Kemper Center Operation (whole or portions)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
FOR
Kemper Center Operation (whole or portions)
RFP #2602
Issued by:
County of Kenosha Purchasing Division
Sealed proposals must be submitted
No later than 1:00 PM 5/19/2026 to:
County of Kenosha Purchasing Division
1010 56th Street, Second Floor
Kenosha, WI 53140
LATE RESPONSES WILL BE REJECTED
PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE FOR ALL VENDORS SHALL BE HELD AT:
Kemper Center
6501 3rd Ave
Kenosha, WI 53143
4/21/2026 at 10:00 AM
For further information regarding this
RFP contact:
Matthew Fleming
(262) 653-2527
Matt.Fleming@kenoshacountywi.gov
Issued: 4/6/2026

KENOSHA COUNTY RFP #2602
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION SUBJECT PAGE #
1. INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................. 3
2. DEFINITIONS............................................................................................................................................ 4
3. STATEMENT OF WORK ........................................................................................................................ 5
4. PROPOSER QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS ....................................... 6
1. CALENDAR OF EVENTS ........................................................................................................................ 7
2. CONTRACT TERM ................................................................................................................................... 8
3. PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE and/or PRE-PROPOSAL SITE VISIT ................................. 8
4. VENDOR REGISTRATION .................................................................................................................... 8
5. THIRD PARTY RFP SERVICES ............................................................................................................ 8
6. QUESTIONS & ADDENDA .................................................................................................................... 9
7. RFP SUBMISSION .................................................................................................................................... 9
8. INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS & RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS ......................................... 10
9. CONFIDENTIALITY/NON-DISCLOSURE ..................................................................................... 13
10. ERRORS OR OMISSIONS .................................................................................................................... 14
11. VENDOR RESPONSIBILITY .............................................................................................................. 14
12. EVALUATION & AWARD PROCESS ............................................................................................... 14
13. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTING...................................................................................... 15
14. INVOICING REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 16
15. SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF THIS PROPOSAL .............................................................................. 16
ATTACHMENT A - SIGNATURE AND AUTHORITY AFFIDAVIT FORM
ATTACHMENT B - REFERENCES SHEET
ATTACHMENT C - ETHICS COMPLIANCE NOTICE & ADDENDUM
ATTACHMENT D - DESIGNATION OF CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
ATTACHMENT E - STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
EXHIBIT A - SITE MAP INSTRUCTIONS & SITE MAP

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1. INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
Kenosha County is soliciting proposals from qualified organizations, non-profits, businesses, or
collaborative partnerships to operate, program, and revitalize a large historic campus consisting of
approximately 32,350 square feet of space among nine (9) interconnected buildings, and (1) standalone
building known as the Anderson Arts Center.
* Durkee Mansion 2,570 SF
* Ambrose (including North Cloister) 2,890 SF
* East Hall / Dormitory 5,820 SF
* Chapel (including South Cloister) 4,500 SF
* Armitage Hall 2,490 SF
* Griffin Observatory 110 SF
* G. Simmons Gymnasium 3,200 SF
* Rectory 1,075 SF
* Faulkner Building 1,770 SF
* Anderson Arts Center 9,000 SF
* Outdoor Spaces
o Zone A 129,488 SF
o Zone B 174,744 SF
o Zone C 166,189 SF
The County seeks visionary yet practical proposals that respect the historic integrity of the property,
enhance community engagement, and generate sustainable revenue streams to support the ongoing
maintenance and preservation of this historically significant campus.
Proposals may be submitted for:
* The entire campus, or
* Specific buildings or designated spaces within the complex
The historic campus has long served as a local landmark with deep community roots. Its character and
architecture reflect the County's rich heritage. The County and community share a common goal: to
preserve the site's historic and cultural value while inviting new life through thoughtful, compatible uses.
Desired programming, may include, but is not limited to, hospitality services, operation of a special event
venue, public and private events - including weddings, celebrations, and family gatherings - gardens and
outdoor gathering spaces, markets, arts and cultural programming and other community-oriented
activities that support recreation, education, and overall community vitality.
In addition, the County seeks to see the building utilized to its fullest potential while supporting year-
round public engagement that aligns with the Kenosha County Parks Mission Statement:
"To the pursuit of healthy, recreational and educational outdoor activities while promoting the
preservation of our community's natural resources. The Parks Division collaborates with partners to
optimize the benefits of developing and maintaining a robust, regionally recognized park system by
pursing the following ideals:

