A computer-generated view of how the historic Ceremonial Courtroom in the Kenosha County Courthouse would appear after a proposed renovation is completed.
PHOTOS: KENOSHA COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS

Habush Habush & Rottier law firm donates $100,000 for restoration of Kenosha’s Ceremonial Courtroom

Blue Ribbon Committee's objective is to raise $1.35 million in private funds

By HABUSH HABUSH & ROTTIER

Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. is one of Wisconsin's oldest and largest law firms concentrating its practice in the area of personal injury law. We have more National Board of Trial Advocacy certified trial lawyers than any other law firm in the United States. While our headquarters are in Milwaukee,we have 13 offices conveniently located throughout the state, including Kenosha.

Habush Habush & Rottier, Wisconsin’s premier personal injury law firm, has pledged $100,000 toward the restoration of the historic Ceremonial Courtroom in the Kenosha County Courthouse, the firm announced Wednesday (Sept. 28).

“Our firm has represented Kenosha County residents since our founding in 1930. We have had a dedicated office in Kenosha since 2001. Access to justice for all and the symbolism of this beautiful courtroom are important to all of us. We are proud to be a part of this community project,” said Daniel Rottier, President of the firm. 

This is a significant step in the fundraising project being led by a Blue-Ribbon panel which includes Kenosha County Executive, Samantha Kerkman.  

“We are actively seeking private funds to support this preservation effort, and we are so very grateful to Habush Habush & Rottier for its generous contribution,” Kerkman said. “Our Courthouse is a historic gem. Restoring the grand Ceremonial Courtroom to its onetime splendor would be a fitting way to celebrate the centennial of the building in 2025, and it would provide a wonderful space for the community to gather for all sorts of significant occasions.”

Proposed restoration of the Courtroom, which was built in 1925, will help restore its former grandeur. It will also allow the Courtroom to be used for historical and architectural tours, educational activities for children and community events.

“Our firm has represented Kenosha County residents since our founding in 1930. We have had a dedicated office in Kenosha since 2001.”

– Daniel Rottier, President of Habush Habush & Rottier

Concealed above a drop ceiling that was installed in the 1960s is a beautiful border with a goldleaf quote by Abraham Lincoln that lines the room: “Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well-wisher to his posterity, swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate in the least particular, the laws of the country; and never to tolerate their violation by others.”

Retired Judge Mary Wagner, co-chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee, expressed appreciation for the new contribution from Habush Habush & Rottier.

“The recognition of Habush Habush & Rottier of our efforts is a stunning example of the community’s support for this project of regional interest,” Wagner said. “The $100,000 contribution from their charitable funds represents their commitment to this community. Their generous donation will advance our efforts to revive this magnificent structure, as we continue working to raise the funds necessary to complete the restoration.” 

Kenosha County received a prestigious Jeffris Family Foundation challenge grant of $675,000, which must be fully matched 2:1 over the next three years in order to be received. A campaign has been launched to raise $1,350,000 in private funds. Donations to the fund can be made at: https://www.kenoshafoundation.org/donate by clicking on the Ceremonial Courtroom Restoration Project image.

More information about the project can be found HERE.  

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