The Neutral Project Seeks Approval for 32-Story Mass Timber Tower in Milwaukee, WI

The Neutral Project is pursing zoning approval for its proposed 32-story apartment tower, dubbed “The Edison,” in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Urban Milwaukee reported (2-29-24). When completed, the building would be the tallest mass timber building in the US, eclipsing Milwaukee’s own 25-story Ascent tower.

The first proposal dates back to 2021 and has subsequently been expanded several times. The Madison-based Neutral Project initially proposed a 15-story, $60 million dollar building. In February 2023, Urban Milwaukee broke the news that the firm was considering a record-setting 28-story building. Since then, the design has gotten even bigger. Things are now progressing, with the project heading to the Board of Zoning Appeals and the City Plan Commission. Approval would allow groundbreaking later this year.

The Edison is being designed by Chicago-based Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture. CD Smith, which built Ascent, would serve as the general contractor. Thornton Tomasetti is serving as the structural engineer.

The Neutral Project hopes to take advantage of mass timber not just to offer exposed wood in units, but to take advantage of the environmental benefits. The project website says the company is striving for the Passive House Phius certification, a zero-carbon energy standard, Urban Milwaukee reported.