News Summary
The construction of the Edison, a 31-story mass-timber development in downtown Milwaukee, has been temporarily halted due to rising costs from tariffs and inflation. Developer Neutral announced on September 18 that the stop was a ‘prudent step’ to ensure the project’s success and plans to focus on value-engineering during the pause. The construction site currently resembles a ‘ghost town,’ and although a dispute with the general contractor exists, no comments have been made. The future of the Edison project remains uncertain amidst these financial pressures.
Milwaukee – The construction of the Edison, a 31-story mass-timber development in downtown Milwaukee, has been temporarily halted due to rising costs attributed to tariffs and inflation. The developer, Neutral, announced the work stoppage in a statement released on September 18, citing financial pressures as the primary reason for the pause.
According to the statement, the CEO of Neutral described the halt as a “prudent step” aimed at ensuring the project’s long-term success. During this suspension of work, the developer plans to focus on “value-engineering,” which involves analyzing and optimizing the design and materials used to reduce costs without compromising quality.
Local media has characterized the construction site as a “construction site-turned-ghost town,” as progress on what was poised to be a landmark building has come to a standstill. The development has also encountered a dispute between Neutral and its general contractor, Fond du Lac-based C.D. Smith, although no comments have been made by C.D. Smith regarding the construction stoppage.
Despite the current situation, Neutral intends to maintain the site responsibly. Safeguarding the completed work will be a priority during this pause to ensure that everything is secured until construction can resume. The Edison project broke ground in June and has already completed its foundation. It is designed to utilize approximately 100,000 cubic feet of lumber and is expected to become the largest mass-timber building in North America, surpassing Neutral’s previous record with the 25-story Ascent.
No timeline has been established for the resumption of construction. Currently, the estimated completion date for the first apartments in the Edison is set for spring 2027, with full completion anticipated by summer 2027. This delay comes at a time when Neutral is facing financial pressures, as evidenced by a recently filed tax delinquency warrant for an overdue tax bill of $37,774.
Funding for the Edison project consists of senior financing from Bank OZK and mezzanine financing provided by Pearlmark Real Estate LLC. The mass timber construction method, which is innovative and environmentally friendly, involves compressing layers of wood to create structural components such as columns and beams.
In light of these challenges, Neutral is also considering future high-rise developments at the site of the Marcus Performing Arts Center parking garage. The city of Milwaukee has proposed granting a one-year exclusive right to negotiate for the city-owned Marcus site, although local officials have expressed some skepticism regarding these plans.
The current situation highlights the complexities involved in large urban developments, particularly as external economic factors such as tariffs and inflation present significant challenges. As the developer works through these issues, the future of the Edison project remains uncertain, yet critical to the ongoing evolution of Milwaukee’s skyline.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Woodworking Network
- WISN 12 News
- BizTimes Milwaukee
- Urban Milwaukee
- Wikipedia: Mass timber
- Google Search: Milwaukee construction projects
- Google Scholar: Mass timber construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Building construction
- Google News: Milwaukee Edison apartments
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
