Where Tragedy Stood, Opportunity Now Grows
Project Type: New Library + Affordable Housing
Kenosha, Wisconsin | Population: ~100,000
Our Services Provided
Planning & Feasibility Study + Capital Campaign
Campaign Highlights
Campaign Goal: $3 Million
Funds Raised: $3.2+ Million
Campaign Duration: 16 Months
Project Total: $18 Million (library + housing)
Outcome: Fully Funded Campaign + Library Opened 2024
“The heart of Uptown has seen a lot of tragedy in the last few years. To be able to bring this ray of light… this promise of a better future… is so exciting.”
The Opportunity
The Uptown neighborhood of Kenosha had been deeply impacted by the pandemic, civil unrest, and economic hardship.
The project site itself had been destroyed during the 2020 unrest - leaving a visible gap in the community.
At the same time, the need for investment in children was urgent. Literacy rates had declined sharply, with many students in the surrounding neighborhood struggling the most.
The vision was to do more than rebuild - to create something that could restore opportunity, support families, and serve as a catalyst for long-term community renewal.
Our Approach
Finding Success
Baker Street Consulting Group led a planning and feasibility study, followed by a capital campaign in partnership with the Kenosha Public Library Board and Foundation.
We worked alongside campaign leadership and community stakeholders to:
Develop a clear and compelling case for support
Coordinate campaign strategy and leadership structure
Create fundraising materials and messaging
Support outreach to individual donors and institutional funders
The campaign positioned the project not just as a library, but as an investment in children, families, and the future of the neighborhood.
A powerful, mission-driven case centered on children and opportunity
Strong alignment between public investment and private philanthropy
Broad coalition of partners across housing, education, and community services
Clear connection between literacy, economic mobility, and long-term community health
A visible and meaningful opportunity to invest in renewal following a difficult period
The Results
Today, KPL Kids at Uptown stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when a community chooses to invest in its future - starting with its children.
Over $3.2 million raised in private donations and pledges
Fully funded campaign supporting a transformational community project
Strong donor participation across individuals, foundations, and institutions
A widely recognized symbol of healing, renewal, and progress
The New Library
7,632 sq. ft. children’s library located within Uptown Lofts development
Integrated with 70 units of affordable housing
Dedicated early learning environments and hands-on discovery spaces
Strong STEAM and literacy-focused programming
On-site tutoring, mentoring, and wraparound family services
Designed as a safe, welcoming space for children and families