Value-Added Benefits

Mass timber materials are not inexpensive. However, mass timber offers several cost competitive advantages and long-term benefits. Columns, beams and panels on average weigh 1/5th the weight of concrete and steel materials, reducing shipping costs and requiring a smaller workforce to install. With prefabricated panels delivered directly to jobsites, construction time can be reduced by approximately 25 percent, saving owners even more time and money. Furthermore, wood structures have a biophilic effect on people, increasing occupants’ overall health and wellness and give long-term value to the design.

YOUR PROJECT. OUR PRIORITY.^® | We'd love to hear from you and look forward to learning more for discovering how to build community by connecting you with integrated commercial construction expertise.

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Mass Timber Project News

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Bakers Place April 2025 Project Update | Neutral April CEO Newsletter 04.15.2025

3-Hour Fire Test Proves Mass Timber’s Strength for High-Rise Construction | BENEATH THE HARD HAT^® 04.30.2025

3-Hour Mass Timber Fire Test: A Milestone for Safe, Sustainable High-Rise Construction

Did you know mass timber can withstand three hours of fire exposure without losing strength?  A three-hour fire test at Southwest Research Institute recently proved this. Discover how this test series supports safer, more efficient high-rise construction and the future of mass timber construction.

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Neutral.Edison Joins the Living Building Challenge | Neutral Blog 02.24.2025

Madison multifamily projects expected to ease housing shortage | Bakers Place | 01.23.2025 Finance & Commerce

The Edison: Milwaukee Mass Timber Building Secures $133.3M Financing | 01.2025 BENEATH THE HARD HAT^®

The Edison secures $133.3M for sustainable mass timber building in Milwaukee. Learn how this luxury development is advancing urban living and construction.

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Title of Tallest Mass Timber Building Could Come Back to Milwaukee | ENR Midwest 01.22.2025

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Projects in Milwaukee and beyond booming in 2025 | 01.03.2025 THE DAILY REPORTER

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Bakers Place: Luxury + Sustainability Mass Timber in Madison, Wisconsin | Fall 2024 BENEATH THE HARD HAT^®

Madison's skyline is changing, with the addition of its first mass timber high-rise. Bakers Place, a mixed-use development, is nearing completion. It blends historic charm with sustainability while offering luxury living spaces and community-focused amenities, setting a new standard for eco-friendly urban development in Wisconsin's capital.

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Test to Failure: Researchers Study Fire Behavior for Better Mass Timber Buildings | 11.15.2024 USDA Forest Service

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Mass timber: the future of construction? | 10.25.2024 FINANCIAL TIMES

(24 October 2024) | Ascent MKE, the world's tallest hybrid mass timber building, was featured in Financial Times' latest video "Mass Timber: The Future of Construction."

The recognition further highlights the global significance of the project and its contribution to sustainable urban development.

Key aspects of Ascent MKE:

1. Innovative Hybrid Design: Combining a six-story concrete base with 19 stories of mass timber, Ascent MKE showcases the versatility and potential of engineered wood.

2. Environmental Impact: The use of mass timber significantly reduces the building's carbon footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals and setting new standards for eco-friendly construction.

3. Fire Ratings: The project proved three fire ratings to qualify for Type I building, including: the horizontal floors and ceilings achieved a two-hour fire rating, the steel connectors achieved a two-hour fire rating, and the structural timber frame (glulam columns) achieved a world-first 3-hour fire resistance rating.

4. Economic Viability: Ascent MKE demonstrates that innovative, sustainable construction can be both environmentally responsible and economically feasible.

5. Rapid Construction: The use of prefabricated mass timber elements allowed for efficient on-site building assembly, reducing overall construction time.

Advancing the Industry

As highlighted in the Financial Times video, mass timber construction is gaining momentum globally. Work on Ascent MKE and other mass timber projects is contributing to a growing body of knowledge about mass timber construction, helping to shape the future of wood as a renewable and sustainable building material.

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The Rise of Mass Timber: A Sustainable Building Solution For Wisconsin | Spring 2024 BENEATH THE HARD HAT^®

C.D. Smith is leading the way in sustainable construction with their involvement in numerous mass timber projects, including Ascent MKE, the world's tallest hybrid mass timber building. These projects demonstrate the company's commitment to an innovative and eco-friendly approach. By embracing mass timber, C.D. Smith is helping to shape a greener future for the construction industry.

