After nearly three years of construction, Northwestern Mutual announced on August 21 the grand opening of its state-of-the-art 32-story Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons.
The glass structure boasts 1.1 million square feet of office space designed for innovation and collaboration, representing the company’s commitment to delivering the financial security experience its clients want and need. Designed by Pickard Chilton and led by Principal Jon Pickard FAIA, RIBA, The Tower and Commons connects the company’s historic past with the bright promise of its future.
“With its sleek glass exterior and innovative work environment, our Tower and Commons building represents our transformation—from being the best life insurance company to being the best financial security company,” said John E. Schlifske, chairman and CEO of Northwestern Mutual. “Our new building will help us meet the multiple financial needs of clients for decades to come.”
Northwestern Mutual has achieved record growth in recent years and is transforming its business to meet clients’ evolving needs. The company is committed to delivering an unmatched client experience that seamlessly combines the expertise of a trusted financial representative with a robust digital platform. The open, flexible spaces of The Tower and Commons present an ideal environment for employees to innovate, helping set the company apart from the rest of the industry and helping clients achieve financial security.
“Our new building demonstrates our confidence in the future of Northwestern Mutual,” said Schlifske. “Everything about it is designed to help employees collaborate and innovate to deliver greater value to our clients. We also look forward to attracting and retaining the talent we need to grow.”
The Tower and Commons strengthens the company’s connection to its community and hometown. It’s one of the first significant 21st century building projects for Milwaukee and has already reshaped the city’s skyline. The Northwestern Mutual Gardens, which offer nearly three acres of landscaped green space, walkways and seating areas, are open to the public. The building’s first floor Commons hosts a Starbucks, where the public can purchase beverages and food.
The Tower and Commons has already had a significant economic impact on the city, including:
- Employing more than 2,600 individuals who worked on construction of The Tower, including about 1,200 city residents who were previously unemployed or underemployed
- Hiring local small business enterprises, which includes minority-owned, women-owned and military-veteran-owned businesses
- Becoming a catalyst for other business opportunities downtown
Construction of the Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons began in fall 2014, and will house approximately 2,400 employees who will move into the new workspace from other buildings that make up the company’s downtown and Franklin campuses.
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Northwestern Mutual and Lee Matz
