Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood Breaks Ground on New Tech School

The groundbreaking for the new LakeView Technology Academy at the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood (KIN) marks a pivotal step in transforming the former Chrysler factory site into a vibrant, 107-acre hub for technology jobs and innovation. This major redevelopment initiative, which combines public and private-sector collaboration, is setting the stage for Kenosha’s future as a center for STEM education and high-tech business growth. With the LakeView Technology Academy as the first building in this ambitious project, Kenosha is making a strong statement about its commitment to fostering local talent and preparing residents for the demands of the modern economy.

The LakeView Technology Academy, currently based in Pleasant Prairie, will move to its new 48,602-square-foot facility at the former Chrysler property, located at 30th Avenue and 60th Street. Scheduled to open in early 2025, the new building will maintain the school’s enrollment of approximately 400 students while offering enhanced opportunities to engage in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. According to Tim Mahone, president of the board overseeing the KIN project, the move will open doors for students, particularly minority and low- to moderate-income individuals, who may have previously lacked access to advanced STEM training.

“This initiative clearly puts our students in a position to be prepared for future STEM careers and jobs,” Mahone said. By situating the school within the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, students will gain exposure to cutting-edge industries and emerging technologies. The KIN development envisions creating a comprehensive ecosystem that includes tech business incubators, facilities for established tech firms, and a robust pipeline for next-generation talent. By focusing on industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and health care, the initiative aims to make Kenosha a leader in research and development.

While the academy represents the first physical realization of the KIN project, there is much more on the horizon. Plans are already underway for a second building—a 59,000-square-foot innovation center expected to cost around $19 million. This facility, slated to break ground in March, will offer business incubator spaces and leasable areas for companies looking to tap into Kenosha’s growing talent pool. The innovation center is positioned to attract entrepreneurs and established firms alike, fostering collaboration, job creation, and economic growth in the region.

“Our whole goal with KIN is to retain local and regional, next-generation talent,” Mahone said. “The goal is getting these knowledge economy jobs here, encouraging new company creation, and providing job opportunities for our students.” This comprehensive approach underscores Kenosha’s dedication to building a sustainable, tech-driven economy that empowers local residents and attracts new businesses.

 

 

The KIN board, led by Mahone, has already announced new initiatives to ensure the project’s continued momentum. In September, several new board members joined, including Gateway Technical College president Dr. Ritu Raju, BMO US’s Vicky Arroyo, Haribo of America CFO Wes Saber, and Snap-on vice president of operations development Iain Boyd. The addition of these leaders brings diverse expertise and strategic vision to the project, further strengthening its potential impact.

As the development progresses, the KIN team plans to ramp up outreach to attract businesses interested in participating in this innovative community. “Anyone interested in locating in this innovative space, we want to chat with them,” Mahone said. “It’s a welcome center for entrepreneurs who want to invest and access quality talent in Kenosha.”

For commercial real estate agents in Kenosha and businesses, the KIN development presents an extraordinary opportunity to engage with a growing hub of technological innovation and talent cultivation. The Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood promises to not only reshape the city’s economic landscape but also redefine its community identity by emphasizing forward-looking industries and high-quality STEM education. The presence of LakeView Technology Academy and the planned innovation center will serve as cornerstones for this transformation, building bridges between education, industry, and economic growth.

In conclusion, the start of construction for LakeView Technology Academy at the KIN site is more than just a building project—it is the beginning of a visionary effort to position Kenosha as a leading destination for technology, innovation, and career development. Through strategic investments, strong partnerships, and a focus on community-driven growth, the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood is set to become a beacon of opportunity and progress for generations to come.