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Milwaukee is the Center of Mass Timber Momentum | FacilitiesNet 09.27.2024

The Ascent, Milwaukee's tallest mass timber building, has redefined urban living. This innovative high-rise apartment complex not only reduces its carbon footprint but also streamlines construction. Milwaukee's commitment to mass timber is evident in its ambitious plans for the future, including multiple proposed mass timber towers and buildings in development. As more developers recognize the advantages of mass timber, Milwaukee's skyline is poised to become a showcase of innovation and environmental responsibility. For more information, visit the full article at https://www.facilitiesnet.com/designconstruction/tip/Milwaukee-is-the-Center....

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Wisconsin's Wooden Skyscrapers | BELT Magazine 09.26.2024

Wisconsin is at the forefront of a sustainable building revolution. The state's mass timber construction projects, such as Milwaukee's Ascent, showcase the innovation and environmental benefits of this emerging technology. Mass timber offers faster construction, reduced carbon emissions, and improved indoor air quality.

While mass timber faces challenges like fire safety concerns and the need for responsible harvesting, its potential is undeniable. As Wisconsin continues to lead the way in mass timber adoption, it is paving the path for a more sustainable and resilient future. For more information, visit the full article at https://beltmag.com/wisconsins-wooden-skyscrapers/.

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Construction Set to Begin on The Edison: Taking Mass Timber to New Heights in Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 06.20.2024 

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Building the Future: How Skilled Trades are Adapting to Mass Timber Construction | Spring 2024 BENEATH THE HARD HAT^®

Discover innovations in mass timber high-rise construction from the collaboration between ironworkers and carpenters. Learn how skilled trades professionals are working together to build sustainable urban architecture.

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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.

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

Madison's landmark mass timber construction project, Bakers Place, approaches topping-out milestone as it rises in the city's skyline.

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

On March 15th, The Daily Reporter published an article on the status of The Edison, a 32-story mass timber apartment tower planned for downtown Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Plan Commission will review plans for The Edison project on March 25, 2024. This comes after the project was approved by the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals on March 7th.

SUSTAINABLE FEATURES AND CONSTRUCTION: The Edison will be built using mass timber, which can significantly reduce construction emissions. The project also aims for LEED certification, incorporating features like green roofs and alternative energy sources. The building will also prioritize electric vehicle usage and lean into public transportation options.

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED FOR RIVERWALK: The Edison project also includes plans for improvements to the Riverwalk. This includes a new dock area for pedestrians, an expanded walkway, and better pedestrian access. The design concept also features an adjacent park and public lobby.

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

On March 7th, a Milwaukee Business Journal article reported that The Edison, a 32-story mass timber apartment tower, is moving forward after gaining Milwaukee zoning approval.

NEXT STOP: PLAN COMMISSION ⏭: With the zoning appeal secured, The Edison sets its sights on the Milwaukee Plan Commission for review later this month. A successful outcome would allow initial site prep to begin as early as July 2024.

GOING GREEN WITH MASS TIMBER 🌲: The Edison is poised to be a leader in sustainable construction. This high-rise will utilize mass timber for its structure, provided by global supplier Stora Enso. Mass timber boasts several environmental benefits, including faster construction times and a reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional building materials. 

LUXE LIVING ON THE RISE ☕: This community-centric development boasts 381 residential units and over 6,300 square feet of ground-floor retail space, a pool, a fitness center and a pickleball court. It joins an impressive wave of luxury high-rises with swanky amenities, including the Ascent mass timber tower.

BIG IMPACT FROM LOCAL PLAYERS 🏗: C.D. Smith Construction, an experienced company in mass timber projects, is leading the construction. The project is committed to keeping most of the work local by selecting Milwaukee-based contractors for major mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire suppression systems.

FINANCING ON THE HORIZON 💰: The Neutral Project, the developer behind The Edison, is optimistic about securing funding. This positive outlook paves the way for finalizing designs and engineering.

THE EDISON: A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE 🚀: This project could be a game-changer for mass timber construction and sustainable architecture in Milwaukee. The Neutral Project is vying to build an even taller mass timber building on a nearby site, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

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

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

 

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

 

The Neutral Project is gearing up to break ground on The Edison, a 32-story mass timber hybrid building at 1005 N. Edison St. in Milwaukee.

