Milwaukee is set to break records with The Edison, a $700 million redevelopment project that will become the tallest mass timber building in the world and the tallest structure in Wisconsin. 

The Edison will feature up to 750 residential units, 190,000 square feet of office space, 40,000 square feet of retail space, 300 hotel rooms, 1,100 parking spaces, and public plazas, according to Newsweek. 

Mayor Cavalier Johnson expressed his excitement, stating, “This project will help us reach new heights, adding density and activity to an underutilized downtown area while setting local and global records.”

The Edison will build upon Milwaukee’s legacy of mass timber construction, as the city is already home to the world’s tallest mass timber tower, the 25-story Ascent MKE. 

Mass timber towers are constructed using engineered wood products, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional concrete and steel. These materials reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and contribute to faster, less disruptive construction processes. It is yet to be seen if the tower will actually bring the city any recognition or increased tourism.