Codes and Standards

Milwaukee board approves rezoning for Western Hemisphere’s tallest mass timber building

Feb. 5, 2019

The Milwaukee City Council’s City Plan Commission unanimously approved rezoning for a project that includes what could be the Western Hemisphere’s tallest mass timber structure.

The 21-story Ascent residential tower would use cast-in-place concrete for the first five floors and concrete shafts from top to bottom. A 15-story exposed mass-timber system that uses steel connectors would be installed on the base.

The architect says the mass-timber system could be installed in as little as four months. The design will feature up to 205 residential units and as much as 8,100 sf of first-floor commercial space.

Enclosed parking would be provided on four floors. Roof-top amenities would also be included. The project still must attain additional approvals.

Sign up for Building Design+Construction Newsletters