BUILDING THE FUTURE, TOGETHER: The project is a collaborative effort involving several key players. Having built The Ascent and working on Bakers Place in Madison, C.D. Smith brings expertise in mass timber construction. And Chicago-based Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture is providing essential design services.

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS WITH SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS: The 381-unit mass timber development is not just about reshaping the skyline but also about sustainability. The Neutral Project's visionary approach aligns with the growing demand for sustainable architecture. The Edison is a testament to their commitment. It will potentially be the tallest mass timber building in the world, surpassing Milwaukee's own Ascent, which currently holds the record at 25 stories.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF MASS TIMBER: Mass timber boasts several environmental benefits, including faster construction times and a reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional building materials.

CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE: As highlighted in The Daily Reporter, securing funding is crucial, and The Neutral Project is actively seeking $40 million in equity from investors. The construction timeline hinges on successful funding, with the goal of breaking ground in September.

HOW IT WILL BE BUILT: The construction methodology integrates the efficiency of mass timber, with the first seven stories featuring a combination of steel and concrete, showcasing the benefits of mass timber by using rapid timber floor construction on the rest of the stories.

HOLISTIC LIVING: AMENITIES AND COMMUNITY SPACES | The Edison is not just a residential complex; it's a community-centric development with 381 units. Over 6,300 square feet of ground-floor retail space, a pool, a fitness center, and even a pickleball court contribute to a holistic living experience.

ANTICIPATING MILESTONES: STAY TUNED | You can learn more from The Daily Reporter and Finance & Commerce articles at the links 🔗 in this post's comments, and stay tuned for more mass timber construction milestones and project updates from our web page and social feeds.

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

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

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

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

📰 The Neutral Project made news in Milwaukee Business Journal for a vision that extends beyond The Edison.

CATCH-UP QUICK: Developed by The Neutral Project, The Edison is a 32-story mixed-use tower that employs a hybrid timber and concrete structure. The apartment building offers environmental and community-oriented benefits and is poised to become the world's tallest hybrid mass timber tower.

BY THE NUMBERS: Upon completion, The Edison will surpass the current record holder for the tallest mass timber building in downtown Milwaukee, the Ascent MKE. Not only will this feat contribute to the city's growing skyline, but it'll also provide:

👍 381 much-needed residential units

☕ ground-floor retail and restaurant spaces

🌿 leading example of responsible and sustainable development

🌟 revitalized atmosphere and environment for a vibrant community

MASS TIMBER TAKES CENTER STAGE: The Neutral Project is embracing construction methods on The Edison similar to those utilized on their 206-unit Bakers Place development in Madison. A sustainable building method using manufactured timber beams, columns and floor decks offers the advantages of faster construction times and a reduced carbon footprint. This approach demonstrates a commitment to leveraging innovative solutions for improved project outcomes.

LOOKING AHEAD: Test piles are expected to be driven this summer, paving the way for a potential construction start in fall 2024. With a commitment to sustainable and innovative construction, The Edison is poised to be a landmark achievement in Milwaukee's architectural and community landscape.

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

The Edison in Milwaukee is poised to become the world's tallest hybrid mass timber building.

UNIQUE HYBRID STRUCTURE: Developed by The Neutral Project, the 32-story mixed-use tower employs a hybrid timber and concrete structure.

👇 Here's the breakdown, according to a November 9, 2023 Finance and Commerce magazine article:

» Levels 1-8 use post-tensioned concrete

» Levels 8-32 feature innovative mass-timber hybrid construction.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING: The Neutral Project prioritizes sustainability, leveraging mass timber technology. The Edison is targeting Passive House (Phius) certification, aligning with the mainstream push for eco-friendly, high-performance building standards.

DOUBLING IN SIZE: The Edison underwent revisions, doubling in size. This shift reflects adaptability to evolving needs and sustainable construction standards.

GLOBAL IMPACT: Milwaukee, already home to groundbreaking projects like The Ascent, reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable architecture. The Edison's success could also echo globally, influencing urban development norms.

CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE: The project's mere existence signifies a transformative shift towards sustainable, eco-friendly urban living. Construction is expected to start in late 2024, with an estimated completion date in 2027. (Note: The Q2 2024 start date mentioned in the Woodworking Network article is inaccurate.)

MILWAUKEE INNOVATION HUB: With The Ascent and now The Edison, Milwaukee positions itself as a hub for innovative, environmentally responsible architecture, reshaping the city's skyline and influencing future developments.

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

📰 At the heart of innovation, The Edison is set to not only become the tallest mass timber building in the world but also is paving the way towards more sustainable construction practices and carbon-neutral materials. At 32-stories tall, this revolutionary project has been featured in USA Today for redefining more than Milwaukee's skyline.

CATCH UP QUICK: Here are 👇 some high points from the latest USA Today article along with key details about The Edison mass timber project so far:

🌎🌲 The USA Today Article

The Edison will be built leveraging mass timber construction technology, which follows the Neutral Project's mission to construct sustainable communities with carbon-neutral buildings. It's poised to break records and set new standards in sustainable architecture.

The USA Today article outlines key features, environmental benefits and the overall impact of The Edison on the urban landscape. It talks about the collaborative partnership between The Neutral Project and e-States and how the combination of eco-conscious real estate development and next-generational investing is revolutionizing the built environment and improving our communities.  

WHAT'S HAPPENING: The Mass Timber Construction Page of the C.D. Smith website has been a beacon of information, chronicling news, milestones and project information. Here's 👇 a summary of what we've shared:

🌟☕ The Edison is a premier multifamily property consisting of 381 apartment units. Luxury amenities cater to Milwaukee's high-end housing market.

📍👍 It's located along the Milwaukee RiverWalk in the heart of downtown Milwaukee.

🌿♻️ The property aims to reduce embodied and operational carbon by leveraging mass timber construction technology and targeting Passive House (Phius) certification. 

🏗️⌛ Construction is expected to start between April and September of 2024, with an estimated completion date in early 2027.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The Edison Mass Timber Project is more than just a building; it's a symbol of progress and sustainability.

LEARN MORE: You can read the full USA Today article here and stay tuned for more mass timber construction news from our web page and social feeds. 

Project team members on The Edison include The Neutral Project, Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, Thornton Tomasetti, SPACECO, Inc., HDLA, Arup, dbHMS, Priopta, RAD, RWDI, JT Engineering, Inc. and C.D. Smith Construction.

#Sustainability #MassTimber #Innovation #Wisconsin #Milwaukee #Construction #ProjectUpdate #EngineeredWood #realestate #residentialdevelopment #MultiFamily #LuxuryLiving #building #CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

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The tallest mass timber building in the world is in Milwaukee | Wisconsin Public Radio 11.23.2023 

🌎 You'd never know it from the outside, but the 25-story Ascent tower is officially the world's tallest hybrid MASS TIMBER building.

NOT JUST ANY WOOD: The engineered wood for Ascent is far from the stuff you can pick up from your local lumber yard.

Here's what makes it different: 👇

🔨 Mass timber consists of multiple wood panels nailed or glued together, so it's made up of thick and compressed layers of wood.

🔥 Engineered wood has inherent fire-resistant properties; which is why when glue-laminated timber for Ascent was fire tested, outer layer charring protected the inner layers of the columns and they kept their structural integrity.

🌲 The timber for Ascent was sustainably sourced from Austria, from forests using best practices for ensuring future growth and resources.

You can discover more mass timber facts from Milwaukee by reading the Wisconsin Public Radio article, 'The tallest mass timber building in the world is in Milwaukee.'

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Reaching New Heights | DESIGN DEVELOP CONSTRUCT JOURNAL Fall 2023

The path to mass timber wasn't always simple, but New Land Enterprises' commitment to innovation resulted in a landmark achievement with the completion of Ascent. 

WHAT WE'RE READING: The Fall 2023 Issue of Design, Develop and Construct, DDC Journal features insights from Tim Gokhman, Managing Director at New Land Enterprises, on building the world's tallest hybrid mass timber building.

PAR FOR THE COURSE ON INNOVATION: Gokhman's Milwaukee-based firm is no stranger to innovation, but Ascent MKE was the first to obtain global recognition at this scale. And it was no small feat.