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* Public Parks as Bridge to Conservation Awareness: Preserving natural resources is central to our
purpose. Providing opportunities to see and experience real conservation practices are tools for
achieving conservation awareness.
* Healthy, Outdoor Recreation: Providing venues that encourage the pursuit of diverse land, air
and water-based activities is also critical. Parks enhance a community's quality of life with
features that enable citizens of all ages, physical abilities and interests to "go outside and play".
* Partnerships: We realize the value of cultivating strong partnerships with varied public and
private organizations. Partnering allows us to leverage our resources and develop a park system
that the community genuinely feels connected with.
* Continuous Improvement: Given the dual realities of limited resources and a desire to practice
conservation, it is imperative that we pursue continuous improvement in all Park operations.
Identifying and eliminating any "non-value-added" activity in our work processes.
* Youth Engagement: We will continue to form partnerships with schools/colleges and community
recreational organizations to expose and encourage youth to engage in the full menu of County
Park amenities/experiences.
Kenosha County's Parks Division is a customer-centered entity, pursuing continuous process improvement
in all park operations - a visible representation of our desire to preserve, experience and enjoy our
community's natural resources."
While portions of the property remain in serviceable condition, many spaces will require renovation or
adaptive reuse to meet modern programming needs and accessibility standards. Any necessary
improvements needed to meet the demands of the business will be the responsibility of the contractor,
and any permanent additions will become the property of Kenosha County.
The surrounding grounds offer opportunities for programming that may include, but are not limited to,
outdoor recreation, hospitality uses, gardens and landscaped gathering areas, public and private events,
markets, special events, and cultural activities. In addition to activation of the outdoor areas, the County
encourages full utilization of the building to support a vibrant, year-round destination. Complementary
uses such as a bakery, coffee shop, cafe, restaurant, or other compatible food, beverage, or retail
operations are encouraged to enhance visitor experience, support programming, and maximize the
campus's potential.
Temporary Use Restriction - Zone A (Shoreline Restoration)
Zone A, as depicted on Exhibit A - Campus Map, is scheduled to serve as the staging and construction
area for a Shoreline Restoration Project, which will involve reconstructing the shoreline along the entire
campus to reinforce it to prevent erosion and damage from weather events. Zone A will be used for site
staging, material delivery, stockpiling of large revetment stone and construction equipment. As a result,
Zone A will not be available for programming or public use during the active construction period. It's
anticipated that construction will be finalized by the end of 2027, with site restoration completed by
Spring 2028, however, this timeline is subject to change and not guaranteed.
Proposers should account for this restriction in their phasing, programming schedules, logistics, budget
assumptions, and revenue projections. The County will notify the selected proposer of any schedule
adjustments should the construction timeline materially change.
2. DEFINITIONS
Definitions: The following definitions are used throughout the RFP documents:

