One-of-a-kind Kenosha music venue 'The White Lilac' temporarily closes after wall collapse

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The White Lilac is a music venue in Kenosha that is known for its small stage and intimate performances.

“We’ve made it into a little destination spot," owner Kelly Mackay said. "It’s almost like you’re having a conversation with the artist that’s here.”

On Tuesday, part of the building collapsed while contractors were inspecting a crack that had grown in the one of the walls.

"The whole wall came down. I wasn’t here, but I got the call that it happened, and they said nobody was hurt," Mackay said. "Thank goodness nobody was hurt.”

The building has been standing since the early 1900s; The White Lilac has been there since October 2023.

“The White Lilac is one of a kind, and it’s not a corporate feel, it’s not a cold feel, it’s very welcoming," musician Nellie McKay said. "You kind of feel like you’ve been there forever when you come.”

McKay was the first performer at The White Lilac and the last before it temporarily closed.

She is one of several artists and musicians from across the world to play at the venue.

“To see unique singers and songwriters from all over the world in an intimate setting, where I can - where I can get it sounding like an album, where you don’t have to wear earplugs, it's a special place," audio and sound engineer Jeff Baas said.

Mackay says he is already working with other venues in Kenosha to relocate future shows and is unsure how long it will take to start hosting concerts again.

“It's just going to remain silent for a while," Mackay said. “I hope that we can get things back up and running quickly.”