LUCK, SCIENCE, WORK AND RISK: The Ascent MKE project overcame financing and code variance challenges, and the City of Milwaukee needed to understand the science behind mass timber before New Land could move forward. After proving three fire ratings to persuade skeptics, they qualified for a Type I building and obtained planning permission from the City. By fall of 2020 they were driving piles into the ground.

BRINGING IN THE EXPERTS: New Land recruited an all-star team of subject matter experts from Korb + Associates, Thornton Tomasetti, Timberlab, ARUP, Catalyst Construction and C.D. Smith.

STRAIGHT TALK FROM TIM: "Building the world's tallest mass timber structure requires bringing in subject matter experts from all across the world and combining that knowledge with best practices for construction a high-rise tower," Gokhman says. "C.D. Smith's track record in the latter, as well as their team's creative problem solving and perseverance, is exemplary."

MORE MASS TIMBER STORIES: In addition to building Ascent, C.D. Smith is the only contractor in the Mid-West with timber projects exceeding 14 stories. Ascent MKE is 25 stories. Bakers Place in Madison, Wisconsin is 14 stories. And at the time this article was published, The Neutral Project proposed The Edison, a 32-story mass timber apartment building in downtown Milwaukee.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM LINE: C.D. Smith is proud to have been a key player in the planning and construction of Ascent MKE. Our crews exceeded expectations at every turn and consistently apply lessons learned to other mass timber projects.

You can read the full article from Design Develop Construct DDC Journal by going to page 24 of the Fall 2023 Issue at DDCJOURNAL.COM.

 

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Construction update for 32-story mass timber apartment tower planned in downtown Milwaukee | whymke 12.19.2023

📰 The Edison, a proposed 32-story mass timber tower in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is continuing to make news. Here's 👇 the latest:

🏗️⌛ Construction Schedule

An updated construction timeline has been announced. Construction is expected to start between April and September of 2024, with an estimated completion date in early 2027.

📍👍 Location and Approvals

The Edison site is along the Milwaukee RiverWalk in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. Madison-based developer, The Neutral Project, is awaiting approvals after submitting a proposal in late fall of 2023 (and is expected to take 2-3 months) with the Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) - City of Milwaukee to go through Plan Commission and Common Council review.

🌎🌲 Tallest Mass Timber Tower in the World

The Edison will be built leveraging mass timber construction technology, which follows the Neutral Project's mission to construct sustainable communities with carbon-neutral buildings.

It's set to become the world's tallest hybrid mass timber building.

🌟☕ Premier Multifamily Property with Luxury Amenities

The multifamily property includes 381 apartment units, first-floor retail space and five floors of parking with over 30 spaces.

Plans reveal a massive list of amenities, including a lobby, café, fitness center, spa, pool, sauna, demo kitchen, sky lounge, dog park, movie room, community garden, entertainment deck with kitchens, an outdoor sports court and more.

Project team members on The Edison include The Neutral Project, Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, Thornton Tomasetti, SPACECO, Inc., HDLA, Arup, dbHMS, Priopta, RAD, RWDI, JT Engineering, Inc. and C.D. Smith Construction.

#Sustainability #MassTimber #Innovation #Wisconsin #Milwaukee #Construction #ProjectUpdate #EngineeredWood #realestate #residentialdevelopment #MultiFamily #LuxuryLiving #building #CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

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

In September The Neutral Project shared a video with new renderings of the 32-story Edison tower, and a November 2nd BizTimes article reported that the Madison-based developer submitted a proposal with the Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) - City of Milwaukee so it can go through Plan Commission and Common Council review.

💰🏗️ Financing and Construction

The Neutral Project plans to complete its financing package in the first quarter of 2024.

Construction is expected to begin between April and September 2024, with an estimated completion date about two and a half years after breaking ground.

📍🌟 Location and Amenities

The Edison will be built along the Milwaukee RiverWalk, amidst a diverse range of urban neighborhoods, restaurants and industries.

It will include 381 apartment units, first-floor retail space & five floors of parking with over 30 spaces.

Plans reveal a massive list of amenities, including a  lobby, café, fitness center, spa, pool, sauna, demo kitchen, sky lounge, dog park, movie room, community garden, entertainment deck with kitchens, an outdoor sport court and more.