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Contractor means a Proposer awarded the contract
County means the County of Kenosha Wisconsin
Proposer/Vendor means a company or individual submitting a response to this RFP
Purchasing means the County of Kenosha Purchasing Division
RFP means Request for Proposal
State means the State of Wisconsin
Vendor Portal means the State of Wisconsin's Vendor Portal (eSupplier)
Programming includes the full range of activities, services, and events-both public and private-that
activate the campus and its facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, public community events,
educational programs, performances, classes, exhibitions, markets, festivals, and cultural activities, as
well as private events such as weddings, celebrations, family gatherings, corporate retreats, and other
hosted functions. Programming may also encompass complementary commercial, or hospitality uses-
such as a bakery, coffee shop, cafe, restaurant, or similar operations-that enhance the visitor
experience and support year-round engagement.
3. STATEMENT OF WORK
The County is seeking proposals that:
* Preserve and celebrate the historic fabric of the campus protecting architectural integrity,
character defining features and cultural significance.
* Activate the campus with compatible and mission-aligned uses, including but not limited to:
structured programming; hospitality and recreational activities; educational offerings;
markets; arts and cultural programming; complementary commercial operations such as a
bakery, coffee shop, cafe, or restaurant; and public or private events-including weddings,
celebrations, performances, meetings, and other gatherings. Proposed uses shall embrace the
historic character of the campus and contribute to year-round activation, community value,
and overall site vitality.
* Encourage outdoor recreation and community gathering through a wide array of activities and
amenities, including but not limited to gardens, trails, outdoor classrooms, performance and
event areas, seating and picnic spaces, markets, workshops, guided nature or historic
programs and other welcoming spaces that foster public engagement and year-round use.
* Enhance tourism, arts, and culture and overall visitor experience by positioning the grounds as
a destination for residents and visitors alike - supporting activities such as exhibitions,
performances, festivals, public and private events, educational offerings, culinary and
hospitality experiences and other programming that showcases the unique historic and natural
character of the campus.
* Increase self-sufficiency and revenue generation for building operations and maintenance to
support long-term building operations, reinvestment, and maintenance without compromising
historic integrity.
* Foster public-private or public-nonprofit partnerships that leverage community strengths and
private investment to reduce County burden and expand impact.
Proposers may submit concepts for:
* Entire site operations, or
* Individual or grouped buildings/spaces, which may include (examples):
o Performance or event spaces
o Public or private event venues, including weddings, celebrations, meetings, and
community gatherings

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o Studio, maker or artisan production spaces
o Exhibit galleries and interpretive displays
o Community meeting rooms or multipurpose program spaces
o Educational, training or workshop areas
o Cafe, bakery, coffee shop, restaurant, visitor center, or small retail components
o Outdoor recreation areas, including gardens, trails, outdoor classrooms, markets and
flexible event spaces
o Cultural, arts, wellness or hospitality programming areas
o Complementary commercial or community-serving uses that embrace the historic
character of the campus
o Other compatible uses that support year-round activation and align with the goals of
this RFP
Applicants must clearly identify the specific buildings, rooms, or outdoor areas of interest on the
attached map ("Exhibit A - Site Map").
* Each proposal should reference the corresponding building number or area label shown on the
map.
* The County reserves the right to select multiple proposals for different portions of the
property.
* The County encourages flexibility and innovation, recognizing that diverse uses may coexist
under a multi-tenant or master operator model.
4. PROPOSER QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS
Each proposal should include the following sections:
A. Cover Letter - Organization or individual name, contact information, and summary of proposed
concept.
B. Project Vision and Programming Concept
a. Description of proposed activities, programs, and uses, including public and private
events; arts, cultural, educational, recreational, hospitality, and complementary
commercial activities; and any other programming that activates the campus and utilizes
buildings and grounds to their fullest potential.
b. Explanation of how the proposal aligns with community goals of historic preservation,
outdoor recreation, arts and cultural engagement and other compatible uses such as
hospitality, markets, food and beverage services, education and wellness programming,
and year-round events - while embracing the historic character of the campus and
enhancing overall community value.
C. Facility Use Plan
a. Description of specific buildings, structures or outdoor areas proposed for use, including
any combinations of indoor and outdoor spaces.
b. Identification of anticipated renovation, restoration, or improvement needs, including
proposed approaches that embrace and enhance the historic character of the campus.
D. Business and Revenue Model (Summary) - Include short-form business plan elements:
a. Projected operational model, such as leases, event operations, memberships,
partnerships, food and beverage services or complementary commercial uses.

