New Campus for Women’s Leadership Opens in Williams Bay

The 8.6-acre campus, located at 333 W. Constance Blvd., was designed by MacArthur Fellow Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang to serve as a retreat for accomplished women to convene and address complex issues. Founder Ann M. Drake emphasized that the facility is intended to pay forward the wisdom of current leaders to the next generation. The site features three buildings, all targeting LEED Gold certification, which integrate sustainable construction with technology designed to facilitate both local discussions and global connectivity.

Beyond its function as a think tank, the campus houses a significant collection of art glass created by and about women. The project, managed by Pepper Construction with landscape architecture by OLIN Studio, aims to restore the natural woodland character of the property. The center is now open for public tours and will host organizations focused on sectors ranging from astrophysics and engineering to global supply chains and public enterprise. By situating the center in Williams Bay, a village with a long history of scientific advancement, organizers hope to continue a tradition of intellectual growth that dates back to the establishment of the nearby Yerkes Observatory in the late 19th century.