"Very concerned:" Best Western Harborside Inn in Kenosha shut down and could be for some time

KENOSHA -- Travelers in search of lakeshore accommodations in Kenosha are out of luck and could be for some time. The Best Western Harborside Inn in Kenosha has been shut down by the Kenosha Fire Department.

From across 6th Avenue, the inn looked just fine on Tuesday, June 28th -- but Kenosha fire officials said there are problems inside.

"I`m pretty shocked," Laura Funk said.

"I was very concerned," Linda Houtsinger said.

Best Western Harborside Inn in Kenosha

Kenosha residents said they're concerned to learn the inn's closure was prompted by the Kenosha Fire Department.

"To be, frankly, honest -- I`m a little bit disappointed that that building is in that state in our city," Guy Santelli, Kenosha Fire Department division chief said.

Santelli said an April inspection led to the discovery of two fire code violations. After giving staff members several weeks to remedy the situation, Santelli said a follow-up inspection Monday, June 27th revealed that while some of the previous issues are being addressed, there are between 18 and 24 additional fire and building code violations.

Best Western Harborside Inn in Kenosha

"We found blocked and locked exits out of egress paths. We found collapsing ceilings. We found multiple fire code electrical violations, and a lot of them were in rooms that were currently being occupied by guests and tourists," Santelli said.

Best Western Harborside Inn in Kenosha

Best Western Harborside Inn in Kenosha

Now, those guests and tourists aren't able to stay at the inn.

Santelli said the work required is extensive -- adding that any talk of reopening the inn should be stalled until the venue is 100% compliant with codes.

Meanwhile, a woman behind the inn's front desk would only tell FOX6 News that the Harborside is working with the city to resolve some issues.

Best Western Harborside Inn in Kenosha