Rendering of a proposed central park within the Wilden Portfolio Park development in Appleton. (Image courtesy Thrivent)
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Appleton-based financial company Thrivent will replace its office at its current site on Ballard Road.
The new office will be significantly smaller than its current operations center — 155,000 square feet vs. 680,000 square feet.
However, Thrivent said it will not downsize its roughly 1,400-person staff in the Appleton area, as much of the workforce has moved to remote or hybrid work post-COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re excited to bring this new facility that’s really adapted to the way people are working today and in the future,” said Eric Merriman, Thrivent director of real estate & workplace services.
The new building can serve up to about 500 workers at one time. Thrivent hopes to break ground on it by the end of 2025, with the construction process lasting about 18 months.
It’s the first part of a 580-acre mixed-use development plan, which is set to include retail, hospitality, green spaces and a variety of housing options.
“We’re excited that this building will be an anchor for a vibrant sort of mixed-use community,” said Merriman.
Thrivent owns all the land, but it’s working with the city on how to best use it. While the development is privately funded, taxpayer money would fund roads into the campus. The details and financial figures have not been decided yet by the city.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity for really a generational development to occur here in our community,” said Appleton Deputy Director of Community Development David Kress. “We’re really excited about the possibilities that exist here.”
While the new office may be done in about two years, the first mixed-use areas will likely open a couple years after that.
Thrivent said it’s working to find a new user for the current office building. Its headquarters were previously located in the historic 222 building in downtown Appleton.
Comments