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Mass Timber Construction Projects in The News | The Neutral Project

Date: Jun 22, 2023 1:59:53 PM | Author: Tracy Lisowe

The Neutral Project, a sustainable real estate development company, is making news in mass timber in Madison and Milwaukee.

Baker's Place will be the first mass timber high-rise building in Madison, Wisconsin.

Renderings of Bakers Place luxury apartments mass timber construction high-rise building project by MGA Michael Green Architecture 01

Rendering of Baker's Place mass timber building in Madison, Wisconsin. (Rendering courtesy of Michael Green Architecture (MGA))

photo of Bakers Place mass timber construction site from street in Madison, Wisconsin

Pictured Above: Baker's Place mass timber construction site includes a portion of the former Gardner Baking Co. to remain as part of the complex. (Photo Courtesy: Michael Green Architecture (MGA) / The Neutral Project)

CATCH UP QUICK: The Baker’s Place project in Madison, Wisconsin is a new 14-story mixed-use development constructed from mass timber, creating 206 homes and preserving the oldest historic piece of the original Gardner Baking Co. Building. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Friday, February 10, 2023.

MASS TIMBER SUSTAINABILITY: Baker’s Place will be built using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels. These very large, very dense solid panels of wood are ideal for construction, meet or exceed all safety regulations, and provide a warm and healthy environment for living and working. 

Five groundbreaking participants hold shovels at groundbreaking for Bakers Place mass timber construction project in Madison, Wisconsin

Pictured Above (left to right): Tim Mathison, Nate Helbach & Matt Frazer, The Neutral Project | Tyler Noel, Vario Equity | Dane Bernau, C.D. Smith (Photo Courtesy: Michael Green Architecture (MGA) / The Neutral Project)

THE BACKSTORY: C.D. Smith Construction will serve as general contractor, bringing solid experience with large-scale, mass timber projects. In addition to Ascent, Milwaukee, the world's tallest hybrid mass timber tower, C.D. Smith served as construction manager on Fastenal Office Building in Winona, Minnesota. Both structures utilize hybrid mass timber frames, similar to Bakers Place.

BakersPlace-5Q4A9866-1

Pictured Above (left to right): Brett Jerdee, C.D. Smith | Todd Greenwald, Compass Properties | Nanak Malhotra, C.D. Smith | Matt Murtos, Compass Properties | C.J. Fermanich, Tim Mathison, Nate Helbach & Matt Frazer, The Neutral Project | Tyler Noel, Vario Equity | Brandon Adler, Angus Young Architects | Dane Bernau, C.D. Smith (Photo Courtesy: Michael Green Architecture (MGA) / The Neutral Project)

WHAT WE'RE HEARING: “It’s exciting to collaborate on a mass timber project in Madison. The material is sustainable, our crews are experienced with the construction method and we're looking forward to working on another mass timber build,” comments Dane Bernau, VP and Project Executive with C.D. Smith Construction.

Bakers-Place-IMG_2942

Pictured Above: C.D. Smith Project Executive Dane Bernau (at right) and Project Manager Brett Jerdee'hold a sample of CLT construction material at the February 10th groundbreaking.

Project team members on Bakers Place include The Neutral Project, MGA | MICHAEL GREEN ARCHITECTURE, Angus-Young Architects and Engineers, Equilibrium Consulting,  RDH Building Science Inc., ARUP, Rivion, Priopta, RAD, Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin Inc., JT Engineering and C.D. Smith Construction.

Learn more and stay current on the Bakers Place project at cdsmith.com/bakersplace.

The Neutral Project is also planning a new mass timber residential development in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Renderings of The Edison luxury apartments mass timber construction high-rise building project by HPA Architecture 00

Renderings of The Edison mass timber building in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Rendering courtesy of HPA Architecture)

The Edison would be the second mass timber structure in Milwaukee and is poised to be the tallest hybrid mass timber tower in North America.

THE BIG PICTURE: The Edison will be a stunning 32-story ~350-unit multifamily building with ~7,100 SF of retail space along the Milwaukee Riverwalk. It will be built using a hybrid engineered wood system, with Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) floor system, glulam columns, concrete beams, stairs and cores.

