It is home to many sports at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, including ice hockey, wrestling, men's and women's basketball and volleyball.

The building is named for Robert and Patricia Kern, the center's major benefactors.

[2] The Kern Center is home to the school's Health, Development, and Wellness area.

Ground broke for construction of the Kern Center on April 11, 2003, and the facility was dedicated on October 29, 2004.

The Kern Center Ice Arena (NHL-sized: 200 ft × 85 ft or 61 m × 26 m) located in the lower level of the building, has a seating capacity of 800, and hosts hockey games, open skating, ice shows, skating lessons, campus events, and community rentals.