MILWAUKEE — On Tuesday, Northwestern Mutual announced the members of its project team for the $500 million investment to modernize its North Office Building in downtown Milwaukee.
The building, located at 818 East Mason Street, is expected to get a new events space, more enhance employee amenities and more by around 2027. It’s all part of the company’s initiative to attract more workers and bring employees together in one space.
“We’ve assembled a team that strikes a wonderful balance of world-renowned talent and local expertise for the modernization of our North Office Building,” said Rebecca Villegas, vice president, compliance, at Northwestern Mutual. “Most of this team had the opportunity to work together to transform Milwaukee’s skyline through our Tower and Commons project, and we are excited to once again draw on their experience and expertise to double down on our commitment to Northwestern Mutual employees and to Milwaukee.”
The architectural team will include Pickard Chilton and Kendall/Heaton. Both worked with the company on the Tower and Commons project.
Jon Pickard, principal at Pickard Chilton, said this was an opportunity the team couldn’t resist.
“There are so many bright minds around the table for this project,” added Pat Ankney, principal at Kendall/Heaton Architects. “By harnessing the collective insight and talent of this team, the design, architecture, construction, and build-out phases of this redevelopment are poised to deliver an exceptional companion to the Tower and Commons, reinforcing the concept of a truly remarkable urban campus for Northwestern Mutual.”
But Pickard Chilton and Kendall/Heaton aren’t the only ones coming back to help Northwestern Mutual after the Tower and Commons project. In partnership with CG Schmidt, Gilbane Building Company is too. It will serve as the general contractor and construction manager of the project.
Officials said a local architect firm, known as EUA, will provide the interior design services. As the project’s development manager, Hines, will advise on all facets of the project, including things like design, budgets, construction, move-in and more.
Local business management company Cross Management Services will handle recruiting small business enterprises and residents to be involved in the building renovation. Northwestern Mutual committed to using small business enterprises for at least 25% of construction and supply costs as well as 18% of professional service costs.
“As we advance through the design phase, we eagerly anticipate the future and are confident in our exceptional team’s ability to transform and reinvent our North Office Building, enhancing our top-tier workplace and employee experience and underscoring our ongoing commitment to our hometown,” expressed Villegas.
Construction on the building could begin as early as fall 2023. View a walkthrough of the proposed space here.