UW Credit Union Stays Put in Madison, Reveals New Headquarters

Madison, Wis. – June 6, 2024 – UW Credit Union hosted a tour of its new corporate headquarters today, offering local media, community partners and Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway a first look at the state-of-the-art Community Building, located at 8033 Excelsior Drive.

The four-building campus brings together the credit union’s mortgage services, consumer lending services and Member Solutions Center. The Community Building, housing many administrative functions, serves as the campus hub. The $65 million investment was designed by KEE Architecture and constructed by Findorff, representing the latest advancements in sustainability and occupant health. This includes geothermal heating and cooling, solar technology, stormwater management, and new bird-safe window-glazing materials.

“Every inch of UW Credit Union’s Community Building was designed with the community, its employees, its members and the environment in mind,” said Findorff Vice President of Operations Matt Breunig. “It benefits regional waterways, it conserves natural resources and reduces air pollution, it’s harvesting clean energy. While these benefits may seem like standard commercial construction features, the sum of these parts is a tremendous leap toward the credit union’s carbon-reduction goals.

Ongoing transportation management will benefit bike riders, commuters, and those who partake in carpooling. The campus is conveniently located near the bus line, with ample access to bike paths and bike parking. The credit union offers employees free bus passes and will continue its partnership with BCycle. Electric vehicle charging stations are provided at various parking stalls.

The Community Building represents evolving occupant health standards, with amenities tailored to post-pandemic office needs. Its universal design includes plenty of daylighting to reduce energy consumption and create a stimulating, productive environment. A courtyard, patio garden and two rooftop terraces provide nearly 3,000 square feet of usable outdoor space, optimizing access to fresh air and promoting physical activity. Regular food service is available through the Community Building’s Honor Cafe. There is also a wellness room with exercise equipment and showers.

“Madison will always be home,” said UW Credit Union CEO and President Paul Kundert. “We’re proud of those roots and thrilled that our growth enables us to invest in the community, where our taxes support quality education. In the 30 years since the organization’s last headquarters move, so much has changed. This new campus is a big step in cultivating a work environment that inspires collaboration and convenience.”

UW Credit Union occupied its previous headquarters at 3500 University Avenue since 1995. Rapid membership growth over the past 10 years allowed the credit union to double its employee base, effectively outgrowing the old building. The former headquarters was purchased by UW-Extension.

During her visit, Rhodes-Conway congratulated the credit union on its growth and praised its workplace development efforts. In addition to using apprentices from Operation Fresh Start in the building process, UW Credit Union partners with United Way of Dane County via its HIRE Initiative, specifically, its Caminos program at Centro Hispano. UW Credit Union employs several employees from this program at the new campus.