Continental Properties Breaks Ground on 336-Unit Authentix Black Hawk Ridge in Kenosha, Wisconsin

Continental Properties has broken ground on Authentix Black Hawk Ridge, a 336-unit garden-style apartment community located near the southwest corner of Highway 31 (Green Bay Road) and South 60th Street in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The project, announced in September 2026, marks an expansion of the company's Authentix brand in the Southeast Wisconsin I-94 corridor and is slated to begin pre-leasing in summer 2027.

Project Details and Unit Mix

Authentix Black Hawk Ridge will be developed across 14 two-story apartment buildings on a 20.84-acre site, yielding a density of approximately 16.1 units per acre. The community will offer studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes featuring open-concept layouts, granite countertops, undermount sinks, stainless-steel appliances, and private balconies on select units. Detached garage options will also be available.

Community amenities will include a swimming pool, fitness center, pet playground, outdoor grilling and gathering areas, and a clubhouse. The clubhouse is anticipated to be completed in September 2027, with the first residential building expected roughly 30 days later.

Construction is being led by William Randolph. Continental Properties, a National Multifamily Housing Council Top 25 developer, will own and operate the community under its Authentix brand, which is positioned as a market-rate product emphasizing resort-style amenities in a garden-style format.

Location and Employment Access

The site sits within the Southeast Wisconsin I-94 corridor, offering direct access to Interstate 94 and proximity to established retail along Highway 31. Nearby employment centers include LakeView Corporate Park, home to tenants such as Uline, Honeywell, Pepsi, Yamaha, Meijer, and Kroger. Additional regional investment from Microsoft, Haribo, Amazon, and Aurora Health has continued to support job growth in the broader Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie, Milwaukee, and northern Illinois area.

"Kenosha continues to benefit from significant public and private investment, making it one of Southeast Wisconsin's most compelling locations for new residential development," said Katie Skelton, Director of Multifamily Acquisitions at Continental Properties. "Authentix Black Hawk Ridge expands our presence in a market supported by strong employment growth, regional connectivity, and sustained demand for professionally managed apartment homes."

Market Conditions in Southeast Wisconsin

The Kenosha multifamily market reported an average asking rent of $1,425 per month, year-over-year rent growth of 3.2%, and a rental vacancy rate of approximately 5.1%. Across the broader Southern Wisconsin multifamily market, vacancy stood at 5.2% — below the national average of roughly 8.5% — with average asking rents of $1,393 per unit and annual rent growth of 2.0%. Net absorption in the region reached 443 units in 2025, against 1,057 units delivered that year.

The regional construction pipeline has contracted by nearly 50% from recent peaks, reaching its lowest level since 2016. Authentix Black Hawk Ridge is positioned to deliver into that tightening supply environment when pre-leasing opens in summer 2027.

Continental first proposed the Authentix Black Hawk Ridge project to Kenosha officials in 2022 and was initially turned down before returning with a revised plan. By July 2025, entitlement filings described the current 14-building, 336-unit configuration on the 20.84-acre site, reflecting a multi-year entitlement process before the September 2026 groundbreaking.

Continental Properties' Regional Strategy

Authentix Black Hawk Ridge adds to Continental Properties' existing footprint in Southeast Wisconsin and reflects the company's broader multifamily development strategy. Since its founding in 1979, Continental has developed 142 apartment communities encompassing more than 39,000 apartment homes across 20 states. The company has also acquired nine apartment communities as part of its national growth.

"Authentix Black Hawk Ridge reflects the standard we strive to deliver in every community we build: thoughtfully designed homes, amenities that enhance residents' lifestyles, and a team dedicated to creating a positive living experience," said Heather Riggs, Senior Vice President of Multifamily Operations at Continental Properties. "With convenient access to employment, shopping, and recreation throughout the Kenosha area, this community will provide residents with the opportunity to enjoy both everyday convenience and a place they are proud to call home."

Sources

Continental Properties — Authentix Black Hawk Ridge Groundbreaking Announcement