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b. Anticipated revenue sources, which may include rentals, events, concessions, food and
beverage sales, markets, education programs, grants, sponsorships or other earned
income streams.
c. High-level financial sustainability plan, including the proposed gross revenue allocation
to the county. The county will receive a minimum of 12.5% of gross revenue; however,
vendors may propose a higher percentage to be more competitive.
d. Marketing and advertising approach, including strategies to attract visitors, promote
programming, and engage the community through both public and private events,
cultural offerings, recreation and hospitability services.
E. Experience and Qualifications
a. Relevant background and demonstrated expertise in operating or programming multi-
use facilities, managing events (public and/or private), overseeing food and beverage or
hospitality operations or executing historic preservation or adaptive reuse projects.
F. Partnerships - Description of any collaborating entities, including nonprofit partners, cultural or
educational institutions, commercial operators, municipalities, arts organizations or other
stakeholders, if applicable.
G. Requested Support - Identify any requested County support, including but not limited to lease
terms, utilities, facility improvements, maintenance needs, infrastructure accommodations, or
site enhancements required for the proposed operations.
H. Community Benefit - Description of anticipated community impact, including contributions to
public accessibility, educational value, cultural enrichment, wellness, tourism, and year-round
engagement.
I. Maintenance and Operation Plan -
a. The proposer will be responsible for the daily operations, routine maintenance, and
cleaning, of the assigned space in accordance with County standards.
b. Provide a staffing plan, including the anticipated number of employees or volunteers
who will occupy or service the space and the frequency of cleaning, maintenance and
operational oversight.
J. Traffic Control and Parking Plan - Parking on and around the campus is limited and must be
managed carefully to protect adjacent uses, preserve the character of the grounds, and maintain
a safe and accessible environment.
a. Proposals should acknowledge this constraint and describe a detailed approach to
managing parking demand, which may include event scheduling strategies, valet or
shuttle service, shared parking partnerships, caps on event attendance, or other
transportation demand management techniques.
b. Approaches that minimize adverse impacts on the site, surrounding neighborhoods, and
day-to-day park users will be viewed favorably.
1. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
This calendar is subject to change at the sole discretion of Kenosha County. All attempts will be made to
adhere to this calendar. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary to
modify the events and/or dates and times.

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Event Date
RFP Issued 4/6/2026
Pre-Proposal Conference 4/21/2026 @ 10:00 AM
Last Date for Questions 4/28/2026 @ 5:00 PM
Addendum Posted (estimated and if needed) 5/5/2026 @ 5:00 PM
Proposals Due 5/19/2026 @ 1:00 PM
Possible Vendor Presentations (estimated) 6/16/2026
Contract Award (estimated) 7/31/2026
Work Commences (estimated) 8/24/2027
2. CONTRACT TERM
The contract for this project will consist of this Request for Proposals document, the specification
documents and any associated exhibits, drawings, or additional documents, the Contractor's proposal
response with all required forms, any addenda that may be issued, any negotiated terms and conditions,
and a Kenosha County standard professional services contract.
August 24, 2027 through December 31, 2037, with three (3) five-year renewal options. Any extension
must be authorized by mutual agreement of the vendor and the County.
OR
A longer-term agreement (up to twenty-five (25) years) may be considered if the vendor proposes and
completes substantial capital improvements or remodeling to the building, subject to:
* County approval of the proposed capital investment scope,
* Minimum capital investment threshold to be negotiated,
* Compliance with all permitting, construction, and inspection requirements, and
* A mutually agreed-upon long-term operating agreement reflecting the level of investment.
3. PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE and/or PRE-PROPOSAL SITE VISIT
A vendor pre-proposal meeting will be held at 10:00 AM on 4/21/2026 at the Kemper Center, 6501 3rd
Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53143. An addendum will be issued if the meeting is changed or cancelled. This
meeting is suggested but not required, failure to attend or to examine any and all RFP documents prior
to submitting a response will in no way relieve the successful Contractor from the necessity of
furnishing, without additional cost to the County, any materials or equipment or performing any work
that may be required to complete the work in accordance with the specifications. No additional charges
shall be allowed for lack of information.
4. VENDOR REGISTRATION
Complete Proposal packages may be obtained from the State of Wisconsin's VendorNet website
https://vendornet.wi.gov/. To receive notifications of addendum and future bids and proposals, vendors
must register with https://esupplier.wi.gov. There is no fee to register. If you do not have internet
access, contact this office for a hard copy of this RFP.
5. THIRD PARTY RFP SERVICES
Kenosha County is not responsible for the content of any RFP response package received through any
3rd party service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness of the
documents received through any 3rd party source.

