Racine County Eye: Historic $68 Million investment for King Center moves forward

Denise Lockwood, Racine County Eye

RACINE—The King Center, a $68 million redevelopment project in the Lincoln-King neighborhood, received approval from the Finance and Personnel Committee to register its official intent to support the project.

With the committee’s approval on Monday night, construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2024 and be completed by the third quarter of 2026.

Located near Julian Thomas Elementary School, the project is one of the largest investments in Racine’s history. It is funded partially by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

“This $68 million investment is a historic commitment to the future of the Lincoln-King neighborhood and Racine as a whole,” said Mayor Corey Mason. “It’s about more than just buildings; it’s about creating opportunities and addressing the disparities that have held this community back for far too long.”

Overview of the Lincoln-King Neighborhood Redevelopment

The King Center includes building a state-of-the-art community center, a federally qualified health center offering medical, dental, and behavioral health services, and housing the city’s public health department. Outdoor amenities will feature sports courts, a community plaza, and an open lawn, providing residents with new opportunities for recreation and gatherings.

Tony Samberg, an architect and design principal at the SmithGroup, called the project “a hub for holistic well-being, a center that provides resources and support for mental, emotional, social and physical well-being.”

The need for the King Center

The Lincoln-King neighborhood on the north side of Racine has long faced several systemic challenges that have contributed to its decline over the years. 

More than one out of four people age 25 and older live in poverty, making it a distressed neighborhood, according to the Economic Innovation Group.

In addition to economic problems, the neighborhood has struggled with inadequate access to healthcare, high rates of childhood lead poisoning, and higher rates of infant mortality. Many residents live in what public health officials describe as a “healthcare desert,” where essential services such as primary care, dental, and mental health services are either too far away or unaffordable.

This lack of access has resulted in poorer health outcomes, with higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease among the population.

Dottie-Kay Bowersox, Racine’s Public Health Administrator, outlined the depth of poverty in the Lincoln-King neighborhood, emphasizing how it exacerbates the healthcare crisis in the area.

“In this community, the level of poverty is severe, and it impacts every aspect of residents’ lives,” Bowersox said. “The need for comprehensive healthcare services, including mental health, medical, and dental care, is critical. Many residents have gone without these essential services for far too long, leading to untreated conditions that affect their quality of life and ability to participate fully in society.”

Need for mental health services

Bowersox stressed that mental health is a particularly urgent concern. The lack of accessible mental health services has left many residents, including children and adolescents, without the support they need to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. This gap in services has contributed to a cycle of poverty and instability, where untreated mental health issues can lead to difficulties in school, work, and family life.

“Improved infrastructure and access to healthcare services are critical for the well-being of this community,” Bowersox added. “This project will significantly enhance our ability to meet the health needs of Lincoln-King residents, particularly in providing the mental health, medical, and dental care that has been sorely lacking.”

Who’s paying for the project?

The $68 million project will be funded through state and federal grants, including money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Additional funding will come from New Market Tax Credit Equity, private donations, and local sources. To bridge the gap until all funds are available, the City of Racine may issue up to $21 million in general obligation bonds or other debt instruments, said Kathleen Fischer, deputy finance director.

“We cannot afford any delays on this project,” Mason emphasized. “The timely use of ARPA and IRA funds is essential to keep costs down and ensure the project’s success.”

Johnny Ford, of Racine, told the committee the project “is a beautiful thing.”

“We always had discussions about the south side, north side. But this isn’t just for the north side of Racine; this is for the community,” he said.

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