter and spring.
JANUARY
28 to March 13 – Winter Picnic in a Snow Globe, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; times vary.
FEBRUARY
12 – Animal Amore, 6 to 9 p.m.
MARCH
5 – Winos for Rhinos, 6 to 9 p.m.
APRIL
9 – Zoorific Saturday: Bat Appreciation Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 16 – Eggstravanganza, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 23 – Zoorific Saturday: Part for the Planet, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 23 – Blooms and Brews Beer Tasting, noon to 2 p.m.
MAY
8 – Mother’s Day Brunch, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 14 – Zoorific Saturday: Kangaroo Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 14 – Bloody Mary Fest, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 21 – Zoorific Saturday: Endangered Species Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 26 – Member Appreciation Day, time TBD
JUNE
4 – Brew to be Wild Beer and Food Paring, 1 to 3 p.m. 8 – World Wine Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m. 11 – Breakfast with the animals, 9 to 10:30 a.m. 11 – Zoorific Saturday: World Giraffe Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 17 – Music at the Zoo Concert: Chicago Tribute Anthology, 5:30 to 9 p.m. 18 – Zoorific Saturday: African Penguin Awareness Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 18 – Music at the Zoo Concert: Tales from the Who, 5:30 to 9 p.m. 20 – A Round for Rhinos Golf Outing, Meadowbrook Country Club, shotgun start at 2 p.m. 22 – Roar and Pour, 6 to 8 p.m. 25 and 26 – Slumber Safari: Bird Bonanza, 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. 26 – Putt Putt for Penguins Mini Golf, Mulligan’s Mini Golf and Driving Range, time TBD
from top: The Racine Zoo is at 2131 N. Main St. in Racine. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the last paid admission at 3:30 p.m. Face masks are required in some areas of the zoon. Admission (Nov. 1 to March 31) is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors (age 62 and older), $7 for kids (age 15 and younger, and $5 for military with ID. Kids age 2 and younger are admitted free of charge; Enjoy the great outdoors while dining in one of the Racine Zoo’s heated snow globes. The globes are available for private parties in 90-minute time slots. The zoo has several food and beverage packages available; Reservations are being accepted for the zoo’s Spring Break Camp, April 18 to 22. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes up-close encounters with the animals, daily crafts, snacks, and plenty of hands-on learning about the animals, wildlife and the environment. The zoo is offering a 10% discount through Feb. 15. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACINE ZOO Wonders of Racine County
Wonders of Racine County A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411
GENERAL MANAGER: .....................................Sue Z. Lange EDITOR: .....................................................Tracy Ouellette CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: .......... Heather Ruenz PAGE DESIGNER: ...........................................Jen DeGroot ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: ......................Vicki Vanderwerff
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On the cover: Luke and Eli Becker enjoy the thrill of a ride down the sledding hill at Devor Park in Burlington over the New Year’s holiday weekend. PHOTO BY CHAD HENSIAK
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WONDERS OF WALWORTH COUNTY
WINTER 2021
ON THE
Donation of musical instruments benefits local students BY STANDARD PRESS STAFF
spiring young musicians in Burlington recently received gift that will allow them to explore classical stringed instruments without the usual cost of buying or renting. Music Matters, a Burlington organization that promotes music education and programs, obtained several of the instruments through the Racine Arts Council’s LINK program, which stands for Lonely Instruments Need Kids. Marcia Harlfinger, of Music Matters, picked up string instruments from the Racine Arts Council in early December. The instruments will be stored and cared for by Casey Unger, orchestra teacher at the Burlington High School and Karcher Middle School. They will be loaned to local students through the donation loan
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program offered by Music Matters to private schools and the community as well, according to members of the organization. Those instruments and others were donated to the LINK program when Steve Schoene, owner of Schmitt Music in Racine, decided to close his store after 33 years in business, according to the Racine Arts Council. As part of the liquidation of inventory, Schoene donated 142 violins, violas and cellos. The LINK program, in turn, found organizations throughout the county that will help distribute the instruments to students. The LINK program, according to the Racine Arts Council, was created in 1997 by Sue Ramagli, past RAC board member and Meryl Strichartz, basing the original idea on a program run by Buddy Rogers Music Company in Cincinnati. The program asks for donated instruments which are repaired and loaned out to meet the needs of young music students who could not otherwise buy or rent a musical instrument. In addition to Music Matters, the beneficiaries of Schoene’s donation include The R.E.A.L. School, Gilmore Fine Arts
EZ OO
’S
IN A
Relax outdoors while staying cozy in one of our heated snow globes enjoying quality time with friends and family! An unforgettable private experience with food, drinks, an animal encounter, and more for up to 8 people!
