UW-Whitewater: Whitewater University Technology Park groundbreaking Sept. 29

Contact: Mary Nimm

(262) 473-0148

MNimm@ci.whitewater.wi.us

WHITEWATER ­ Whitewater is poised to become a center for innovative research and job creation with its newly funded Whitewater University Technology Park. To celebrate the beginning of what is expected to be a highly successful venture, a ribbon cutting and groundbreaking will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 1231 Innovation Drive, Whitewater.

The event, which is open to the public, will also include the changing of the street name from Corporate Drive to Innovation Drive.

The ceremony follows the U.S. Department of Commerce’s announcement of a $4.7 million federal Economic Development Administration grant to help fund the Innovation Center and park improvements.

“We’re excited about the collaborative partnership that has been forged between the City of Whitewater and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to develop the Whitewater University Technology Park,” Whitewater City Manager Kevin Brunner said. “It’s truly remarkable the progress that we have made in less than a year to make this joint project a reality.”

“The Whitewater University Technology Park will provide numerous benefits to the campus and the region,” said Chancellor Richard Telfer. “I am eager to see the Innovation Center built and to discover what new ideas will be generated within its walls. Some of those ideas will ultimately translate into new companies and jobs for the area.”

Groundbreaking schedule of events:

* Welcome from Kevin Brunner

* Remarks by Chancellor Telfer, Brett Watson on behalf of Rep. Tammy Baldwin, Katie Crawley on behalf of Sen. Russ Feingold, Sen. Judy Robson (D-Beloit) and Rep. Kim Hixson (D-Whitewater)

* Ceremonial groundbreaking by members of the Whitewater University Technology Park board, Whitewater Common Council and Community Development Authority

* Unveiling of new “Innovation Drive” street sign by members of the Whitewater Common Council

* Brief presentation on planned Innovation Center by Cliff Goodhart, architect and senior project manager with Eppstein Uhen Architects of Milwaukee

The total cost of developing the Whitewater University Technology Park is about $10 million. The remainder of the funding will come from the Whitewater Community Development Authority (CDA), revenue bonding and other sources. The building will be owned by the CDA with UW-Whitewater providing the intellectual capital.

The Whitewater University Technology Park will be located on 125 acres bordered by Innovation Drive (formerly Corporate Drive), Howard Road, Bluff Road and Moraine View Park on the city’s east side.

For more information on the Whitewater University Technology Park, visit http://www.whitewatertechpark.org.

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