Kenosha’s $23.5M Innovation Center Breaks Ground, Sets Stage for Growth

Kenosha, Wis (Civic Media) – The Kenosha Innovation Center, a key element of the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood (KIN) project, marked a significant milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday. Over 130 people showed up, including Governor Tony Evers, County Executive Samantha Kerkman and Mayor John Antaramian.

The $23.5-million, 64,000-square-foot building, on the former Chrysler manufacturing plant site, is anticipated to serve as a center for innovation and economic growth for the entire project. County Executive Samantha Kerkman expressed optimism about the project’s potential to benefit the entire county, emphasizing its transformative impact. “The Innovation Center and the entire Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood are transformational for this property and its surrounding area, and for all of Kenosha County,” said Kerkman. “This project represents a partnership that ultimately benefits the entire county.”

County Board Supervisor Daniel Gaschke, representing the 7th District including the neighborhood, shared Kerkman’s enthusiasm, welcoming the revitalization of the neighborhood. “I’m thrilled to welcome the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood right here to my neighborhood! I am excited to see this formerly contaminated industrial site begin to transform into an exciting mixed-use development,” Gaschke said.

Governor Tony Evers’ announcement of $15 million in stimulus funds for the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood added to the project’s momentum, further solidifying the financial support for the initiative. The combined government funding, including a state Neighborhood Investment Grant and stimulus funds, highlights the commitment to revitalizing and transforming the area into a hub of innovation and economic growth.

The Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, a significant development project aimed at revitalizing and transforming 107 inner-city acres into a collaborative, mixed-use development, is hoped to become a regional destination hub. With an estimated cost of around $1 billion, the project represents a substantial investment in economic growth, innovation, and community development in Kenosha.