Marcia Harlfinger (left), of Music Matters, presents several violins, violas and cellos to Burlington Area School District orchestra teacher Casey Unger recently. The instruments will be loaned to aspiring music students without cost. Music Matters obtained the instruments through a program offered by the Racine Arts Council.
JANUARY 28 – MARCH 13, 2022
SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Racine County
BOOK ONLINE AT RACINEZOO.ORG 2131 N. Main St. Racine, WI 53402
262.636.9189 racinezoo.org 411077
School, and Spectrum School of the Arts, Starbucks Middle School, Gifford School, Red Apple, and Mitchell Middle School in Racine. From the beginning of the LINK program, each donated instrument was repaired by Schmitt Music, tracked and loaned to students who received a required recommendation from a music teacher in Racine County. At the end of each school year, the instrument was returned to be refurbished and stored over the summer. When the student began music classes in the fall, the instrument was returned for
use. After five years, the student was given the instrument to keep. If a student quit the program, the instrument was returned for another student to use. Today, the donated instruments are repaired by Pacetti’s Maestro Music in Kenosha and then donated to the schools where teachers loan out instruments to their students who need them. People who would like to donate an instrument to the LINK program may call 262-635-0261 to leave a message and schedule a pick up.
WINTER 2022
WONDERS OF RACINE COUNTY
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The Schaal family comes together on their dairy farm in 2020 (from left) Michael, Renee, Ashley and Brian. SUBMITTED PHOTO Wonders of Racine County
Raising champions
AREA FARM FAMILY SHOWCASES ANIMALS YEAR ROUND By Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER
iblings Michael and Ashley Schaal live on a thirdgeneration dairy farm in Racine County. While the children to Brian and Renee have spent their lives exposed to cows, including showing them at the Racine County Fair, the Schaals have exhibited other animals such as pigs and chickens. Showcasing chickens, however, have been the most fruitful in the Schaals exhibition career as the youngsters won the Wisconsin State Fair on two occasions before winning America’s largest national poultry show at a competition featuring more than 6,000 birds in Columbus, Ohio, last month. The Ohio National Poultry Show held Nov. 13 and 14 brought in hundreds of competitors from 32 states and judges selected Michael and Ashley as Supreme Show Champion in the open show for their White Plymouth Rock chicken. “It is typically the largest show in the country,” Brian Schaal said. “We are just very proud of them. They put in a lot of hours and time into the project to be successful.” Michael, 17, a Burlington High School senior, said dedication and discipline played a key role in the siblings winning the top national prize. “I never thought of raising such good birds, but over the years with our hard work, we have a good type (of) and high quality chickens,” said Michael, president of the Burlington FFA. According to Columbus Dispatch, the Ohio National drew anywhere between
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2,000 to 3,000 people to the event, which had been postponed in 2020 because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Tim Johnson, president of the Ohio Poultry Breeders Association, which sponsors Ohio National, told the Dispatch this year’s show had higher attendance compared to 2019. “People just want to get out and enjoy themselves and enjoy their hobbies,” he said. “They were penned in for a year and they want to get out.” Local success was not limited to the Schaals as Union Grove High School senior Matt Rossman captured Supreme Show Champion in the junior class with a Columbian Rock Bantam Pullet among a field of about 300 entries.
“My family has always raised and showed said. chickens, so it is a part of the farm to me,” “They have enjoyed showing these said Ashley, who, like Michael, has also chickens over the years with the work they showed pigs and other animals at area fairs. put into it,” Brian said.
