Milwaukee Students Prepare To Renovate Historic Eagleknit Building

From Milwaukee Public Schools:

Monday, February 17, 2020

A group of sophomores and juniors from Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School are embarking on a historic project that will help students gain valuable job skills in the construction trades. Wangard Partners is committed to providing on-the-job training for a group of students who will help convert the 91-year-old Eagleknit building from old manufacturing into modern office space.

Career and technical education is a major focus in Milwaukee Public Schools, especially at Bradley Tech, where construction, welding, manufacturing, engineering, and design are part of the curriculum. MPS has developed strong relationships with partners such as Wangard in high-demand job areas. Students gain advanced training in careers before graduation, and employers who train students help build a pipeline of skilled youth who are ready to work.

“This endeavor is exciting on so many levels,” said Aaron Shapiro, Bradley Tech principal. “The Eagleknit project is a rare chance for students to lay their hands on 91-year-old building techniques and to learn how to preserve quality, historic construction while modernizing for future tenants.”

The Eagle Knitting Mills building, now known as Eagleknit, was constructed in 1928 and features cream city brick, wood floors, large steel windows, and concrete columns. Many of the design elements will be retained to keep the historic atmosphere of the structure. A new 30,000-square-foot expansion is also planned.

Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School offers a rigorous high school education designed to support students who are college-bound or seeking to transition directly into the trades or technical school. Learn more on the Bradley Tech website.

The Eagleknit Building is located at 507 S. 2nd Street in the Walker’s Point neighborhood of Milwaukee. Partners in the renovation project include J.H. Findorff & Son Inc., the project’s building contractor, and the Building2Learn Consortium, a nonprofit focused on introducing students to careers in skilled trades. Mentors and classroom coaches have also been provided by Lemberg Electric Company, Inc., All Hands Boatworks, Gensler Architecture, and Southeastern Carpenters Regional Council.

When completed, the Eagleknit Innovation Hub will be home to Building2Learn, IC Stars—a nonprofit focused on training young adults for technology careers—and other tenants.

This press release was produced by Milwaukee Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.