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Freshwater Plaza

Create a sustainable, landmark building to serve as a gateway to the UW-M School of Freshwater Sciences

Located along the Milwaukee Water Zone, Freshwater Plaza, a mixed-use building, serves as the gateway to the UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences, the only graduate school in the nation dedicated solely to the study of freshwater. In the design process, EUA worked closely with UW-M, as well as the City of Milwaukee to understand their vision for the project within the context of the historic Walker’s Point neighborhood.

Given the connection to the school, sustainability was of vital importance. EUA navigated complicated environmental issues, including a unique approach to stormwater engineering, which included harvesting rain water run off from the roof and storing in below the parking structure as well as incorporating pools and sculptures that recycle freshwater. Additionally, an energy efficient three-story, wood slat sunscreen was incorporated on the Southwest corner. The unique features of this building, as well as its location in an emerging urban area, has made Freshwater Plaza a legacy project for the community.