  • Mass timber building materials are manufactured lumber products built to be aesthetically pleasing and act as functional structural components of the building.
  • The timber beams, columns and ceilings are predominantly exposed, creating a biophilic climate for the building occupants.
  • Incorporating floor-to-ceiling glass highlights impeccable views of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee Bucks Deer District, allows for natural light and exposes the beauty of the wood assembly.

THE EVEN BIGGER PICTURE: The Edison not only fills a void in Milwaukee’s luxury housing market but sets a new standard on how projects are designed and built sustainably by utilizing mass timber and passive house design principles.

Project team members on The Edison include The Neutral Project, Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, Thornton Tomasetti, SpaceCoHodgson DouglasARUP, dbHMS, Priopta, RAD, Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin Inc., JT Engineering and C.D. Smith Construction.

For more mass timber construction news featuring The Neutral Project, click or scroll to what's IN THE NEWS (below).

Date: June 22, 2023 | Author: Tracy Lisowe

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WHAT IS MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION? QUICK FACTS from C.D. SMITH

Mass Timber construction is an energy-efficient alternative to high-rise and commercial buildings. Wood is a natural, renewable and sustainable material for building, with a lighter carbon footprint than steel or concrete. Not only does it...(continue to mass timber construction page of cdsmith.com).

C.D. Smith building mass timber construction for Ascent world's tallest timber tower in Milwaukee


The Neutral ProjectPRESS RELEASE | BENEATH THE HARD HAT®

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Sustainable Local Developers to Build Madison's First Mass Timber High Rise  | The Neutral Project 02.2023 PRESS RELEASE

Renderings of Bakers Place luxury apartments mass timber construction high-rise building project by MGA Michael Green Architecture - HERO

Bakers Place by The Neutral Project | YouTube 09.22.2023 THE NEUTRAL PROJECT

Bakers Place is an exciting mixed-use development in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. This innovative project combines the charm of a historic 1908 bakery with a modern 14-story mass timber building. It offers a prime location just steps away from the Wisconsin State Capitol.

The development includes a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom luxury apartments, totaling 164,707 square feet, and approximately 8,400 square feet of retail space. These apartments are designed with exposed mass timber, designer fixtures, and cutting-edge technology.

Bakers Place is not just about apartments; it's a community experience. It boasts a library, a coworking space, a fully-equipped fitness center with personal trainers and a Peloton studio, a dog park and grooming station, and an entertainment deck with a kitchen and an interactive game room. There's also a comfortable lounge for residents to relax in.

One of the most impressive aspects of this development is its eco-friendly design. Thanks to the use of mass timber construction, it achieves a remarkable 42% reduction in embodied carbon compared to traditional concrete buildings. Bakers Place is set to redefine luxury living in Madison, providing residents with top-notch amenities and a sustainable lifestyle in the heart of the city.


Bakers Place & The Edison | IN THE NEWS | The Neutral Project

 

Bakers Place Project Tops Off as Madison's First Mass Timber High-Rise | 03.29.2024 BENEATH THE HARD HAT®

Madison welcomes its first mass timber high-rise. Bakers Place, a mixed-use development, celebrates its topping-off, showcasing sustainable construction with stunning luxury apartments and amenities for fostering a connected community and regenerative living experience.

CD Smith Construction crew signs last piece of CLT for topping off Bakers Place mass timber building crane and USA flag in background in Madison Wisconsin


Bakers Place Mass Timber Construction Project Update: Madison, Wisconsin | 03.29.2024 BENEATH THE HARD HAT®

Photo from street of Bakers Place Mass Timber Building Construction in Madison Wisconsin with CD Smith cranes and equipment on the project


Milwaukee Plan Commission will review 32-story mass timber project | The Daily Reporter 03.15.2024


32-story mass timber apartment in downtown Milwaukee gains another approval03.07.2024 Milwaukee Business Journal

Rendering of The Edison Mass Timber Building in Milwaukee Wisconsin featured in Milwaukee Business Journal article about The Neutral Project proposal approvals-2024-03-13-145913


 

Bakers Place Case Study: A Comparative Exploration Into Mass Timber and Conventional Construction Methods The Neutral Project 02.23.2024

Cover Page of Bakers Place Case Study by The Neutral Project showing rendering of building in Madison Wisconsin with construction by CD Smith


