By David Sharos
Author Anne Wolfmeyer's 1880s' book called it "Lake Geneva,
Newport of the West." And for scores of Chicagoans, it is indeed
a quintessential summer and winter vacation spot, complete with excellent
fishing and boating, and scenic landscape.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin about 70 miles northwest of Chicago, has an old
world charm and quaintness that for many, represents an alternative lifestyle
to the fast-paced living characteristic of its larger, neighboring communities.
For many local residents, however, the winds of change are blowing-and
moving in directions that have produced myriad reactions among permanent
residents.
"Change is inevitable," said Kevin Fleming, owner of Flemings
Ltd., a clothier on Lake Geneva's Main Street.
"The key lies in the planning and preparation. We want to be careful
about what we do here, and how much," said Fleming, who also is a
member of the city's parking commission and business improvement district.
Lake Geneva has been gradually expanding its residential base with pricier
new homes and condominiums, while still trying to maintain its small-town
integrity and avoid overdevelopment.
Most of the land within the Lake Geneva city limits has been developed
for some time, but new projects being built around the lake have raised
the specter of sprawl.
"Everyone here is concerned about the pre-existing quality of life,"
said George Hennerley, |
executive
vice president of the Lake Geneva Chamber of Commerce. "Many people
came here for that. There's always the challenge of how we absorb growth
and enhance the lakefront."
It was a debate over one of the last available development parcels in
the city itself that set off Lake Geneva's recent soul-searching.
Ten acres of prime downtown lakefront land that had been owned by a
local family for 56 years was finally sold in 1993 for $2.8 million to
Diversified Real Estate Concepts, Inc., owned by Michael Peterson.
Today that land is occupied by The Cove, featuring 222 condo units, opened
in December 1994 and sold out in July 1995.
"[Former] Mayor Jane Brandly and city officials looked at other
options, but this was their choice for the city," Peterson said.
"But in general, all tourist areas resist development."
The swift success of The Cove prompted Peterson to buy a Lake Geneva
hotel known for years simply as the "Hilton." After a $2.5 million
renovation-including a new outdoor pool and fitness center-Harbor Cove,
featuring 108 condo units, opened in August 1995 and sold out in March
1996.
"We picked Lake Geneva because of the Chicago market, which has
always supported it," said Peterson. "It always had the potential
to be developed. Jobs are created because of what we've done, the tax
base is positively affected, and spending within the city is increased."
Peterson said The Cove took two years to gain approval. The Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources delayed permits while it sought to ensure
no runoff would pollute a stream running through the development to the
lake. |
The city and developer negotiated lakefront
controls, which included restrictions on the number of boat slips the
developer could construct.
"There are 331 units here (in both projects), but only a handful
own boats," Peterson said.
Not all Lake Geneva residents have embraced the project.
The destruction of trees on the site brought protests that were mitigated
by a reduction in the number of units allowed and preservation of more
green space.
While neither The Cove nor Harbor Cove boast permanent residents (another
part of the city's agreement with the developer stipulates no condominium
owner may establish primary residence there), their impact on the city
is being felt.
Hennerley estimates that The Cove and Hilton projects will add close
to $1 million to the city's tax base, but the added revenue may be a double-edged
sword.
"There is the mentality at the state level that believes money
abounds in Lake Geneva," said Hennerley. "Sure, there are the
million-dollar homes that pay $25,000 in property taxes, but there aren't
that many of them. We get no state aid for our schools whatsoever, and
the legislature continues to believe we don't need it."
The narrated boat tours of Lake Geneva tell their cruise customers that
Lake Geneva is "the playground of the Chicago rich"-a reputation
that perhaps continues to economically misrepresent the area.
"Tourists who come here don't see the poorer wards," said
Hennerley. "It's like going to Chicago and only going to the lake
or downtown. That isn't all there is to it." |
