The World’s New Tallest Timber Skyscraper Is Being Planned For The USA

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is on the cusp of breaking new ground with a groundbreaking timber skyscraper.

The design of this skyscraper is developed by Michael Green Architecture (MGA), a firm popular for pushing the boundaries of modern timber construction. Michael Green, the founder, has been instrumental in using timber for large-scale buildings across North America.

Although the skyscraper doesn’t have a name at this stage, it is expected to soar up to 55 stories high, dwarfing the current tallest timber building, the Ascent in Milwaukee, which stands at just 25 floors. This impressive feat of engineering will not only redefine Milwaukee’s skyline but also set a new global standard for timber-based architecture.

“The proposed development represents a significant investment of over US$700 million, encompassing multiple mixed-use buildings,” MGA explained. This massive undertaking will be rolled out in phases and could include up to 750 residential units, 190,000 square feet of office space, 40,000 square feet of retail space, 300 hotel rooms, and ample parking, along with vibrant public plazas and walkways.

The tower, which will be partially clad in greenery and feature several terrace areas, is part of a larger urban redevelopment by Neutral. This new district will rise from the site of a local garage, which has become something of a neighborhood landmark, particularly for its much-loved snow pile.

Given the projected height of the tower, it remains unclear whether some concrete reinforcement will be necessary. However, at such an altitude, “we’d be frankly astonished if it doesn’t,” MGA noted, reflecting the practical challenges of constructing an all-timber building at this scale. To date, the tallest purely wooden structure is the Mjøstårnet in Norway, which stands at 280 feet. Buildings taller than this have typically incorporated concrete for added stability.

Another challenge for this project is addressing public concerns about the safety of wooden skyscrapers, which are often perceived as being prone to fire. Modern mass timber, on the other hand, is engineered in factories using several wood layers linked together, such as glulam and cross-laminated timber. This results in beams that are not only as fire resistant as steel but also char rather than burn, forming a protective coating that blocks combustion.

MGA has already filed blueprints to local officials, taking the first formal step towards executing this innovative concept, keeping these challenges in mind. If it is successful, Milwaukee will become the leader of the timber construction move.

Sources: City of Milwaukee, MGA