Public Approval Process Starting For Country’s Tallest Mass Timber BuildingUrban Milwaukee 02.29.2024


America’s Tallest Timber Building to Break Ground in September! Wood Central 02.21.2024


The Neutral Project submits plans for a 50-story mass timber tower The Daily Reporter 02.20.2024

 

Feature Image for The Daily Reporter article about The Edison project in Milwaukee Wisconsin with rendering by HGA


Developer nears groundbreaking on mass timber building, proposes 2nd tower Finance & Commerce 02.21.2024


Nate Helbach is a fresh face in Madison’s development scene with big ideas ISTHMUS 02.01.2024

Nate Helbach at The Neutral Project Bakers Place in Madison for Isthmus Article on mass timber construction real estate development with CD Smith in Wisconsin


Developer of 32-story mass timber apartment tower pitches much taller one for Marcus Center parking structureMilwaukee Business Journal 02.05.2024

The Edison Mass Timber Building in Milwaukee Wisconsin featured in Milwaukee Business Journal article about The Neutral Project proposal


Will mass timber building 'topple' current world tallest? Woodworking Network |01.16.2024

The Edison mass timber building rendering The Neutral Project for real estate construction Woodworking Network article with apartment tower view from river in Milwaukee Wisconsin


World Record: Tallest Mass Timber Building in North America to Break Ground in 2024 | USA TODAY 01.14.2024

The Edison mass timber building rendering The Neutral Project for real estate construction USA Today article on apartment tower in Milwaukee


The Neutral Project, e-States: Forge transformative alliance: The Edison sets the stage for sustainable real estate evolution | WisBusiness 01.26.2024 


32-story timber tower proposal hopes to break ground in Milwaukee in 2024 | The Daily Reporter 11.08.2023 


One of tallest mass timber structures in world hopes to break ground in Milwaukee | Finance&Commerce 11.09.2023 BridgeTowerMedia

The Edison mass timber building rendering The Neutral Project for construction start article on apartment tower in Milwaukee

Madison-based developer The Neutral Project has plans to build a 32-story tower known as The Edison in Milwaukee. At 375 feet tall, the project is expected to be one of the tallest mass timber structures in the world. (Submitted Photo: Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture.)


Construction could start in spring for 32-story mass timber apartment tower planned in downtown Milwaukee | BizTimes 11.02.2023 Milwaukee Business News

The Edison mass timber building renderings slide show from The Neutral Project for construction start article on apartment tower in Milwaukee Business News BizTimes

The Edison is on its way to becoming the tallest hybrid mass timber building in the world!

Construction is expected to begin between April and June 2024, and it will be completed about two and a half years after breaking ground. The tower will be built along the Milwaukee RiverWalk and will include 381 apartment units, first-floor retail space, and five floors of parking.

The Edison will change the skyline of Milwaukee as a leader in sustainability and will be built using mass timber construction technology.


 

The Edison by The Neutral Project | YouTube 09.26.2023 THE NEUTRAL PROJECT

 

The Edison is a proposed 32-story mass timber apartment building in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is set to become the tallest mass timber building in the world, surpassing the current record holder, Ascent MKE, which is also located in Milwaukee.

The Edison will feature 381 luxury apartments, as well as extensive community amenities, including a spa and fitness center, pool and sauna, demo kitchen, sky lounge, dog park and grooming station, movie room, community garden, entertainment deck with kitchens and an outdoor sport court, 1st-floor pocket parks, library, co-working space, yoga studio, game room, golf simulator, and bike storage and repair space.

In addition to its luxury amenities, The Edison will also be a leader in sustainability. The use of mass timber in its construction will reduce its embodied carbon footprint by up to 88% when compared to a traditional concrete building. The Edison will also incorporate a number of other green features, such as a RideShare program with on-site Teslas and electric vehicle charging stations, an electric eBike and eScooter Share program, highly energy efficient fixtures and appliances, natural low carbon footprint building materials, an energy-efficient HVAC system, and the utilization of Passive design principles.

Construction on The Edison is expected to begin between April and June 2024, with an estimated completion date around April 2026.

