The construction of Neutral 1005 N Edison St is set to begin on June 16 and, once completed, it will be the highest wooden skyscraper in the world
Milwaukee aims for another record with the highest wooden skyscraper
Milwaukee is ready to raise the bar again in the global race for the highest wooden skyscraper. After claiming the current title with Ascent Tower (86.6 meters), the city is preparing to break ground on Neutral 1005 N Edison St, a new mass timber building projected to reach 114.3 meters in height.
Construction is scheduled to begin on June 16, with completion expected by 2027, securing a new global record for vertical timber construction.
31 floors of wellness and sustainable living
The new structure will feature 31 stories, housing 350 residential units and over 7,200 square feet of commercial space. Residents will enjoy a lifestyle focused on health and well-being, with an entire floor dedicated to a wellness club, including a gym, spa, sauna, and indoor pool.
The Neutral Edison skyscraper will use mass timber as the primary structural element, combined with natural materials and advanced ventilation systems. The design prioritizes resident comfort while significantly reducing environmental impact.
Mass timber is engineered for long-term durability and low environmental footprint. Compared to traditional steel or concrete construction, it emits far less carbon and actively absorbs CO₂, while minimizing construction waste and debris.
Slashing the building’s carbon footprint
According to project developers, Neutral Edison will cut its carbon footprint by 45% compared to conventional buildings of similar size and use. The project also aims to achieve Passive House certification, a globally recognized benchmark for energy-efficient buildings, and to qualify for the Living Building Challenge 4.0 Core, a rigorous standard focused on sustainability and occupant wellness.
And Milwaukee may not stop there. According to architect Michael Green, plans are underway for an even more ambitious wooden structure: the Marcus Performing Arts Center. If completed as envisioned, this building would rise to 55 stories, twice the height of Ascent, setting a new global benchmark for the highest wooden skyscraper.
