Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is poised to make architectural history with the construction of a groundbreaking 55-story timber tower. This ambitious project is set to surpass the current tallest timber building in the world — the 25-story Ascent building, also located in Milwaukee. By choosing to embrace timber for high-rise construction on such a large scale, the city is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable urban development.
This landmark tower will anchor a $700 million redevelopment project at the Marcus Performing Arts Center district. The project will not only transform the skyline but also redefine Milwaukee’s cultural and economic landscape. The development integrates a dynamic mix of residential, office, retail, hotel, and public spaces, aiming to breathe new life into the heart of the city.
Designed for Innovation and Sustainability
The 55-story timber tower is being designed by Michael Green Architecture, a firm based in Vancouver, Canada. Renowned for its leadership in timber design and sustainable building solutions, the firm has an international reputation for innovation in wood construction. Their involvement signals a strong commitment to both cutting-edge architectural design and environmental responsibility.
Timber construction, particularly in high-rise applications, has gained global attention in recent years for its potential to reduce carbon emissions and create healthier, more sustainable buildings. Mass timber, which includes engineered products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (glulam), offers a renewable, low-carbon alternative to steel and concrete. These materials not only provide exceptional structural integrity but also reduce the overall environmental footprint of large-scale construction projects.
A Brief History of Timber Construction in Milwaukee
Milwaukee has a long tradition of timber construction that extends well beyond its modern skyscrapers. In the 19th century, timber frame buildings were among the first structures built by settlers, using nearby forests to supply materials for homes, warehouses, and factories.
By the late 1800s, the city became known for its timber warehouses and breweries, many of which featured heavy timber post-and-beam construction. This technique provided both durability and fire resistance compared to lighter wood-framing methods common elsewhere.
In the 21st century, Milwaukee revived its connection to timber with the completion of the 25-story Ascent building in 2022 — the world’s tallest timber tower at the time. The success of Ascent inspired even more ambitious plans, with the new 55-story tower representing the next chapter in Milwaukee’s timber legacy.
A Catalyst for Economic and Cultural Renewal
Beyond its architectural and environmental merits, the timber tower will serve as a catalyst for broader urban revitalization. The $700 million redevelopment surrounding the Marcus Performing Arts Center is set to reshape the district into a modern, multi-use destination. This area will include:
- New residential spaces
- Modern office environments
- Retail options
- Hotel accommodations
- Thoughtfully designed public areas
The development aims to create a lively, connected neighborhood that encourages community interaction, boosts local business, and attracts visitors.
Positioning Milwaukee as a Leader in Sustainable Construction
The timber tower represents more than just a bold addition to Milwaukee’s skyline — it signifies the city’s leadership in sustainable construction practices. While cities like Vancouver, Oslo, and Tokyo have been making headlines for their timber skyscrapers, Milwaukee’s commitment to this 55-story project places it firmly in the global spotlight.
Choosing to build with mass timber on this scale demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions associated with traditional construction. Substituting steel and concrete with timber in a structure of this size can prevent thousands of metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, both by locking carbon into the wood and by avoiding emissions from producing conventional materials.
Timber buildings also offer other benefits, such as faster construction times, reduced noise pollution on-site, and improved occupant wellbeing. Natural wood interiors have been shown to promote mental health, improve air quality, and reduce stress levels, making mass timber buildings appealing for both residential and commercial uses.
A Growing Trend in Timber High-Rises
The Milwaukee tower is part of a broader movement toward mass timber high-rises in North America and beyond. As engineers and architects develop new techniques for improving the strength and fire resistance of mass timber, cities are increasingly incorporating it into urban construction.
Milwaukee has already proven its capability in this field with the completion of Ascent, the 25-story timber building that currently holds the title of the world’s tallest. The success of Ascent has provided valuable experience and confidence in the potential of mass timber projects, paving the way for this next, even more ambitious endeavor.
This growing trend is a response to both environmental concerns and the desire for innovative, visually distinctive urban structures. Timber towers offer a compelling alternative to conventional high-rises, combining sustainability with contemporary architectural design.
Looking Ahead
With construction of the 55-story timber tower on the horizon, Milwaukee is positioning itself not just as a city that builds big, but one that builds responsibly. The project signals a future where urban growth, environmental responsibility, and dynamic community spaces can thrive together.
As sustainable building technologies advance, projects like this one offer a glimpse into what the future of cities could look like — places where innovation, beauty, and environmental stewardship come together. Milwaukee’s timber tower will stand as a living example of this vision, offering a new model for lively, connected urban centers everywhere.