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6. QUESTIONS & ADDENDA
If a vendor discovers any significant ambiguity, error, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other deficiency
in this RFP, they shall notify the contact person named below of such error and request a modification or
clarification.
Any communications or questions regarding the requirements, specifications, or special conditions of
RFP should be written and submitted to Purchasing as soon as possible, but no later than 4/28/2026.
Purchasing will respond to questions if necessary by issuing an official addendum, posted on The State of
Wisconsin's Vendor Portal. Any and all addenda issued as part of this RFP shall become part of the
requirements of this RFP and will be made part of the contract. Vendors are responsible for checking the
portal for any addenda before submitting a response. Failure to acknowledge addenda may disqualify
your proposal response.
Any correspondence or questions submitted must include the RFP number.
Submit questions in writing via email to:
Matthew Fleming, Purchasing Director,
e-mail: matt.fleming@kenoshacountywi.gov
No other employee or representative of Kenosha County is authorized to interpret or give information as
to the requirements of this RFP in addition to that contained in or amended to this written RFP
document. Vendors are instructed not to contact any other County department or employee regarding
this RFP. Any unauthorized contact regarding this RFP may be cause for the rejection of your proposal, at
the sole discretion of the County.
7. RFP SUBMISSION
In a sealed container, Proposers must submit one original master copy (so marked) and four (4) identical
photocopies (so marked) securely bound in a ring binder or comb/wire binding. Additionally, one soft
copy on a USB storage device must be included with the hardcopies in the sealed container. DO NOT
EMAIL AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THE PROPOSAL TO THE COUNTY PRIOR TO THE DUE DATE. Fax, email, or
online response will not be accepted.
Delivery of a response to any other Kenosha County department or office is not acceptable and may result
in your response arriving late in the Purchasing Division office. Receipt of a response by the US mail system
does not constitute receipt by Purchasing. Late responses will not be accepted.
The following information must be clearly marked on the front of the envelope/shipping package:
Name & Address of Vender
Due Date of RFP
RFP Number & Title
The following sample mailing label is provided here for your convenience:

KENOSHA COUNTY RFP #2602
WISCONSIN PAGE 10 OF 32
From:
Sample
Mailing
Label
To: Matthew Fleming
Purchasing Director
Kenosha County Purchasing Division
1010 - 56th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
RFP RESPONSE
RFP #2602 Kemper Center Operation (whole or portions)
Due Date: 5/19/2026 at 1:00 PM
8. INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS & RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS
8.1 Thoroughly examine the scope of work, schedule, instructions and all other solicitation documents
and make all investigations necessary to be familiar with conditions that affect the proposal. No
pleas of ignorance by the proposer as a result of failure to investigate or examine conditions or
failure to fulfill details of the contractual documents will be accepted as a basis for varying the
requirements of the County or changing the compensation due.
8.2 Provide all required information on the forms furnished in this document. Print or type name on
the proposal and manually sign all copies in the space and on the forms provided. If you obtained
this solicitation electronically, your response shall not contain any alteration to the document
posted other than entering required data in the spaces provided or including attachments as
necessary. By submission of a response, offeror affirms that no alteration of any kind has been
made to this solicitation.
8.3 Do not include federal taxes or State of Wisconsin taxes in prices since the County of Kenosha is
exempt from payment of these taxes.
8.4 All proposals must be current and final at the time of opening in order to be considered
responsive. No proposal will be accepted for consideration, and no award will be made, if at the
time of opening anything contained therein is contingent upon, or subject to, any outstanding
review, certification, or approval by any party that has not been received.
8.5 The following chart details the required proposal outline and specifies the minimum content of the
proposal sections. Proposals should be organized in tabbed sections following this chart and each
point listed below should be addressed in your proposal.