🌿♻️ Leader in Sustainability

The premier multifamily property will be built leveraging mass timber construction technology, an approach that follows the Neutral Project's mission to construct sustainable communities consisting of carbon-neutral buildings.

🌎🌲 Tall Timber

The Edison is set to become the tallest hybrid mass timber building in the world. 

It will change the skyline of Milwaukee and stand tall in its representation of our commitment to innovation and sustainability for people and the planet.

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Lean Construction: Building the World's Tallest Mass Timber Hybrid | BENEATH THE HARD HAT^®

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What is Mass Timber and What are the Benefits?

• Mass timber is a sustainable building material with a low carbon footprint. It has fewer embodied carbons and requires less water and energy to produce than concrete or steel. It is also cleaner to construct, which aids in reducing carbon emissions during construction. Mass timber also locks in carbon from the atmosphere, benefiting everyone in the building and community for years to come.

• Mass timber is highly rated for seismic resilience and has vibration-resistant properties to withstand the impacts of explosions, earthquakes and high winds. The predictable way it burns and chars is unique to mass timber and it meets or exceeds burn codes in the event of a fire.

• Mass timber is prefabricated, lending itself to a faster build time. Additionally, materials that are prefabricated offsite require significantly less truck traffic on the construction site. 

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Mass Timber Construction Projects

NEUTRAL.EDISON

Neutral.Edison is a stunning 31-story, 357-unit multifamily building with over 7,200 SF of retail space along the Milwaukee Riverwalk. It's built using a hybrid engineered wood system, with a Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) floor system, glulam columns, concrete beams, stairs, and cores.

Take a tour of the Neutral.Edison Project page, including the latest media news, by jumping to primary topics of interest from the NEUTRAL.EDISON PAGE MENU!

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BAKER'S PLACE

The  Baker’s Place project in Madison, Wisconsin is a new 14-storey mixed-use development constructed from mass-timber, creating 206 homes and preserving the oldest historic piece of the original Gardner Baking Co. Building. The project’s design is driven by a commitment to heritage, sustainability, innovation, and community.

Take a tour of the Baker's Place Project page, including the latest media news, by jumping to primary topics of interest from the BAKER'S PLACE PAGE MENU!

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FASTENAL OFFICE BUILDING

Fastenal Company's new corporate office is more than a building. It's a SUSTAINABLY-built MASS TIMBER facility designed to pay homage to its HISTORIC riverfront surroundings. By incorporating mass timber construction as an alternative to the original steel frame concept, SUSTAINABILITY was one of THREE key accomplishments for Fastenal's landmark new building.

The nearly 100,000 square foot, multi-story building was designed by The Kubala Washatko Architects (TKWA) to pay homage to its HISTORIC surroundings. Through the use of locally sourced stone and mixed media materials, they achieved a perceived timelessness in the context of the downtown riverfront area. That was the second accomplishment.

And the third resulted from the goal of creating a workplace environment for attracting new talent and businesses to the riverfront. Fastenal brought 450 employees to downtown Winona to achieve an initial economic boost with hopes for lasting positive impacts for attracting and retaining talent at their company and throughout the city.

Learn more from the project profile!

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RIVERHEATH POPLAR HALL - EVENT SPACE

With its modern, two-story contemporary mass timber design, Poplar Hall at RiverHeath is by far the most unique building to date, both in architecture and construction materials, as well as the function of the space itself.

The new, free-standing 8,400 square-foot structure consists of glulam and cross-laminated timber framing to create a new event space for live entertainment, corporate events and a wide array of social, celebratory functions.

Although the building has a relatively small footprint, this space has a high density of amenities to cater to all its occupants.

These amenities and features include 30’ tall windows to the west for brilliant views of the Fox River, two indoor gas fireplaces, two full-service bars, one full-service kitchen and servery, a decorative timber tread monument stair between floors, a green room and a stage for events and presentations, as well as seating and standing space to accommodate 395 occupants.

FEATURES INCLUDE:
» Two Full-Service Bars
» Full-Service Restaurants
» Two Indoor Fireplaces
» Green Room & Stage for Presentations
» Zamboni Garage + Ice Skating Rink Floor to Ceiling Windows
» Accommodates 395 Guests

Learn more about this award-winning wood design from its project profile.

