Vancouver-based Michael Green Architects (MGA) has revealed plans for a groundbreaking development in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, featuring what could become the world’s tallest mass-timber skyscraper. This ambitious project, led by developer Neutral, is currently navigating the city’s approvals process.
Located adjacent to the Marcus Center in central Milwaukee, the multi-tower development will encompass office space, retail, a hotel, residential units, and public plazas. The site, currently occupied by a parking structure designed by mid-century brutalist architect Harry Weese, will be transformed into a modern architectural marvel.
At the heart of the development is a 55-story tower primarily constructed from mass-timber elements. If completed, this structure would surpass the current tallest mass-timber skyscraper, the 86.6-meter (284 feet) Ascent tower by Korb + Associates Architects, also located in Milwaukee.
MGA founder Michael Green highlighted the city’s supportive stance on the project, noting that Milwaukee is poised to become a leader in sustainable urban development. The skyscraper’s design features a wide form with a sloped, terraced bulkhead covered in greenery, adding a natural aesthetic to the urban landscape.
Green emphasized that the project aims to utilize “as much wood as possible,” although the exact proportions of concrete and steel have yet to be finalized. The studio’s design reflects a broader trend of secondary cities in the United States setting new benchmarks in sustainable architecture.
With its innovative use of mass timber, the project not only aims to redefine Milwaukee’s skyline but also sets a new standard for sustainable high-rise construction worldwide.
