Good Karma Brands LLC is moving its home office and its four Milwaukee-based radio stations, Newsradio 620 WTMJ, 94.5 ESPN, 540 ESPN, and 101.7 The Truth, to The Avenue in downtown Milwaukee.
The company said it will move 130 employees into 24,495 square feet of space at The Avenue, located at 275 W. Wisconsin Ave. later this year. Good Karma’s offices will be on the second floor. The radio stations will be on the first floor in the 3rd Street Market Hall.
“We couldn’t be happier with The Avenue and 3rd Street Market Hall as it is a symbol of the growth, investment and diversity present in downtown Milwaukee development, and aligns directly with our values as a locally owned company passionate about serving our local community,” Craig Karmazin, Good Karma founder and chief executive officer, said in a statement.
The move will end 620 WTMJ’s 80-year history at Radio City, 720 E. Capitol Drive.
“Saying both thank you and farewell to Radio City, home of WTMJ since 1941, brings with it a deep feeling of gratitude for the support of the legendary WTMJ brand and the rich history of that building, while also looking forward to the path ahead at The Avenue,” Steve Wexler, vice president and market manager, said.
Construction work is already underway on the new space. It will be completed later this year.
The Avenue is the name of the redeveloped Shops of Grand Avenue mall. Owners Tony Janowiec of Milwaukee-based Interstate Development Partners and Josh Krsnak of Minneapolis-based Hempel Cos. bought the mall and neighboring buildings. They’ve transformed it into offices, apartments and a food hall with other entertainment offerings.
Other office tenants at The Avenue include Milwaukee-based Graef-USA Inc., Milwaukee Downtown Business Improvement District No. 21 and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.
The 24-vendor 3rd Street Market Hall is nearing its grand opening. The food hall is led by local restaurant owner and entrepreneur Omar Shaikh. Its entertainment attractions will include a Topgolf Swing Suite, among other things.
Good Karma made an official announcement this morning nearly two years after BizTimes first reported the company was in talks with The Avenue’s owners.
Good Karma is a media and marketing company that employs 291 people throughout the U.S. and 130 in Milwaukee. It also owns two radio stations in Beaver Dam, ESPN Madison and four other ESPN affiliated radio stations in Chicago, Cleveland and West Palm Beach, Florida.
Additionally, it owns an events division that produces the Wisconsin Sports Awards, Tundra Trio hospitality houses in Green Bay, and the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl.
