Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers presents Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian with a check for $15 million.
PHOTOS: SUBMITTED PHOTO

Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood project receives $15 million in state stimulus funds

Plan is to transform the former Chrysler Engine Plant property into a hub for innovation

By THE CITY OF KENOSHA

The City of Kenosha website (kenosha.org) helps citizens and visitors learn about city services and conduct business, including permit applications and online payments.

The State of Wisconsin has awarded $15 million in stimulus funds to boost development of the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, including an incubator facility for new businesses and funding toward the proposed new facility for LakeView Technology Academy, a Kenosha Unified School District choice school that specializes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced the grant funding during a visit to Kenosha on Thursday.

The Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood is focused on transforming the former 107-acre Chrysler Engine Plant property — east of 30th Avenue between 52nd and 60th streets — into a hub for innovation.

“This grant is an important first step in our efforts to transform the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood site by investing in the Innovation Center.”

– John Antaramian, Kenosha Mayor

“The City of Kenosha greatly appreciates the Neighborhood Investment Fund grant announced by Gov. Tony Evers,” said Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian. “This grant is an important first step in our efforts to transform the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood site by investing in the Innovation Center, which will provide enhanced opportunities for the community in education, workforce training, and entrepreneurial and economic development.”

The site’s proposed Innovation Center, a 60,000 square-foot “incubator facility” for new business start-ups, will be funded by $14 million in state stimulus funds, matched by City funds and potentially other contributions. The Center will be a focal point for entrepreneurs and startup businesses to develop programs that encourage job creation, technology development, and building skills. Collaborative programs will engage the resources of regional colleges: UW-Parkside, Carthage College, Gateway Technical College and Herzing University.

In addition to the innovation center and new facility for LakeView Technology Academy, the neighborhood would include housing, retail and green space. The project is intended to provide opportunities for education, workforce training, entrepreneurial development, job placement in high-growth digital and STEM fields and quality and affordable housing. It aims to create a destination for families in the surrounding communities to live, work and play.

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