Kenosha’s 60th Street Community Christmas Tree Returns Potawatomi’s Greeneway Project Developers Bring Back the Seasonal Treasure

Kenosha, WI Dec. 6, 2024 – Near the corner of 60th Street and 111th Avenue, there stood a lone tree, which affectionately became known as Kenosha’s own "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree." A local neighbor spotted the tree and thought it could use a little attention. He placed a single red ornament on the tree, and from there, it took on a new life. Other neighbors noticed the adornment and joined in the fun, and the process became somewhat of a tradition. That tree had heart — it brought neighbors together and gave the community a unique focal point to celebrate the season. 

 Unfortunately, that tree’s lifespan was severely compromised and earlier this year, it was removed as part of the Greeneway Project’s efforts to plan for a healthier and more sustainable tree canopy in the area. But while the original tree is gone, its legacy lives on. To honor the spirit of Kenosha’s "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree," the Greeneway Project property owners and developers have planted a magnificent 10.5-foot Colorado Spruce in its place.  

 This new tree is ready to carry forward the tradition of holiday joy and connection at the corner of 60th Street and 111th Avenue. Although the tree is located on private property, the public is warmly invited to visit. The property developers are even encouraging visitors to bring a holiday decoration to leave on the tree, adding their personal touch for everyone to enjoy.  

 “It’s a simple way to create something special together and keep the spirit of the original tree alive,” said Kip Ritchie, CEO of Potawatomi Ventures, Project Greeneway’s developer. “We wanted to replace the tree with something equally special, and we’re thrilled to invite everyone in the community to decorate it as they did with the former tree and to bring the spot some holiday cheer,”  

 Community leaders were also fans of the original tree and are supportive of Potawatomi’s community tree replacement. 

 “I appreciate the property owners’ interest in preserving what’s quickly become a community treasure on Kenosha’s west side. We hope it becomes a place to visit, reflect, and share the spirit of the season with neighbors," remarked County Executive, Samantha Kerkman.    

 “This new tree provides a shared community space where neighbors will connect and celebrate the Christmas season together," said Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala. 

 "This new tree is more than just a holiday decoration; it’s a symbol of our community’s commitment to coming together and appreciating the place we all call home. It provides a shared space where neighbors can connect and celebrate the season," said Alderman Dominick Ruffalo. 

 The Greeneway Project owners and developers welcome the public to visit the community tree, and if they choose, to leave a personal touch to celebrate the holiday season.  

 Greeneway is a comprehensive redevelopment project of the approximately 240-acre land site, formerly occupied by the Dairyland Greyhound Park, into a mixed-use residential and commercial center. The development will employ sustainable development practices across multiple building types, including multi-family residential, industrial, office and commercial. Greeneway is designed to maintain natural sites and enhance Kenosha's community. The land was purchased by the Forest County Potawatomi Community (FCPC) in 2016. Sagewind Development is the real estate developer and Greenfire Management Services is the construction manager; both companies are subsidiaries of Potawatomi Ventures.