USA TODAY Travel is running a year-long series on must-see architecture in all 50 states, in partnership with the American Institute of Architects (AIA). AIA Missouri provided this bonus article for this week's installment.
“In our design, the timeless form of the historic arch finds a home in a revitalized and contemporary setting.”
We are pleased to announce the completion of relocating UMB Fund Services in Milwaukee to historic Schlitz Park. UMB Fund Services is a subsidiary of UMB Financial Corporation, a Kansas City-based financial services holding company. UMB Fund Services provides a complete line of products and services to the mutual fund and alternative investment industry.
Having outgrown its former building on the west side of Milwaukee’s downtown, the new location provides ample space for current employees and will allow for eventual expansion. UMB signed a 10-year lease for 89,000 RSF of new office space at the business park's Executive Building, 235 W. Galena St. The project scope covers three and half floors of mostly office space, but also includes reception, meeting and break rooms, and a filing/storage area in the lower level all based on a “curved” theme.
“In expressing the spirit of UMB Fund Services, our design team was inspired by the many arches present at the existing Stockhouse-Executive Building and throughout the historic Schlitz Park campus in Milwaukee. From the front entrance of the building to the curving vaults of the brick and wood structural ceilings within, the elegance of the arch is found throughout. We believe it is appropriate to honor the best built traditions of our past. We also believe that the arch can serve as one representation of the integrity of UMB Fund Services: as a trusted client resource and as the kind of responsive employer that makes UMB Fund Services a “Milwaukee Best Place to Work” for the last five years. In our design, the timeless form of the historic arch finds a home in a revitalized and contemporary setting. From our inspirational photographs to our artistic renderings to the completed project, you will see a respectful nod to the historic past with a keen eye looking toward the future in our design.” said Lisa Kincaid, principal at GastingerWalker&.
In addition to the new facility, Schlitz Park provides UMB’s employees with several advantages, including a fitness center, free parking, improved access to public transportation, and proximity to local highways. The location is also close to the Milwaukee River and the heart of downtown.
The Schlitz Park space had been empty since the Milwaukee County Department of Human Services moved out in 2005. The extensive renovation included the Executive Building and adjacent Stockhouse. The former Brewhouse, just south of the Executive Building was also demolished to make room for the renovation and the Brewhouse Square was created.
“We are very proud to be working with UMB on another project,” Kevin Harden, principal at GastingerWalker& said. “It is a testament to our relationship that we are able to work so closely and frequently with such a great client, especially on such a significant building that is embedded in the history of Milwaukee.”
