Milwaukee School of Engineering Breaks Ground on Engineering Innovation Center

The Milwaukee School of Engineering broke ground on the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center in July of 2025 to catalyze interdisciplinary education and collaboration. Designed by RAMLOW/STEIN Architecture + Interiors, the $75.5 million facility will offer flexible labs, modern classrooms, robotics workshops, an outdoor sustainability lab, and public spaces for interactive learning. 

Spanning four stories, the 97,000-sf structure will be the new home for the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management, and Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering. The project will also accommodate the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence Education, which will drive the integration of AI and machine learning across the engineering curriculum and foster partnerships with industry.

Once complete, the development will connect to the existing Allen-Bradley Hall of Science and Fred Loock Engineering Center to form a three-building complex. VJS Construction Services is acting as construction manager. Occupancy is anticipated in fall of 2027.