May 14, 2018 (Green Bay, Wisconsin) – Building off momentum from Mayor Jim Schmitt’s State of the City address at the historic Meyer Theatre Wednesday, May 9, 2018, economic development within City limits continues to build with the announcement of architecture, engineering, environmental, and planning firm, ISG, as a leading tenant in the scenic WaterMark building (WaterMark) in downtown Green Bay. ISG, a firm that transitioned to 100 percent employee ownership in January 2017 and has deep roots in the City through a previous acquisition of Raasch Associates (Raasch), solidified a partnership with La Crosse-based developers Three Sixty Real Estate Solutions, LLC (Three Sixty) to further the City’s commitment to placemaking and development initiatives.
With the Mayor’s 15th and final address focusing on development and growth opportunities, this move further supports the goal to create a destination that embraces City character while positively impacting the economy and workforce.
“We are delighted that ISG chose Green Bay’s vibrant waterfront and CityDeck for their next chapter. ISG’s creative design plans and presence in the WaterMark will inspire professional staff and serve as a catalyst for other area entrepreneurs evaluating riverfront locations,” states Jeff Mirkes, Executive Director at Downtown Green Bay, Inc. “The downtown business community welcomes ISG and looks forward to the many ways the firm will continue Green Bay’s business and community momentum,” relays Jeff.
Since acquiring Raasch in September 2016, ISG has grown direct Green Bay presence by more than 40%, positively building upon their (Raasch’s) 25+ year local history. Of more than 50,000 architecture and engineering (A/E) firms in the nation, ISG is the fastest growing in the Midwest as well as the central United States. Nationally, ISG is the 3rd fastest growing firm during the last three years according to Engineering News Record (ENR).
“We strongly believe that growth, whether within our firm or community, requires leadership, culture, and great places to perform work. ISG is looking to add 50 people to our Green Bay office and feel that is best accomplished downtown in the WaterMark with expert, local leadership,” states Chad Surprenant, PE, ISG President and CEO.
ISG Green Bay leader and Principal, Mark Chambers, AIA, LEED AP, is driven by the unique gateway location and impact. “With fantastic amenities like the CityDeck outside our windows, the design opportunities are endless. We sincerely thank Three Sixty, developers of WaterMark, City of Green Bay, and Downtown Green Bay for support in making this vision a reality,” exclaims Mark.
The La Crosse connection for both Three Sixty and ISG (one of nine firm locations) offers an in-depth understanding of ways to embrace the river/waterway while also offering translatable multi-model, economic development, and outdoor opportunities – emphasis areas from ISG’s La Crosse leadership with the La Crosse Center renovation and Highway 53 Corridor study, to name a few.
“Strong communities start with strong cores,” states Marvin Wanders, owner of Three Sixty. “ISG is a perfect fit for the WaterMark as they have continually built strong communities across the Midwest and cementing their new downtown location further illustrates their commitment. The Green Bay community will most definitely benefit from ISG’s downtown presence,” notes Marvin.
ISG is presently designing the firm’s new space on the third floor of the WaterMark and anticipates a September 2018 move-in; formal open house will tentatively occur in October 2018.
This year marks an exciting milestone for ISG’s Des Moines, Iowa office as we celebrate a decade of dedication and service to our local community. Over the past ten years, our team has been privileged to contribute to numerous projects that have shaped the landscape and enhanced the quality of life for residents in Central Iowa.
ISG will host the second annual Future of Southern Minnesota Lakes Conference at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato, Minnesota. The conference will open on Friday evening, April 12, with a fireside chat featuring writer and host of the television show "Minnesota Bound," Ron Schara. The evening is an exclusive opportunity for conference attendees to share stories about Minnesota’s natural resources and learn from one another in a relaxed atmosphere.