News Releases
MILWAUKEE, February 10, 2014 – Northwestern Mutual has teamed up with the design architect and development manager for the Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons to conduct a six-part Master Class series that engages local architecture, interior design, engineering and real estate students in various elements of the company’s downtown Milwaukee expansion.
“We’re proud that our downtown expansion will be used as an educational opportunity for students to learn firsthand from practicing professionals, while at the same time giving us a chance to engage others in a project that is going to benefit the entire community,” said Sandy Botcher, Northwestern Mutual vice president and manager of the company’s expansion project.
More than 80 students and faculty advisors from local post-secondary educational institutions are participating in the six-part series held December 2013 to May 2015. The participants will learn firsthand from architects, engineers and other professionals who are working on the Northwestern Mutual Tower & Commons, including lead design architect Jon Pickard. The introductory session in December 2013 gave students an in-depth overview of the project’s pre-development process.
The second session, Tuesday, February 11, will be hosted by Pickard Chilton, the design architect of the Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons. The session will highlight the role of the project’s consultants and design process. Students will get an up-close look at the graphics, models and design iterations that have helped formulate the new building’s overall iconic design. Students will also participate in an interactive “visioning session” to learn about some of the elements that need to be considered to meet the needs of a 21st century workspace.
Participants represent the University of Wisconsin-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Mount Mary University and Marquette University.
“This is a one-of-a-kind learning experience that could make a real difference on students’ education and their transformation to future leaders in the architecture and real estate industry,” said Andrew D. Hunt, associate director, Marquette University Center for Real Estate.
Construction of the Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons is scheduled to begin in the latter half of 2014, with completion scheduled for 2017.
About Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual is among the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2013 according to FORTUNE® magazine and has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 156 years. As a mutual company with $1.4 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual has no shareholders. The company focuses solely and directly on its clients and seeks to deliver consistent and dependable value to them over time. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments.
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