Milwaukee, WI – (June, 16, 2025) – Neutral, the Madison-based developer with a focus on innovative, long-term sustainability, has officially broken ground on Neutral Edison. The 31-story mass timber tower is set to become the tallest mass timber building in the United States. Designed to focus on resident wellness, environmental stewardship, and high-performance living, the development is more than another record-breaking milestone for Milwaukee. It's a model for the world of how we believe buildings should be built and people should live well.
The site at 1005 N Ediston Street has a rich history. In the early 1900s, it served as a timber yard, where logs floated down the Milwaukee River to be used as solid wood beams for the city’s industrial rise. The timbers sorted here built the iconic post-and-beam architecture of the Third Ward.
“Not only are we building a mass timber building, but the façade is built to replicate the old stacked post-and-beam columns that once stood here in the 1910s and 1920s," Neutral Co-Founder and CEO Nate Helbach shared during the ceremony.
Mass timber construction is more than an architectural choice; it’s a climate-conscious commitment. The project blends exposed mass timber with natural materials and state-of-the-art ventilation systems, creating an environment that nurtures resident well-being and environmental sustainability.
Neutral Edison is pursuing Passive House certification (following the PHIUS 2021 Core Standard), one of the leading and strictest certifications for energy-efficient buildings. The project is also pursuing Living Building Challenge 4.0 Core Certification, focused on sustainable buildings and overall resident well-being.
Mass timber, a durable and sustainably engineered wood product, has numerous benefits for the environment, the consumer, and the developer. In producing far fewer carbon emissions than conventional steel or concrete construction, mass timber absorbs carbon dioxide. A large portion of Neutral’s mass timber is FSC-certified, an uncommon certification in the U.S. that has a strict standard. From a development point of view, mass timber also means less weight and construction waste. The materials and building are projected to:
Neutral recently completed a three-hour fire test on a timber assembly using standard components, proving that mass timber is not only sustainable but safe and scalable.
“Using mass timber technology in conjunction with a low-carbon, high-performing envelope, Neutral Edison sets a new standard for sustainable building design and construction practices,” said Daniel Glaessl, Partner & Chief Product Officer. “We couldn’t be more excited for the launch of this property with first-in-class offerings for healthy and intentional living.”
Neutral Edison will bring 350 residential apartments (studio, one-, two-, and three-bedrooms) to the heart of the city, as well as approximately 7,200 square feet of retail space. Residents will enjoy a full floor membership club with a fitness center, health clinic, spa, pool, and sauna. The first floor will feature a membership workspace, café, and organic grocery store, while the top floor lounge offers a community garden and entertainment deck.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson praised the project’s impact: "It helps Juneau Town grow and thrive because more residents mean more activity, more support for local businesses, and stronger connections to jobs and transit. We welcome developers who want to help Milwaukee grow.”
With shovels in hand and the Milwaukee River as a backdrop, the June 16th groundbreaking ceremony brought together city leaders, project partners, and community members to celebrate a project that’s as much about Milwaukee’s future as it is about honoring its past. Construction is now officially underway, with Neutral Edison expected to reach its full height in 2026 and welcome its first residents in 2027.
Stay tuned for updates as we share milestones and behind-the-scenes moments for a new chapter in sustainable urban living in Milwaukee and beyond.
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About Neutral
Neutral is a holistic real estate developer building ground-up market-rate multifamily assets in the Midwest region, which has gained global acclaim as one of the leaders in real estate focused on sustainability, resident health, and well-being. Neutral buildings use mass timber and meet the industry’s most rigorous sustainability certifications, including Passive House, Living Building Challenge, LEED, and Energy Star. Neutral recently completed the Bakers Place project with 206 rental units in downtown Madison, WI.
Headquartered in Madison, Neutral was founded in 2020 by Nate Helbach and Matt Frazer. For more information, visit www.neutral.us
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