Milwaukee Belden T.O.D.

Two mid-rise buildings, purposely varied in height and massing, embrace the pentagon-shaped edges in their form and floor plates, highlighting the uniqueness of the site. The contemporary use of glass, metal, and concrete contributes to a dynamic façade that reflects the evolving urban landscape.⁠

Within the public plaza, natural textures and materials contrast the architectural surfaces to enrich the street experience. An acoustically absorbing gabion wall and a stand of columnar maple trees screen at-grade parking spaces at the back of the site, linking the buildings and defining the plaza with a green edge and perimeter wood bench seating. Monolithic boulders are placed compositionally and create a natural focal point.

The natural materials and textures continue into the residential lobbies, where gabion walls create a backdrop and divider between the lounge and mail room. A warm slatted wood ceiling further softens the building’s palette of glass, metal, and concrete floors.

Over fifty percent of the building’s rooftops are vegetated green roofs, comprised of native plantings that reduce heat island effect. Glass railings bypass the need for parapets, protect the green space and maximize openness with unobstructed skyline views. Portions of the green roof are also occupiable with wood benches and natural stepping stones. Additionally, volcanic boulders, crushed stone chips, and trees are a continuation of the natural landscape onto the roof.