The Edison represents a significant step forward in sustainable, luxury living. Its prime location in the thriving economic hub of Milwaukee is a testament our beloved city's commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

Project team members on The Edison include The Neutral Project, Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, Thornton Tomasetti, SpaceCoHodgson DouglasARUP, dbHMS, Priopta, RAD, Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin Inc., JT Engineering and C.D. Smith Construction.

📷 Renderings courtesy of Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture.


Milwaukee Will Be Home to The World’s Tallest Mass Timber Building (Again). | Green Building Advisor 08.21.2023

Milwaukee has apartment high-rises with 1,500 units in the development pipeline. Here's a rundown. | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 06.07.2023

In Conversation: Nate Helbach, Managing Partner, The Neutral Project | Think Wood 05.30.2023

An apartment high-rise planned for downtown Milwaukee is getting bigger--again. | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 05.24.2023

Madison developer again increases height for planned Edison Street apartment tower in downtown Milwaukee | BizTimes 05.19.2023

Mass timber apartment building downtown Milwaukee grows to 32 floors, could become tallest in North America | TMJ4 05.19.2023

Mass timber apartments in downtown Milwaukee grows to 32 floors, 344 units | Milwaukee Business Journal 05.18.2023

Baker's Place - The Skyscraper Center Madison (WI) | Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) 02.2023

Bakers Place - Mass Timber WIN Project | Woodworks Innovation Network (WIN) 02.2023

Baker's Place | Michael Green Architecture (MGA) 02.2023

15-story 'mass timber' tower part of East Wash development | The Cap Times 02.21.2023

Milwaukee Tower To Be Tallest Mass Timber Building in U.S. | Elevator World 02.17.2023

New Mass Timber Building in Milwaukee Could Rise 28 Stories | Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) 02.15.2023

Unique, sustainable mass timber housing coming to Madison | NBC15 02.15.2023

Is Milwaukee becoming the world's mass timber leader? | Woodworking Network 02.15.2023

Milwaukee Update Videos: 02.11.2023 - Detailed Couture Update / Introducing 'The Edison Project' | Milwaukee Central Part Project on YouTube 02.11.2023


Revised plan could make Milwaukee home to two of the world's tallest mass timber towers | Milwaukee Business Journal 02.08.2023

Milwaukee could be home to two of the world's tallest mass timber towers | TMJ4 02.08.2023

Developer significantly increasing height for planned Edison Street apartment tower | BizTimes 02.08.2023

New Mass Timber Building Could Be Tallest in U.S. | Urban Milwaukee 02.06.2023

$73.8M in construction financing secured for multifamily project in Madison | IB InBusiness Madison 01.12.2023

JLL Capital Markets Secures $73.8M in Construction Financing for Multifamily Project in Madison, Wisconsin | REBUSINESS ONLINE 01.11.2023

Pearlmark provides $21.2 million for development of 206-unit apartment development in Madison | REjournals 01.11.2023

Compass Properties JV Lands $74M for Wisconsin Project | Multi-Housing News (MHN) 01.04.2023

$73.8M in construction financing secured for Bakers Place in Madison | JLL 01.03.2023

Bank OZK and Pearlmark Provide $74M Construction Financing for Wisconsin Apartments | Commercial Observer 01.03.2023

Riverside apartment developments totaling 520 units advance in downtown Milwaukee | Milwaukee Business Journal 08.23.2021

Mass Timber Building “Baker’s Place” To Be Built On East Washington | WORT FM 08.10.2021

Ambitious mass timber project in Capitol East district clears first city approval | The Cap Times 07.01.2023

In case you blinked last week, here are all the new and wonderful things they’re building in Milwaukee (Jan. 9-15) | Milwaukee Record 01.18.2022

A 15-story downtown Milwaukee apartment project that will use mass timber construction is planning a spring groundbreaking | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 01.04.2022

A new mass timber project proposed for Wisconsin | Forest Data Network 06.17.2021

Timber Project Proposed in Madison Incorporates Historic Building | Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) 06.15.2021

Michael Green Architecture reveals a mass timber tower in Madison, Wisconsin | The Architect's Newspaper 06.10.2021

Developers propose 15-story tower for still-booming East Washington Avenue | The Cap Times 03.17.2021

Plans in early stages for 15-story 'mass timber' development on East Washington | The Cap Times 03.12.2021

 


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