MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Hines will develop a 32-story office tower in downtown Milwaukee for Northwestern Mutual – a demonstration of growing confidence in the economic recovery. The 1.1 million sf project is expected to be completed in 2017 and will provide an additional 1,900 new jobs at Northwestern Mutual. Designed by New Haven, CT-based Pickard Chilton, the Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons is an elegant, 32-story glass office tower and a two-block long Commons that is integrated with the company’s historic 1914 headquarters.
The Milwaukee building is an affirmation of confidence in the economy, said Robert Dye, chief economist of Comerica Bank. High-rise office towers are significant endorsement of economic recovery because they are costly and risky propositions, Dye said.
In remarks to The Houston Economics Club Wednesday, Dye said the construction of new office towers influences other high-rise developers and investors to start other high-rise projects.
“Northwestern Mutual’s significant investment in this development is a testament to the company’s long history of civic-mindedness and support of its community,” said Pickard Chilton principal architect William Chilton. “This project will further contribute to its long-term viability, growth and success.”