Weekly Debrief: What do Northwestern Mutual’s plans mean for downtown, Franklin and the office market

Andrew Weiland and Arthur Thomas from BizTimes Media discuss the news of the week, including Northwestern Mutual announcing plans to invest $500 million into its downtown campus, rehabbing a 19-story office tower to turn it into a “mini-me” of the company’s glassy tower. Andrew and Arthur discuss what the move means as vote of confidence in downtown Milwaukee, the challenges of finding a new owner and user for NML’s Franklin campus, and what the plans say about the office market in the region and the role of the office for businesses going forward.

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Insider Story Spotlight

• Drexel Building Supply planning 200,000-square-foot facility in Kewaskum
• LiveWire exceeded its 2022 forecast with 597 motorcycles sold, but this year’s plans have taken a hit

 Big Story

• Northwestern Mutual plans $500 million upgrade to its HQ, will bring 2,000 Franklin employees downtown
• CEO says Northwestern Mutual’s rebuilt North Office Building will bolster company’s culture
• Architect lays out vision for $500 million transformation of Northwestern Mutual office building
• Northwestern Mutual’s investment in its HQ bodes well for city’s growth, real estate pros say
• Franklin, Oak Creek, M7 officials have high hopes for Northwestern Mutual Franklin campus