Kemper Center Operation (whole or portions)

Kenosha County, Wisconsin is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the operation, programming, and revitalization of the Kemper Center, a historic 32,350-square-foot campus comprising nine interconnected buildings and one standalone Anderson Arts Center. Qualified organizations, nonprofits, businesses, or collaborative partnerships are invited to submit proposals for either the entire campus or specific buildings and designated spaces within the complex. The County seeks visionary yet practical proposals that preserve the site's historic integrity while generating sustainable revenue through programming that may include hospitality services, special event venues, public and private events (weddings, celebrations, family gatherings), gardens and outdoor gathering spaces, markets, arts and cultural programming, and community-oriented activities supporting recreation and education. Proposers must demonstrate experience with multi-use facilities, events management, historic preservation, or adaptive reuse projects, and provide relevant references from comparable facilities operated within the past five years. Evaluation criteria include the adequacy of maintenance and operations plans, proposed traffic control and parking management strategies, community benefit impact, and financial sustainability through a minimum 12.5% gross revenue share to the County. Key deadlines include a pre-proposal conference on April 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM, a question submission deadline of April 28, 2026, sealed proposal submission by 1:00 PM on May 19, 2026, vendor presentations estimated for June 16, 2026, and contract award estimated for July 31, 2026. Proposals must be submitted as one original and four photocopies in ring or comb binding, plus one USB storage device with soft copy, to the Kenosha County Purchasing Division.

The RFP does not specify set-asides or restrictions limiting responses to particular organization types, though nonprofit status may offer competitive advantage depending on evaluation scoring. Proposers must account for Zone A's unavailability through spring 2028 due to shoreline restoration construction when developing phasing and revenue projections. The contract term runs from August 24, 2027 through December 31, 2037, with three five-year renewal options available, or alternatively up to 25 years if the vendor proposes and completes substantial capital improvements subject to County approval. Proposers bear responsibility for daily operations, routine maintenance, cleaning, and all necessary renovations or improvements to meet modern programming needs, with permanent additions becoming County property. No incumbent vendor or existing contractor is identified in the available documentation. While specific budget ranges or award values are not stated, the County requires a minimum 12.5% gross revenue share with flexibility for proposers to offer higher percentages for competitive advantage, and the County reserves the right to select multiple proposals for different property portions.