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THE ASCENT PROJECT - MASS TIMBER VS. TRADITIONAL BUILDING

Curious how mass timber construction schedules stack up against traditional concrete structures? Scroll past the image 👇 for a quick comparison sourced from an interview clip with Project Manager Chris Johansen on the Ascent project in Milwaukee.

Per Floor Comparison
(typical concrete building the same size as Ascent)
⌛ Eight to ten days per floor for a concrete building
⏳ Five to six days per floor with timber

Other interesting construction schedule notes and insights from building the world's tallest hybrid mass timber tower include:
🏗 Curtain wall installation can follow more closely up the building (allowing interiors to start sooner than on a concrete structure)
🏗 The ~64 columns per floor could fly up in bundles of three. Once on their designated floor, all 64 could be set in a day.
🏗 Only one or two beams could be picked and flown up at a time. A typical floor has ~75 beams. Once staged on the deck, all 75 could be installed in a day.

The above is a quick snapshot with stats and insights taken from a 48-minute full-length video tour produced by WoodWorks | Wood Products Council behind the scenes at the Ascent project.

Interviews featured in the full-length version include representation with insights and expertise from C.D. Smith Construction, Korb and Associates Architects, Thornton Tomasetti Engineering, and Ascent owners, New Land Enterprises.

For access to the full-length video, go to https://www.cdsmith.com/ascent#woodworks-video. Or tour all of the information on the Ascent Project page, including the latest media news, by jumping to primary topics of interest from the ASCENT PAGE MENU at https://www.cdsmith.com/ascent#menu!

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LEAN CONSTRUCTION: BUILDING THE WORLD'S TALLEST HYBRID MASS TIMBER TOWER

When building the world's tallest mass timber hybrid building, Ascent, the project team took an approach similar to 'sharpening the axe.'
"Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe" is an iconic quote from Abraham Lincoln that we've all probably heard at some point in our careers.

In our most recent post from Beneath the Hard Hat®, we explore the importance of lean construction practices and planning principles that can be applied to any project, according to the following subtopics:

» PLANNING & EARLY TEAM INVOLVEMENT

» FORESIGHT & PREVENTING ERRORS

» VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS & MANAGEMENT

» CULTURE OF RESPECT & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

» TARGET VALUE DELIVERY

By sharpening our axe, we can effectively and efficiently execute a project, deliver it on time, within budget and minimize waste and rework.

Go to LEAN CONSTRUCTION: BUILDING THE WORLD'S TALLEST MASS TIMBER HYBRID for a deeper dive into the study of lean construction methods for building the world's tallest mass timber hybrid.

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How Tall Can We Build with Timber?

Tomorrow's Build

 

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World's tallest hybrid mass timber building construction: Ascent in Milwaukee

Get a behind-the-scenes look with WoodWorks for a video tour and project team interviews with the mass timber experts working on the Ascent project.

Step behind the scenes with Jennifer Cover, President & CEO of WoodWorks, as she interviews the project team on the Ascent project, currently under construction in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Get an in-depth look at Ascent straight from the experts - in a part video tour and part sit-down Q&A format - as they build their way to the top of the tallest mass timber structure in the world.

Video production courtesy of WoodWorks. Interview features include representation with insights and expertise from C.D. Smith Construction, Korb + Associates Architects, Thornton Tomasetti Engineering, and Ascent owners, New Land Enterprises.

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Beam to column connections and Building Information Modeling (BIM) on the Ascent project in Milwaukee

Visit the Ascent project jobsite with WoodWorks and Project Manager Chris Johansen for insights from the mass timber experts on beam to column connections and the use of BIM.

 

WoodWorks’ President & CEO, Jennifer Cover, P.E. and C.D. Smith Project Manager, Chris Johansen discuss beam to column connections and the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) on New Land Enterprises’ Ascent project at the project jobsite in Milwaukee.

Video production courtesy of WoodWorks.

*Note: This is a video excerpt from a 48-minute video tour with project team interviews produced by WoodWorks | Wood Products Council. Interviews featured in the full-length version include representation with insights and expertise from C.D. Smith Construction, Korb + Associates Architects, Thornton Tomasetti Engineering, and Ascent owners, New Land Enterprises.

Watch the full-length feature in its entirety to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Ascent project from various perspectives at https://www.cdsmith.com/ascent#woodworks-video.

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