Construction begins on Food Innovation Center

GREEN BAY – Construction is officially underway on the Food Innovation Center in Green Bay’s newest neighborhood on the southeast side of town.

Made possible by the generosity of the State of Wisconsin and the Oneida Nation, the facility will serve as an innovative urban agriculture hub, strengthening the local food system and acting as an economic engine for northeast Wisconsin’s newest growers.

Equipped with a pack wash station and food processing space, the facility will provide access to area farmers who rely on local markets as their primary livelihood. The building also includes roof-mounted solar panels, two family restrooms, and a covered patio for the public to access when using the adjacent playground, which is also set for construction soon.
“Wello is proud to have led the strategic vision for this shared infrastructure while working alongside partners to create a space that removes barriers for food entrepreneurs who are ready to grow,” said Tara Yang, Wello’s agriculture business development strategist. “More than a facility, this will serve as an economic development and workforce training engine helping local producers and entrepreneurs expand their businesses, develop new skills, create jobs and build a stronger, more resilient regional food economy.”

Earlier this spring, the Wisconsin Department of Administration awarded a $468,900 non-state grant through its Grants for Local Projects program toward construction of the barn, following a recommendation from the State Building Commission. And even more recently, the Oneida Nation announced a $300,000 commitment to the project.

Together, these contributions mark a pivotal step toward fully funding the barn’s construction cost.

The 26.5-acre master plan of the neighborhood stands as the largest housing and community development initiative in Green Bay’s history, a transformative place where a variety of housing types will soon be available to rent or own. The urban farm, food innovation center, playground, and boulevard park anchor the new neighborhood and will offer myriad opportunities for neighborhood and community residents to gather.

“We are deeply grateful to the State of Wisconsin and the Oneida Nation for stepping up to invest in this uniquely transformational project,” said Mayor Eric Genrich. “Their partnership and generosity, coupled with Wello’s longstanding commitment to developing the facility as a critical piece of the neighborhood and overall food system, bolsters our belief that what we’re constructing here will be built in the right way and operated with the right people at the table.”