DISCIPLINE KEY
Michael and Ashley, both members of Kan-Do 4-H Club, each said raising prizewinning chickens takes discipline and attention to precise details. Discipline includes balancing homework, co-curricular activities, and other chores, Michael said. “It is important to hatch chicks out on certain dates so that by the time the show comes around, they are in their prime condition,” Michael said. “We often have to clean them out so that they are clean and comfortable.” PRODUCTIVE PASTIME Ashley states she and Michael typically Schaal Dairy Farm, in the Town of Dover, distribute water and food twice daily – features more than 300 cows. morning and night – to prepare for show Brian said his family farm and children’s time. ventures carry a distinct difference. She said showcasing chickens is different “We have a dairy farm and that is our compared to other exhibition animals such as business, and that is our livelihood, and these pigs. chickens are more of a 4-H project,” Brian “For chickens, a lot of the work is done said. before the show,” said Ashley, adding judges “It is kind of a hobby because they are look at specific criteria. fancy breeds. They end up raising these “The judges look for size, good condition, breeds and they are doing all of the work for cleanliness, and how the chicken shows a year or two get the final bird to show.” the day of the show,” she said. “On show The process, he said, includes collecting day, you put them in a cage and wait for the eggs, watching them hatch, and raising them judge to judge it. Chickens are a year-round from chicks until they are ready to show at project.” exhibitions. But one burning question remains. “It is almost a year-round affair,” Brian Why show chickens? said. “Every day, those animals have to be For Ashley, it all boils down to taken care of. If you want to be successful, competition. She said she takes pleasure you don’t want to let them have a bad day.” showcasing prized chickens. Ashley, 14, an eighth-grader at Burlington “We show to see what our chickens Catholic School, noted chickens are nothing place compared to other birds, and I enjoy new for her and Michael. showing them and doing showmanship,” she
FAMILY, COMMUNITY PROJECT Raising prize-winning chickens, the Schaals noted, takes a collective effort to achieve. Ashley and Michael each reported countless people, including their parents, have played a role. “I can’t give one person credit because we are constantly working together as a family,” Michael said. “If one of us is busy, we can always count on someone else in our family to take care of them.” Ashley concurred, adding her dad pitches in when she or her brother are not on the farm. “My whole family is a part of raising the chickens, but my dad has always helped the most whenever my brother are me are not there to take care of the birds or when we need help.” Michael and Ashley also extended gratitude to neighbor Barb Gromacki, who helped Brian when he showed, Racine County Fair Poultry Superintendent Gary Rossman for his continuous guidance, Jeff Halbach as well as their grandparents.
LONG-STANDING HISTORY Poultry shows are nearly as old as the state of Wisconsin. The American Poultry Association states the first organized poultry show happened in 1849, one year after Wisconsin achieved official statehood, although agricultural fairs previously held similar shows not in any organized manner. “Showing poultry is something that goes all the way back,” Brian said.
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WONDERS OF RACINE COUNTY
WINTER 2022
‘Just never give up on yourself’ Weight loss is a journey by LeMoine Worthington 2020 TOPS WISCONSIN KING
Linda and LeMoine Worthington enjoy the outdoors while getting in some exercise. LeMoine Worthington lost more than 200 pounds with TOPS in 2003 and has been promoting the organization and its health benefits since. He was named the TOPS Wisconsin State King for 2020. At right: Before (bottom) and after (top) photos of Waterford’s LeMoine Worthington show his dramatic weight loss, which he achieved through the TOPS program and his membership to the Big Bend chapter.
