Kenosha Eyes Tech Hub For Former Chrysler Engine Site

The city of Kenosha has hired a San Antonio consulting firm for the next stage in redeveloping its former Chrysler engine plant site. The plant was shuttered in late 2010 after the company declared bankruptcy.

San Antonio-based Huls Group will begin two weeks of meetings Monday in Kenosha with business leaders and city government. Principal Julie Huls says they’ll explore the feasibility of turning a portion of the Chrysler site into a technology and innovation center, something that Kenosha leaders want.

“A 109-acre blank slate is really an amazing asset for any community. It’s something that any industry leader, any mayor, really would envy,” Huls said. “I’m very excited about the possibilities and very confident that we have folks all pointed in the right direction.”

Huls will build off the Urban Land Institute’s study from 2015. Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian said the Chrysler site is adjacent to three Kenosha neighborhoods, and is perfectly situated to be a technology hub.

“I have numerous colleges and universities all around Kenosha. Part will depend on what type of research we decide to do,” Antaramian said. “Do we go into the area of imaging? Do we go into the area of nanotechnology? Any number of different aspects of what you might go into could determine how this will go.”

Huls said the mayor is looking for something future generations can benefit from, and her firm will serve as a translator for all the groups involved in the redevelopment.

“My hope is that I will be able to successfully help all players really articulate a specific vision as it relates to tech and innovation,” Huls said. Her firm is on a six-month contract for the project.

Demolition of the plant complex began in late 2012. According to Antaramian, environmental cleanup work at the site should be completed by spring 2019. That work must be completed before redevelopment can begin.