Milwaukee, Wis. – Wangard Partners, Inc. (Wangard), a Milwaukee-based full service real estate company, is welcoming 10 businesses to Converge, a new innovation hub within Eagleknit, Wangard’s recently developed office building in the Walker’s Point neighborhood.
“Milwaukee, and in particular the Walker’s Point neighborhood, is ripe for growth in the entrepreneurship and technology fields, ” said Burton Metz, Wangard President of Investments and Acquisitions. “Eagleknit’s modern layout, ecosystem of innovators and hospitality-focused experience for today’s talent put tenants in a position of natural growth. We are excited to be able to bring a world-class design and purpose to Milwaukee’s innovation community.”
Eagleknit, located at 507 S. 2nd Street, is on the site of the former Eagle Knitting Mills manufacturing plant and now serves a growing community of Milwaukee-based innovators, community organizations, tech companies, startups, capital providers and creative agencies. The unique forward-thinking communal design encourages collaboration among building tenants and within the broader community. Programming and events for the innovation and creative community are welcomed at the building and will be a growing part of Converge’s mission.
The newest occupants of Converge at Eagleknit include:
- i.c. stars, committed to racial equity and social justice, drives change with education, training and opportunity. They provide underserved young adults with technology-based workforce development, community leadership training, internships and job placement. With a pay-it-forward mentality, i.c.stars is shaping the next generation of community-minded technology leaders.
- 55 Promotion, an independent company dedicated to promoting music to Christian radio via long-term, trusted relationships with program directors and music directors across the United States.
- Geno.Me, the world’s first searchable ecosystem of linked genetic and medical data.
- SpinGroup, specializing in web and app development, the organization works with companies of all sizes reimagining their digital structure to reach the goals of the client.
- Walker Media Group, which helps businesses elevate their brand via direct advertising across all channels, using a technology-first approach.
- Gateway Capital Partners, a venture capital firm that works with budding entrepreneurs that are often overlooked with a goal of developing the next generation of successful Milwaukee-based entrepreneurs.
- Doodle Hog, which is working to make art and all of its benefits accessible to all by providing art kits and supplies to children and adults alike.
- Forward Community Investments, a provider of loans with favorable interest rates to organizations working to expand affordable housing, basic social services, social enterprises, economic development and community development in underserved communities. The company’s overarching goal is to bridge the gap between social, economic, and racial disparities in Wisconsin.
- TriMarq, a media production company serving clients through every aspect of the media creative process from storyboard and script development to post production edits and asset management.
- CAREDirect, a manufacturer and distributor of digital medication storage cabinets, CAREDirect allows healthcare facilities to manage their medication inventory with cutting edge technology.
“Walker’s Point is one of the most vibrant and safest neighborhoods to do business in the City of Milwaukee,” said Matt Cordio, Chairman of CareDirect. “Eagleknit offers CareDirect’s remote-first team a flexible space to gather, collaborate and showcase our innovative medication storage solutions to potential customers.”
Wangard purchased the former Eagle Knitting Mills building and in 2020, it was added to the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places. Eagle Knitting Mills began operations at the building in 1928, which lasted for more than 60 years before closing operations in 1991.
Through thoughtful renovations, Wangard repurposed the historic factory into the modern office experience it is today, while maintaining the integrity of its historic features.
Eagleknit provides occupants with a modern office experience amid an upscale industrial aesthetic. Amenities include a first-floor cafe and patio, two communal conference rooms, fitness studio, a shared lounge area and access to a 3,500-square-foot rooftop terrace boasting views of downtown Milwaukee, the Hoan Bridge and Lake Michigan. With more than 50,000 square feet of space still available, Eagleknit offers prospective tenants a variety of office space experiences and unique opportunities, with hospitality features that can be tailored to meet individual needs.
“Eagleknit has been a great motivator for our staff to come back in-person,” said Gary Wong, SpinGroup Owner. “The space is warm and inviting with its mix of modern amenities and vintage structure. And, being in Walker’s Point, there’s always a diverse mix of places to dine and play within walking distance. It fits our culture really well.”