I have been overweight all my life. In high school, I was about 265 pounds. Since then, it has been a roller coaster ride. Over the years, I have lost weight numerous times but was unable to keep it off. I developed type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, and had my thyroid removed, all requiring many meds and doctor visits. These health issues were not enough to motivate me to keep the weight off. In 2003, things changed after hearing a radio interview with a husband and wife who were members of a TOPS chapter in Oak Creek. Each of them had lost over 100 pounds. I checked the TOPS website and joined a TOPS chapter in Big Bend. At my first weigh-in, I was at 448. The following week I was able to lose 2 pounds! I went on to have numerous accomplishments, but struggled to reach the goal of 260 set by my doctor. I was a State Recognition Day division winner six times between 2003 through 2020. During these years, I also achieved my first Century award and in 2011, I was a division winner at International Recognition Days in San Diego. Finally, after more than 16 years as a TOPS member, I was recognized as the Wisconsin State King for 2020 with a loss to goal of 203 pounds. In June of 2021, I became eligible for a second century pin. Some of the most helpful habits throughout this journey are tracking with apps and journals all my daily food and exercise accomplishments. I stick to a minimum of five or more fruit and vegetable servings, and of course the 64 ounces of water or more each day. Physical activity consists of workouts burning a minimum of 2,000 calories per week. I routinely burn 2,000 to 7,500 calories per week. During these many years in TOPS, I have had many successes, with some backsliding, before I finally reached my goal. I never gave up, no matter what. So never give up on yourself and the belief that you can do it. Never give up on TOPS – it’s always there for us.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS Wonders of Racine County
Waterford man shares his inspiring weight loss story as new year emerges by Dave Fidlin CORRESPONDENT
ince embarking on a vigorous weight loss journey nearly two decades ago, LeMoine Worthington has reached a series of milestones, including multiple recognitions from a venerable organization. But one of the most satisfying moments for the Waterford resident is the day he reached his target goal weight. Ironically, Worthington attained the accomplishment in the early months of the pandemic. When Worthington first joined TOPS Club Inc., the Milwaukee-based nonprofit organization that has roots stretching back to 1948, his first weigh-in was 448 pounds. That was in 2003. Fast-forward to 2020, and his weight shrank to 245 pounds. There were a series of highs and lows in the intervening 17 years, Worthington concedes, but there have also been consistent bedrocks that made the 203-pound loss possible. He readily credits Linda, his wife of 23 years, for the outpouring of support she has offered over the years. His long-tenured membership into the TOPS Big Bend chapter
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also was a key component, he said. “The greatest thing about being in TOPS is the accountability and the support at the local level. It’s great to be able to see everybody weekly,” Worthington said. “For members, they also have a lot of tools you can use.” Weight long has been a challenge for Worthington most of his life, he readily admits. Prior to graduating high school, he weighed around 265 pounds. In subsequent years, he was diagnosed with a number of conditions that required medications and routine doctor visits. Among them: Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation. He also had his thyroid removed. While the conditions would spark intermittent attempts at changes, with weight loss occurring through diet shakes and other efforts, Worthington said the pendulum eventually would swing back to the high end of the scale. But a chance scan through the radio helped Worthington down the path that led to sustained victory and the ultimate achievement he notched a year-and-a-half ago. “I was in the car, listening to the radio, and there was an interview with a couple from
Oak Creek,” Worthington said. “The husband and wife each said they lost over 100 pounds, and they were talking about TOPS.” The couple’s success gave Worthington the inspiration to explore TOPS. As it turned out, Worthington ultimately befriended the couple as well. Throughout his nearly two decades in TOPS, Worthington has attained a number of recognitions, most frequently being named a State Recognition Day winner on six separate occasions. Other highlights have included being named a division winner at the organization’s International Recognition Days convention and ceremony in San Diego in 2011. But the most satisfying award, perhaps, could be the Wisconsin State King award Worthington received in 2020 for reaching his target goal weight and, ultimately, shedding the 203 pounds. For all the challenges the pandemic has caused, Worthington said it was an ideal time to hone in on his goal. Coincidentally, he retired shortly before COVID-19 first emerged. “I was digging trenches and doing a lot of landscaping,” Worthington said. “I got a lot
of exercise in. As you get closer to your goal weight, it’s hard to lose that weight.” The two old adages – being mindful of what you eat and staying active – have been the key ingredients to attaining a target weight, Worthington said. But, he adds, attitude is everything. Finding how to bring enjoyment into a workout regimen or consuming a healthful meal is important to long-term success. Worthington points to watching TV while on the treadmill or enjoying the serenity of Tichigan Lake while walking as examples of how he takes pleasure in a healthy lifestyle. “You have to find something that you enjoy,” he said. “Hopefully, if you’re really lucky, you’ll have someone else who enjoys the same thing or at least supports you.” While the support of TOPS and his wife have been important bedrocks of his success, Worthington readily admits the decision to make meaningful changes ultimately landed squarely on his shoulders. “Just never give up on yourself,” he said. “You’re the only one who can take care of your body and yourself. You have to take care of yourself before you can help someone else.”
