GRAEF was honored to be among the Komatsu project team at this year's Milwaukee Mayor Design Awards.

Now in its 26th year, the Mayor’s Design Awards recognize design excellence throughout the City of Milwaukee. Recipients have added value to their neighborhoods by restoring, constructing or enhancing their properties in a way that respects the urban fabric and contributes to the character of their surroundings.

“Milwaukee is witnessing tremendous growth and activity. New buildings, outdoor spaces, attractions, and landscaping are adding to the fabric of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “These awards celebrate the innovative efforts that make our city a great place to live, work, and have fun. I am excited to recognize these deserving projects that showcase the power of urban design to build stronger communities and move Milwaukee forward.”

The Komatsu South Harbor campus was honored at this year's awards as an Urban Renaissance recipient. This category of projects have added value to the city by providing new or improved options for neighborhood housing, or by adding or improving office, manufacturing, or other amenities that add jobs, strengthen neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Located at the eastern end of Greenfield Avenue overlooking Milwaukee’s inner harbor, the 59-acre complex includes a 430,000-square-foot factory and 176,000-square-foot office building. The development features wind spires atop the parking garage and a solar array on the factory’s roof. The campus occupies a site that used to house Solvay Coke & Gas. A mix of City and State tax incentives helped make the Komatsu Mining Campus in the Harbor District a reality, which will eventually exceed 1,000 employees at the facility.