Working closely with stakeholders at every level, we plan, develop, and program spaces and structures that connect people, neighborhoods and the past, present, and future—firmly believing that the most vibrant communities are the most physically interwoven and socially engaged.
With a Consulting Practice that develops properties and programs, an At-Risk Development arm that takes on neighborhood creating developments, and Fee Development services for community-conscious partners who share our values, WiRED exists for projects that have an impact.
We believe buildings are more than structures that take up space, they’re spaces that structure lives — and they are critical to helping us honor the past, thrive in the present and lean into the future.
For us, real estate development isn’t just about building or buying structures to generate financial success. It’s about recognizing that the built environment can’t be separated from the web of social dynamics that inhabit it, and it’s about planning and programming spaces to generate community success.
We’re experts at using real estate to tie different people, distinct places and disparate times—the threads of every community—together. Connecting these threads creates an urban fabric that’s more physically intertwined and therefore more socially engaged. To accomplish this, we take a user-centered approach, considering a community’s current and future needs, and collaborating with stakeholders at every level to ensure everything we create breaks down barriers, encourages interaction and energizes communities.
We call this Urban Weaving.
Ian Abston is an expert in Millennial talent attraction and retention. Abston founded NEWaukee, the largest Millennial group in the Midwest helping to connect and engage the next generation with today’s cities. Speaking nationally on the emerging trends of this young audience, Abston has worked with both large corporations and civic leaders on strategies and placemaking efforts to enhance the quality of life in Urban environments.
Abston studied Marketing and Advertising at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh –and began his career at Junior Achievement of Wisconsin as a corporate fundraising event planner.
After a year in the non-profit sector, Abston took a position at GMR Marketing running campaigns with national brands such as Power Bar, MLB, Gatorade, and NEW Balance. Ian joined WiRED Properties in 2017 and is a founding partner in the WiRED MAP (Millennial Action Plan) consulting platform.
Ian is a proud Eagle Scout, sits on the board for the Salvation Army of Greater Milwaukee, is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and in 2014 he was appointed to the Governor’s Talent Development Workforce Committee.
Blair Williams founded WiRED Properties in August 2005. Blair is a native Milwaukeean and is passionate about Milwaukee. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a B.A. in History, a J.D., an M.B.A. and an M.S. in Real Estate, Blair is also a dedicated Badger.
After graduating from UW, Blair moved to Dallas, Texas with his wife Stacy and spent two years cultivating his passion for real estate. Dallas, a city with many charms, lacked a certain dynamism so present in Milwaukee. In 2000, Blair and Stacy moved back to Milwaukee.
Integrity, engagement, and connectedness drive Blair in pursuit of business for WiRED Properties. Blair is passionate about diversity of use and diversity of user. Overwhelmingly, Blair is passionate about community.
Personally, Blair has been married to his wife Stacy for over 22 years. His parents and three brothers all live in Milwaukee as well. Two children, two dogs, reading, golf and skiing addictions, and civic and professional affiliations including the Greater Milwaukee Committee keep Blair's time full.