Housing eyed at friary WINTER 2022
WONDERS OF RACINE COUNTY
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Large residential development proposed for Franciscan site
By Jason Arndt
“I really like the plan, there are a lot of different uses,” he said.
STAFF WRITER
The St. Francis Friary complex, known for its religious buildings and sprawling grounds, is eyed for a largescale redevelopment into 182 homes and apartments as part of a proposed sale. Bear Development, of Kenosha, looks to buy about 146 acres of the property at 2457 Browns Lake Drive located on the east side of Highway 36 and nestled along the Fox River in the City of Burlington and Village of Rochester. S.R. Mills, chief executive officer of Bear Real Estate Group, indicated in Tuesday’s Joint Common Council/ Plan Commission workshop the property carries prominent features he plans on maintaining. “What really attracted us to the property is the existing structures that are there,” he said. Additionally, he has reportedly worked with the Franciscan Friars to ensure those that remain can stay on the property as they grow older. Since early 2020, the Franciscan Friars have worked with the city in subdividing some parcels, with the plan for future development in mind. In previous meetings, representatives from Franciscan Friars, who are based in Pulaski, have told city officials they do not have the resources to maintain the property. “Without any kind of development, they have no idea how they would maintain it,” Mills said.
A massive plan City planning consultant Scott Ruhland, from the Lakota Group, said in a memorandum Bear Development looks to rezone the site and has plans for 102 single-family home sites, 80 multi-family units, one commercial outlot, open space, two new public streets and associated site improvements. According to the plan, the developer seeks to create 42 senior housing units in the existing friary building through historic renovation of the structure and another 38 “workforce housing” units directly south of the friary building. The friary building, under the proposed redevelopment plan, comes with a caveat seeking Historical Rehabilitation Tax Credits to improve the structure for residential use. In its proposal Bear Development states the workforce housing offers a diverse mix of 1-, 2-, 3-bedroom units on the complex. Of the 102 single-family home sites, the developer proposes 32 in the southern portion of site along the Fox River, another 61 sites in the northern and western end of the site, and eight could be placed in the primary environmental corridor. The redevelopment includes a mix of market rate and subsidized apartment dwellings. Under requirements for the primary environmental corridor, the developer must maintain and protect the site, according to Lakota’s memorandum. The proposed redevelopment, however, does not include existing and nearby multifamily housing developments Francis
Historic, community significance
A long tree-lined driveway leads to the sprawling grounds and buildings of the St. Francis Friary at 2457 Browns Lake Drive. The complex has been largely closed to the public for the past decade as the religious order that owns the property has struggled to maintain the buildings and grounds and is considering selling the site to a residential developer. ED NADOLSKI Wonders of Racine County
Meadows Apartment and Queen of Peace. The proposed development, according to Ruhland, would need to request annexation of 10 acres currently in the Village of Rochester into city limits. Mills noted he has spoken to Village of Rochester officials and they have been willing to annex the 10 acres because the municipality has limited, or no development options for the parcel. In the meantime, Bear Development called the development ideal in its summary. “The St. Francis Friars project offers a unique opportunity for creative and valuable mixed-use development in the City of Burlington,” Bear wrote on its summary. “We feel that the concept plan and subsequent land divisions and zoning amendments will create a land use pattern that is consistent and compatible with the properties in the general area.” Mills, meanwhile, touted Bear Real Estate Group’s other development projects in Kenosha County such as the historic rehabilitation of the former Simmons Mattress site now known as VMC Lofts. Other developments include a 22-unit stack flat complex, known as The Vista at Creekside in Pleasant Prairie, Union Court Townhomes of the City of Kenosha and Pike Ridge Townhomes in Somers.
’Too much development’ While Bear believes the project would bring benefits, Ruhland outlined many concerns related to the redevelopment proposal, according to the Lakota report. “Overall, given the historic nature of the site, the proposed plan seems aggressive and there may be too much development proposed on the site given its historic and environmental constraints,” Ruhland wrote in a memorandum. He said the site contains various statues, monuments, grottos, gardens, and landscaping, most of which carry historical significance.
