Southport Beach House, Art Deco beach house in Kenosha, United States
Southport Beach House merges Art Deco geometry with Tudor and Mediterranean Revival touches overlooking Lake Michigan's southwestern shore. The lower levels contain changing rooms and spaces designed for public gatherings and events.
The building rose in 1940 during the depths of the economic crisis, employing over 1000 local workers through New Deal job programs. Builders salvaged materials from demolished structures to keep costs down while creating employment.
The marble ballroom displays Art Deco patterns made from materials salvaged during the economic downturn, showing how builders found creative ways to reuse what they had. This resourceful approach shapes the interior character you see today.
The site sits on First Avenue and is easy to reach with changing rooms in the lower areas for visitors. You will find the best conditions for exploring during dry weather when the lake is calm.
Many visitors do not notice that the marble details and stones in the ballroom came from buildings that previously stood on the site. The interior tells a story of demolition and rebirth quite literally built into the walls.
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