Milwaukee, January 11, 2013 – Schlitz Park, the 46-acre riverfront office complex, announced today new, extended and expanded leases totaling nearly 30,000 square feet. New tenants include the Milwaukee offices of the American Heart Association (AHA) taking space in the RiverCenter, and TransPerfect, the world’s largest privately held provider of language services and technology solutions, planning to move into the Keg House.
Security MicroImaging Corporation, Inc. (SMC) has extended its RiverCenter lease ten years while Wisconsin DPI has extended its Keg House lease by five years. Additionally, iCare is expanding its RiverCenter space. The latest leasing activity brings the 460,000 square-foot RiverCenter to 95 percent occupancy and the 65,000 square-foot Keg House to 100 percent.
Schlitz Park developer Gary Grunau reports leasing interest remains high following the renovation and upgrades of 105,000 square feet of tenant and common areas completed so far as part of a broader $30 million investment. Renovations made include offices for new tenants, new café, free fitness centers with onsite wellness consultants and programming from Salus Inc. and contemporary meeting and seating areas.
The AHA’s decision to move to Schlitz Park reinforces the interest organizations have today in amenities that support employee wellbeing. “Schlitz Park shares our emphasis on health and wellness with its fitness facilities, walking paths and the healthy food options available,” explained Bill Hoffman, vice president, Business Operations, American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate. Schlitz Park’s convenient location for AHA employees, volunteers and corporate partners was an appealing factor as was as the complex’s new and expanded conference and meeting spaces.
Existing tenant SMC moved into Schlitz Park in 2000. The company which provides business process management software integration and consulting had considered re-locating to other office space or even buying its own building before it committed to extending its lease.
“The fact that Schlitz Park decided to reinvest not only in our building but the entire development just made it a no brainer,” said SMC President Bill Buerger. “Most other properties promise to invest in their development if you sign the lease. What tipped the scales for us was Schlitz Park started investing in the common areas even before we re-signed.”
Buerger notes he’s had positive feedback from employees about the new amenities, especially the increase and enhancements in meeting spaces. “We have conference rooms but using the Schlitz Park meeting areas provides a nice way to get away from the day to day grind, conduct a meeting outside of the office so you’re not getting interruptions but conveniently not have to go outside of the building.”
SMC is also working with Schlitz Park to freshen up its own space including adding more areas to collaborate and have impromptu meetings and conversations. “Our goal is to get our colleagues out of their offices and be more contemporary and appealing to prospective and new hires. Both the changes taking place inside our own office and throughout Schlitz Park help to achieve that,” Buerger added.
Work is underway on the final phase of Schlitz Park renovations in Stockhouse and Executive Buildings. The two contiguous buildings will provide 150,000 square feet of state-of-the-art workspace for more than 600 employees and will include free parking for 600 vehicles. The property will provide additional amenities consistent with what’s currently available in other Schlitz Park buildings.
Additionally, Schlitz Park will add 45,000 square feet of green space with the creation of Brewhouse Square and design a one mile outdoor vita (exercise) course. Schlitz Park is also working with the City of Milwaukee on a TIFF district to support the re-opening of Galena Street, upgrading Second Street and developing a pedestrian connector to the RiverWalk.
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