Milwaukee, Wis. (May 21, 2025) — Catalyst Construction is proud to announce recent nominations for three prestigious awards that recognize the company’s leadership, commitment to community impact, and excellence in construction throughout Wisconsin.
Catalyst Founder and CEO, Matt Burow, has been named a finalist for the 2025 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Midwest Award, one of the business world’s most prestigious honors. This recognition places Burow among the Midwest’s top visionaries who are driving innovation, building strong businesses, and making a lasting impact on their industries.
Selected from a highly competitive pool of nominees, Burow advanced to the final round, solidifying his place as a leader shaping the future of construction and development in Wisconsin and beyond.
“It’s humbling to be recognized alongside such an inspiring group of entrepreneurs,” said Burow. “This nomination is a testament to the incredible team at Catalyst. We’ve built something special—focused on innovation, integrity, and making a difference in the communities we serve.”
For nearly four decades, EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® program has recognized leaders who are redefining industries. Past winners include visionaries from Amazon, Chipotle, and LinkedIn. The 2025 Midwest finalists will be celebrated at a special awards event in June, where winners will be announced and advanced to the national competition.
“Matt’s leadership has grown Catalyst Construction into an organization that changes communities through people and projects,” said Adam Arndt, President of Catalyst. “His ability to see potential in people and business where others don’t and his commitment to quality and community make him incredibly deserving of this honor.”
Catalyst is also thrilled to announce its work on two notable projects has been recognized in The Daily Reporter’s Top Projects of 2024: EIGHTEEN87 on Water and American Orthodontics Projects in Saukville.
The five-story, 79-unit affordable housing development EIGHTEEN87 on Water, located on Milwaukee’s East Side, was built in partnership with Rule Enterprises and Movin’ Out, a Madison-based nonprofit. With more than half of the units reserved for individuals earning 60% or less of the area median income, and 16 units designed specifically for people with disabilities, this project exemplifies Catalyst’s commitment to community-focused development.
“EIGHTEEN87 on Water is more than just a building—it’s an opportunity for people to live and thrive in a neighborhood that was previously out of reach,” said Arndt. “We’re honored that this project is receiving the recognition it deserves.”
Further underscoring its community impact, EIGHTEEN87 on Water has also been named a finalist in the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 2025 Real Estate Awards. This program celebrates projects that have had a lasting impact on both the community and Milwaukee’s skyline.
Catalyst is also proud to be recognized with a 2025 Mayor’s Design Award for its work on RW Apartments, the Riverwest Food Accelerator, and EIGHTEEN87 on Water. Since 1997, the Mayor’s Design Awards have celebrated projects that add value to Milwaukee neighborhoods through exceptional design and enhancement of the urban environment.
In partnership with Three Leaf Partners and others, Catalyst was recognized with a CoStar Impact Award for Redevelopment of the Year in the Milwaukee/Madison market for The Fitz Apartments, located at 2630 N. Hackett Ave.
The Fitz brought 55 much-needed housing units to Milwaukee’s Northpoint neighborhood through the thoughtful redevelopment of a historic 1941 parish hall. The project preserved key architectural elements while integrating modern energy-efficient systems including high-performance windows, advanced insulation, and high-efficiency mechanical systems.
The development not only supported Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church’s mission through the sale of the original building but also created a ripple effect of economic development and neighborhood improvement. The project team included leaders from Three Leaf Partners, DeMichele Companies, Catalyst Construction, JLA Architects, HGA, and Park Bank.
Finally, Food for Health was honored at the 2025 WCrew Impact Awards for its bold transformation into a nonprofit and the renovation of the historic Schuster Store into its new headquarters. Catalyst served as the construction partner in realizing this visionary space.
The four-level building renovation included open event spaces, a demonstration kitchen, activity zones, exam rooms, a mezzanine, offices, and collaboration areas—balancing the preservation of historic architectural features with the functional needs of a modern nonprofit focused on health equity.
These awards reflect Catalyst Construction’s dedication to projects that go beyond buildings—enhancing lives, neighborhoods, and the environment throughout Wisconsin. To explore more of Catalyst’s award-winning projects and innovative solutions, visit catalystbuilds.com.
For more information or interview opportunities, please contact:
Lauren Van Dijk | lvandijk@hoffmanyork.com | (312) 215-5822
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