Certified and shovel-ready: Whitewater University Technology Park

The Whitewater University Technology Park recently joined 15 other properties around the state on the list of Certified In Wisconsin® sites, a designation that indicates the site meets certain criteria relating to infrastructure, transportation and environmental concerns, among other factors.

The newest Certified Site is located just east of the Whitewater Innovation Center.

The new Certified Site is located directly east of the Whitewater Innovation Center, an incubator of small tech-focused local businesses. It is conveniently located less than two miles from U.S. Highway 12 and about one hour away from airports in Madison and Milwaukee. The site comprises two buildable lots: one of 26.3 acres and one of 8.8 acres. Under current zoning, permitted uses for the site include technology-related production or processing, research and development, business offices, pilot plants or telecommunications centers.

The mission of the Whitewater University Technology Park is to create and foster durable businesses and jobs through a close alignment of UW-Whitewater’s research and educational competencies and the resources of the City of Whitewater. The park serves as the foundation of a diversified and robust regional economy through the attraction of new residents; access to UW-Whitewater faculty, staff and student expertise; and the retention of alumni talent.

“I am proud that the Whitewater University Technology Park is one of 16 sites certified under this program,” said Jeffery Knight, chairman of the Whitewater Community Development Authority. “I know that property managers searching for industrial land want to minimize their risks. They can be assured that when they look at Whitewater there is certainty, and what they get is the best the state has to offer.”

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) introduced the Certified In Wisconsin® Program in 2012 to help spur development of commercial properties in communities throughout the state. This program pre-certifies industrial sites as development-ready. Working with WEDC, communities can obtain site certification for properties at a much lower cost than they would pay to pursue the designation on their own through an independent consultant.

In addition to Whitewater, other Certified In Wisconsin sites are located in Beaver Dam, Beloit, Chippewa Falls, DeForest, Fitchburg, Hobart, Howard, Janesville, Menomonie, Prescott, Stevens Point, Verona, West Bend, Westport and Wisconsin Rapids.

Thus far, there are 17 development projects completed or under way on 10 of the certified sites. Those projects, when complete, are expected to create more than 1,600 jobs and generate more than $300 million in capital investment.

WEDC is utilizing Deloitte Consulting to help evaluate sites that are determined to be ready for development and to meet certification requirements. WEDC will market the certified site through its Locate In Wisconsin website, LocateInWisconsin.com.