WageWorks Leases Top Two Floors of CityCenter@735 in the Heart of Milwaukee’s “Booming” Downtown
An artist rendering of the WageWorks sign to be placed on CityCenter@735.
WageWorks — a leading on-demand provider of Consumer-Directed Benefits– has become the newest tenant for CityCenter@735, our 17-story building located on 735 North Water Street and Milwaukee’s award winning RiverWalk.
WageWorks plans to lease 37,000 square feet on the top two floors of CityCenter, according to Sheldon Oppermann, Executive Vice President. In a statement on their company website, WageWorks said it currently employs more than 150 people in the Greater Milwaukee Area, spanning teams that include Information Technology, Relationship Management, Human Resources, Customer Service and other functions needed to support Consumer-Directed Benefits for employers across the country.
“This move will enable WageWorks to streamline operations and accommodate future growth,” said Joe Jackson, Chairman and CEO of WageWorks. “The vibrancy of downtown Milwaukee reflects our culture and values, and we’re thrilled to join this dynamic community.”
According to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, WageWorks is “joining a series of Milwaukee-area business that have moved their offices to the downtown area in recent years to help them better attract and retain younger employees, including those who live downtown. Others include Bader Rutter & Associates Inc., Badger Liquor, Dohmen Co. and HSA Bank. Hammes Co. will be joining their ranks when its new headquarters is completed in spring.”
WageWorks’ move from its current space in Mequon to downtown Milwaukee follows a national trend where corporations are migrating back to America’s downtown areas. WageWorks is the latest in a growing list of companies that have moved offices from Milwaukee’s suburbs to downtown, which includes recent move decisions by Creative Marketing Resources, Hammes Company, Badger Liquor and Bader Rutter.
The new space will have room enough for more than 200 WageWorks employees, and is the year’s largest office lease for CityCenter, bringing the building’s occupancy rate up to 90%, Oppermann said.
“We are beyond pleased to welcome WageWorks and its employees to our CityCenter community,” said Oppermann. “They clearly care about their people and I think it was on that basis we really connected. Throughout this process, it was apparent they were considering all of their options and were very careful in making their decision. We thought WageWorks and their employees would be a great fit not only for CityCenter, but also for our downtown Milwaukee community. It is validating for us and for Milwaukee’s booming downtown that they have chosen to become part of our community.”
Cresa’s Tim Rikkers said that CityCenter appeals to progressive firms who are looking for an authentic live/work/play experience for their employees.
WageWorks was represented by Tim Rikkers, principal of Cresa in Madison. Rikkers said the company had considered a number of downtown locations before settling on CityCenter@735, owned by Compass Properties.
“We worked diligently to find a location that offers the benefits of being downtown in a building that complimented their commitment to their employees,” Rikkers said. “We carefully considered many options, and CityCenter emerged as a favorite. The building and location appeals to progressive companies who are looking for an authentic live/work/play experience for their employees.”
CityCenter@735 was designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham and opened its doors in 1914. As part of a campaign that Compass Properties dubbed “History in the Remaking,” the building went through a multi-million dollar restoration that started in the early 2000s and really hit its stride when Gold’s Gym opened in 2011. The ongoing reinvestment by John Noel and Compass Properties has transformed the building into a vibrant, energy efficient and LEED Certified business center with a wide array of modern amenities. Click for more info: www.citycenter735.com
For more info on this project, check out these recent news articles.
About WageWorks
WageWorks, Inc. (NYSE: WAGE) is a leader in administering Consumer-Directed Benefits (CDBs). WageWorks is solely dedicated to administering CDBs, including pre-tax spending accounts, such as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), as well as Commuter Benefit Services, including transit and parking programs, wellness programs, COBRA, and other employee benefits. WageWorks makes it easier to understand and take advantage of Consumer-Directed Benefits for more than 100,000 employers and approximately 6.5 million people. WageWorks is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with offices in major locations throughout the United States. Click here for more info on WageWorks.