Jahn has unveiled the Pritzker Military Archives Center, a cutting-edge facility designed to expand and showcase the collections of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library. Relocating its operations from Chicago, this new center is nestled in Somers, a village in Kenosha County, approximately 30 miles from Milwaukee. With 60 years of experience, Jahn is an international architectural practice specializing in commercial, multifamily residential, government, institutional, and transportation sectors. The Chicago-based firm honors the design excellence championed by its late eponymous leader Helmut Jahn (1940 – 2021) and the collaboration of the doers, darers, and designers that have long been at the heart of the firm’s success. Led by President Evan Jahn and Managing Directors Philip Castillo, FAIA, Steven Cook, FAIA, and Scott Seyer, AIA, LEED AP, Jahn unites the client’s desire to achieve a distinctive architectural identity with disciplined technical expertise, a commitment to responsible design, and constant principal involvement.
From the outset, the Pritzker Military Archives Center was crafted with a focus on flexibility and innovation. Spanning 15,000 square feet, the facility boasts exhibition space alongside below-grade archival storage, creating an immersive experience for Wisconsin residents and visitors alike. This design supports the organization’s mission to deepen public understanding of military history, celebrate the contributions of citizen-soldiers, and enhance the connection between the armed forces and the communities they serve.
“We are proud to have been part of the collaborative team that brought our client’s vision for the Pritzker Military Archives Center to life,” said Evan Jahn, President of Jahn. “From start to finish, our design has been shaped and informed by our shared commitment to the center’s mission of learning from past conflicts so we can help prevent future ones.”
The center features a 36-foot structural grid system, with 390-foot trusses serving as bearing walls to support the roof and ensure lateral stability. Its striking cantilevered roof frames an outdoor exhibit space, presenting an inviting image to visitors while making a bold statement in the landscape. This elevated design maximizes both functional efficiency and visual impact, providing optimal working conditions for staff and an inspiring environment for guests.
Inspired by the shape of World War II-era landing crafts, the building’s exposed steel frame is painted a vibrant red—symbolizing courage—while high-performance glass envelopes its façade. Inside, a partial-height glass partition offers a glimpse into the private workspaces of curators and archivists, inviting the public to witness the intricate process of preserving history.
Covering 17.5 acres, the grounds of the Pritzker Military Archives Center reflect a strong commitment to environmental preservation. With less than 4% of the area designated for buildings, the landscape—crafted by project partner O2 Design—protects nearby wetlands. The community-friendly area features green walking and biking trails, along with dedicated picnic spots. Sustainable practices are integral to the design; rainwater is harvested for irrigation, and a 50,561 kWh solar field powers the entire site. Jahn collaborated closely with consultants at Cyclone Energy Group and contractors at Pepper-Riley Construction to realize the client’s vision for a high-performance building.
The center not only serves as a repository of military history but also exemplifies the seamless integration of architecture and engineering, a hallmark of Jahn’s 60-year legacy.
Architect: Jahn/
Helmut Jahn FAIA, Philip Castillo FAIA, Tobias Dold, Graham Bowman, Lucie Rigaldies
Landscape Architects: O2Structure: WSPMEP/FP: Cosentini
Civil: Terra Engineering
Lighting Design: Reed Burkett Lighting Design
Acoustics: Threshold Acoustics
Energy/Comfort: Cyclone Energy Group
Client: Archives & Armory of PMML WI LLC
General Contractor: Pepper-Riley Construction
Photography: Tom Rossiter
