The Global Water Center continues to show just how successful it has been since its opening in September 2013. In fact, it's been so successful that an 80,000-square-foot, four-story, LEED-certified office building is being planned for the Reed Street Yards Global Water Technology Park.
The current Global Water Center on Freshwater Way houses water-related research facilities, water technology startups, and acts as a business accelerator. The Global Water Center aims to address key local and global water quality, technology, and policy issues. This second building, dubbed Water Tech One, will be an extension of The Center, also housing water technology companies. Consistent with The Center's model of environmental awareness, Water Tech One will feature a blue roof that captures rainwater and distributes it for use throughout the building. The mechanicals will be situated near the lobby, allowing visitors to see firsthand how the process works.
Michael Weiss, President of General Capital Group, a partner in the Reed Street Yards development, says "what we're really trying to do with this building is set the right tone—very green, very sustainable. We're working on some, what I'll call technology marketing alliances, with different firms."
Attracting a top-500 company tenant could potentially add several hundred jobs to Milwaukee, elevating its stature as a water industry and research job.
Water Tech One is scheduled to open summer 2016.