MADISON, Wis.–CUNA is looking for a replacement for its long-time and, for many years, iconic, offices in Madison, Wis.
Since 1980 CUNA has leased space from CUNA Mutual Group on the large campus on Madison’s west side in a building that mirrored that of the insurance company. But now a variety of factors have led CUNA to find new digs.
The building had served as the trade group’s headquarters for decades until CUNA essentially relocated its management team to Washington as it placed greater emphasis on advocacy, but left many of its back office operations in Wisconsin, albeit with fewer employees.
In a statement to CUToday.info, CUNA Mutual said, “CUNA Mutual is in the process of reimagining what its workplace of the future looks like, similar to many businesses across the nation. That likely includes fewer employees in-person on our campus, flexible ways to accommodate our employees and possibly a smaller overall footprint. We want to ensure flexibility in use of space on our campus.
“CUNA is a valued system partner that we continue to closely collaborate with and support, as we work together to advance the credit union movement,” the company added.
‘Examining Our Space Needs’
CUNA said the new workplace realities created by the pandemic are driving its decision-making, as well.
"We've been fortunate to have space on the CUNA Mutual campus for about 40 years,” said Jill Tomalin, EVP/chief operating officer, enterprise operations. “We are examining our space needs given our shift to a hybrid model as we explore options for a new Madison location."
The CUNA Mutual/CUNA campus was long a landmark not just in the Madison area but to the international credit union community, with credit union delegations from around the world visiting the location. Until 2021 the campus was anchored by a circular building formally known as the International Commons but more informally known as the “round building” that was flanked on both side by flag poles carrying flags from countries around the world where credit unions existed.
The International Commons has since been demolished and CUNA Mutual, which built its current headquarters in 1960, is opening a new building on the site (see below).
Prior to the pandemic, CUNA Mutual reported having approximately 1,700 employees in Madison.