Historic Neutral Edison Groundbreaking Sets Stage for PhiusCon 2025 in Milwaukee

What do shiny golden shovels in the dirt in June have to do with a conference in October? 

In this case, a whole lot.

The official groundbreaking ceremony for the landmark Edison building in downtown Milwaukee perfectly set the stage for PhiusCon 2025, which is set for Oct. 6-8 at the sustainability-focused Baird Center less than a half mile southwest of The Edison.

A number of factors are considered when deciding where to host PhiusCon, but one of the most important is whether there is Phius activity percolating in the area. For this year’s host city, the answer is a resounding yes, with the 31-story, mass timber Edison leading the way. The Edison is pursuing Phius certification, and will be the largest mass timber building in North America once completed. 

Dozens gathered at the sun-soaked building site on the Eastern bank of the Milwaukee River June 16 for the groundbreaking ceremony, during which various speakers expressed their excitement for the project. This included Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who stressed how critical the housing, business space and community areas provided by The Edison will be to the riverfront area in downtown Milwaukee. 

“This site, like many others around the city, is being put back to work,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be a great new addition, not just to this neighborhood, but to our skyline in Milwaukee.”

Neutral Partner & CPO Daniel Glaessl dove into the sustainability aspects of the project during his time with the microphone, explaining how Phius certification focuses on building performance through careful consideration of insulation, building envelope, ventilation systems and more. He also explained other sustainability features of the project, including its planned use of water from the adjacent Milwaukee River to cool the entirety of the 378-unit building using heat pumps. 

“With The Edison, we’re demonstrating that innovation in sustainable high-rise construction is both technologically and financially feasible,” Glaessl said.

The project team’s vision for an innovative, sustainable building that supports the well-being of its residents and the surrounding community goes hand-in-hand with Phius’ goal of creating a healthier built environment for people and the planet, which is why we are thrilled PhiusCon will be taking place just steps from The Edison this fall.

In addition to The Edison, Phius projects are popping up throughout Wisconsin with increasing regularity, due in part to evolving policy in the state incentivizing Phius certification for affordable housing. 

There’s always something for everyone at PhiusCon, but each year we look forward to highlighting local projects. That’s especially true this year with a community-altering project such as The Edison being built just blocks from the conference site.

If you didn’t make it to the groundbreaking ceremony, don’t worry – you can experience The Edison and much, much more Phius action at PhiusCon 2025 Oct. 6-8 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee. See you there!

All images courtesy of Neutral