“The site is large and certainly provides opportunities for context-sensitive residential development, but the overall site design, lack of neighborhood park, historic context, and potential requirements for meeting (National Park Service) eligibility are significant issues.” Ruhland noted a residential development of this size and location would necessitate a neighborhood park and community area. Park amenities, however, aren’t the only concern Ruhland noted. “A … public/private open space area is proposed but this area largely contains wetlands and has no public benefit as a recreational space or active park,” he wrote. “No other park facilities or other amenities are included with this plan.” Wetlands and natural areas, Ruhland said, should not serve as a park, although it appears a trail would provide access to the area. Ruhland recommended inclusion of an active neighborhood park with a playground, or tot lots, or other facilities such as exercise stations and sports court as part of the redevelopment plan. Mills said he is willing to include a park, or other recreational amenity, if the city seeks the option. District 3 Alderman Steve Rauch, a member of the Park Board, said he is receptive to adding a “pocket park” for the proposed development. Mills statesd the proposed development includes maintaining prominent artifacts such as the grottos, chapel and the Stations of the Cross. Alderman Jon E. Schultz II, of District 3, said he recognized the complex carries a special meaning to some people in the community. While the Friars have been working with the developer, Schultz said he would have liked to see the religious order come forward publicly to support the plan. Plan Commissioner Andy Tully said he is receptive to the proposal.
The Franciscan Friars complex holds a high concentration of religious buildings, objects constructed between 1930 and 1968. According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, the complex contains 19 contributing and non-contributing resources, including a fine representation of one of the most popular styles applied to religious architecture in Wisconsin. Additionally, the Historical Society states the complex had an “unusually high concentration of religious pilgrimage landscape elements.” According to the Wisconsin Historical Society a Catholic Order in Pulaski near Green Bay bought the Browns Lake Drive property in 1929, establishing a new seminary affiliated with Marquette University. Two years later, a group of Polish friars migrated from Pulaski and a new seminary was dedicated, according to the Historical Society. Classes began in the fall of 1931 for a bachelor’s degree program accredited by the University of Wisconsin System along with affiliation with Marquette University in Milwaukee. “The friary soon become a popular pilgrimage site for Polish-American Catholics as it housed copies of two cherished pictures, Our Lady of Czestochowa and Our Lady of Ostrobama,” a city document states. Since opening, pilgrims began donating religious statues to the friary, which started displaying the artifacts outside in the grounds. During the 1980s, the friary hosted retreats, in addition to its continued use as a monastery. The friars welcomed many community events, weddings and even local cross country meets throughout the years. The friary contains many significant landscaping features including terraces, ponds, waterfalls and a rock garden. Most of the features, according to the city, are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Bear Development, meanwhile, will need to secure approval for a Comprehensive Land Use Plan Amendment, Site Rezoning, Site Plan review, and a Certified Survey Map before the project commences. Mills, pending necessary approvals from the city, expects the sale to close by September with plans to begin construction immediately upon conclusion of the transaction. The friary was closed in August 2005, though it was reopened briefly in the fall of that year to house some refugees of Hurricane Katrina. In 2006, it served as the temporary novitiate for English-speaking provinces of the Capuchin Franciscan Order. After the Capuchins left, the Friary was closed for what many feared would be forever. In 2011 the friary reopened and was used again for a period as a novitiate to house friars in training.
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WONDERS OF RACINE COUNTY
WINTER 2022
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Tel: (262) 551-9821 Fax: (262) 551-9843 TTY Relay Center 1860 - 27th Avenue • Kenosha, WI
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Call Today To Schedule A Personal Tour
262-551-9005 TTY 1-800-877-8973 www.mercyhousing.org
410686
410687
DON’T PUT YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMS ON HOLD. At Educators Credit Union, we can help you master your personal finances with: �
Free daily credit score updates in Online and Mobile Banking.
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A library of financial resources, tools, calculators and guides.
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Personal loans to consolidate debt and rebuild credit.
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A Member Loyalty reward just for using your account.*
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Over ten different savings account options.
*Conditions apply. Insured by NCUA | 262.886.5900 410688