Program created and funded by Gov. Evers supported new state-of-the-art Kenosha Innovation Center to house local startups, promote economic development in Southeast Wisconsin
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers joined local leaders, community members, and representatives from the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood for the grand opening of the new state-of-the-art Kenosha Innovation Center, the completion of which was supported by a $14 million grant awarded through Gov. Evers’ Neighborhood Investment Fund program. The grant program was originally created by Gov. Evers in 2021 to help communities recover from the coronavirus pandemic and build long-term, sustainable economic success. To date, over $234 million in Neighborhood Investment Fund grants have been allocated to communities across the state.
“Four years ago, I created the Neighborhood Investment Fund program to help make long-term investments that would help our communities and our state rebound and rebuild after the worst economic crisis in a decade. Today, I’m honored to be able to see firsthand the results of our work and investments here in Kenosha, which are going to be a game-changer for this community,” said Gov. Evers. “Folks choose Kenosha and Wisconsin to kickstart their business, grow their career, and put down roots because of amazing efforts like those the Kenosha Innovation Center represents. By offering job training, support for entrepreneurship and startups, and more, this state-of-the-art center works to ensure Kenosha and the entire Southeast region of our state continue to thrive. I’m incredibly grateful that my administration and I could play a role in making this happen.”
“I would like to thank the governor and the state of Wisconsin for the $15 million Neighborhood Investment Fund grant,” said Tim Mahone, Board Chair, KIN Board. “This investment will help fund the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood and Kenosha Innovation Center, which will make Kenosha a major hub in the region for startups, entrepreneurs, and established companies seeking to be a part of a thriving ecosystem.”
“This land is being reimagined and revitalized through the collaborative efforts of government, civic, and business leaders,” said Kelly Armstrong, President, KIN. “Our shared vision is to be an innovation leader here in Kenosha and throughout the region. We want to elevate our community by bringing in the best and brightest to grow and invest in Kenosha for the long-haul. I want to thank all our public and private partners for supporting our vision and making this project a reality.”
Gov. Evers created the Neighborhood Investment Fund program in August 2021 to help communities deliver innovative public services, including new or improved facilities, in response to the pandemic and the worst economic crisis Wisconsin had experienced in a decade. Gov. Evers directed over $250 million to fund the Neighborhood Investment Fund and two other capital programs designed to help communities across Wisconsin, including Kenosha, invest in their long-term economic success. In March 2022, Gov. Evers visited Kenosha to announce that the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood would be receiving a $15 million grant to support the Kenosha Innovation Center project, in addition to attending today’s grand opening. Additional information on the Neighborhood Investment Fund program can be found here.
The Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood was designed to transform and revitalize the former Chrysler engine plant, which left over 100 acres of vacant land in the heart of Kenosha as a result of its closure. Situated on a 3.5-acre portion of the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, the new Kenosha Innovation Center is a 64,000-square-foot, $23.5 million facility that includes leasable tenant space, as well as an event and meeting space open for community use. According to project partners, the center will serve as a major hub in the region for startups, entrepreneurs, and established companies seeking to be a part of a thriving ecosystem.
Led by the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood Inc., the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood is a collaborative, mixed-use project aimed at creating a regional destination with sustainable, innovation-focused office, medical, educational, commercial, residential, and recreational spaces that offer a wide range of opportunities and resources that help meet the unique needs of the greater Kenosha community.
An online version of this release is available here.
