True North Square is a mixed‑use development project located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. The complex combines office towers, residential apartments, a hotel, retail space, and a publicly accessible plaza that serves as the central gathering area for the development.
Location
The site occupies a block bounded by West Michigan Street, West Canal Street, North Water Street, and North Plankinton Avenue, adjacent to the Milwaukee Intermodal Station and the Milwaukee River.
Development history
Planning for the project began in the mid‑2010s, with the development consortium True North Development, LLC leading the effort. Groundbreaking occurred in 2016, and construction proceeded in multiple phases. The first office tower was completed and opened in 2020, followed by subsequent residential and hospitality components.
Components
- Office towers – Two Class A office buildings provide approximately 800,000 sq ft of commercial space. Major tenants have included regional corporate offices and financial‑services firms.
- Residential – A high‑rise apartment building offers over 300 units ranging from studios to three‑bedroom layouts, marketed as luxury urban housing.
- Hospitality – A 230‑room hotel, operated under a national brand, occupies a portion of the development and includes meeting facilities and a restaurant.
- Retail and public space – Ground‑level retail includes restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops. The central plaza, also called True North Square, is a paved, landscaped area designed for public events, art installations, and seasonal programming.
Design and sustainability
The project was designed by a regional architectural firm with an emphasis on pedestrian connectivity and environmentally sustainable construction practices. The development incorporates green‑building features such as energy‑efficient systems, storm‑water management, and public‑transport‑oriented siting.
Economic impact
City officials have cited the development as a catalyst for downtown revitalization, projecting the creation of several thousand construction jobs and long‑term employment opportunities within the office and hospitality components. The public plaza is intended to increase foot traffic for surrounding businesses and provide a venue for community events.
Current status
As of the latest publicly available reports (2024), most of the office, residential, and hotel components are operational, with ongoing leasing activity for the remaining office space. The public plaza remains open year‑round and hosts periodic cultural and civic programming.
References
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “True North Square development breaks ground,” May 2016.
- Milwaukee Business Journal, “First office tower at True North Square opens its doors,” September 2020.
- City of Milwaukee Planning Department, “True North Square project overview,” accessed 2024.
Note: While the general existence and location of True North Square are well documented, detailed information on specific tenant lists, exact floor‑area measurements, and the complete timeline of phased construction is limited in publicly available sources.