From "Busy Berlin" to Tech Corridor: Industry Clusters Then and Now
We think of business or industry “clusters” as a modern phenomenon, with Waterloo Region’s technology cluster as a prime example. Yet, as we walk through Downtown Kitchener’s Innovation District, we follow the footsteps of the people of “Busy Berlin,” a largely German 19th century community that worked in equally successful clusters for their time.
They left a legacy of yellow-brick buildings transformed from the factories of yesterday to meet the needs of today’s tech sector. They also left us a culture of innovation and community building. We will explore those early clusters and the sometimes forgotten but often fascinating people and stories behind them.
Location: Innovation District, Kitchener
Duration: 90 minutes (60-75 minute walk upon request)
Distance Covered: 2.1km
Availability: Week days, evenings & weekends; select weeks July – September
Accessibility: Route follows paved surfaces on main and neighbourhood streets. Accessible for scooters & wheelchairs.
Good to know:
- We walk rain or shine or snow!
- The walk begins at King Street West & Francis Street and ends at the Google building on Breithaupt Street, just two blocks away.
Want to customize your Stroll with us?
We’d be happy to work with you to create the best experience possible.
