Baker Tilly Commits to Downtown Milwaukee Washington Square Project
Accounting and advisory firm plans relocation in summer of 2013

April 18, 2011

MILWAUKEE, WI - Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, (Baker Tilly) is pleased to announce that it has signed a formal letter of intent as the second major tenant, occupying approximately 60,000 square feet of space in the Washington Square office complex in downtown Milwaukee. Project co-developer, Irgens Development Partners, LLC, anticipates groundbreaking in the summer of 2011 to meet the 2013 projected completion date.

“We considered a number of possible locations over the past few years and feel the downtown Washington Square project is consistent with our objectives. We have determined that downtown is where we need to be to meet our growth plans and to help develop our people," said Bill Wertz, Partner and Market Leader of the firm’s Milwaukee office. “Washington Square provides an ideal location in the heart of the city’s business district."

Since entering the Milwaukee market in 1978, Baker Tilly’s Milwaukee office has grown to more than 200 employees. "Moving downtown will provide us with a facility that can offer viable options to address our continued growth," said Wertz.

Steve Palec, formally of CB Richard Ellis, who serves as Baker Tilly’s tenant representative said, "This decision is a testament both to Baker Tilly's commitment to their future and that of downtown Milwaukee. While the last decade has seen a residential renaissance downtown, there hasn't been a new office building built there for about the same period. This impactful commitment reflects a national trend to provide employees an exciting downtown environment. I was honored to participate in the analysis and negotiations, but maybe even prouder to witness this catalytic investment to Milwaukee's growth."

Jackie Walsh, Executive Vice President of Irgens Development Partners, LLC said, "We are thrilled with Baker Tilly’s decision and pleased with the confidence they have placed in our team. This is an important step in making this a reality. We are eager to work together to take the project forward."

With staff totaling more than 1400, Baker Tilly provides a wide range of accounting, tax, assurance, and consulting services. Ranked as the 16th largest* firm in the country, the firm serves clients from offices throughout Wisconsin, Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York, and Washington D.C.

In June 2009, the former Virchow, Krause & Company, LLP, changed its name to become the exclusive US- branded firm in the Baker Tilly International network. This transition is a commitment by the firm to meet the ever-changing global needs of its clients.

Baker Tilly International is the world’s 8th largest accounting network by combined revenue. It is made up of 150 high quality, independent accounting and business advisory firms in 120 countries, with more than 25,000 professionals. The combined worldwide revenue of independent member firms exceeds $3 billion.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL MINNESOTA MEDIA OUTLETS ONLY: All company references to Baker Tilly in this press release must be listed as Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP. No shortened version of the company name is permitted. All references to Baker Tilly International do not require modification.

*According to Accounting Today’s 2011 list of "Top 100 Firms."