Real estate development firm Neutral is in trouble, facing more than $15 million in liens for projects in Milwaukee and Madison. The company's goal is to construct mixed-use residential buildings using mass timber and other low-carbon materials. The firm's CEO, Nathan Helbach, acknowledged financial risk but remained hopeful about the firm's ability to succeed. Five other companies have filed liens against a limited liability company associated with Bakers Place, including C.D. Smith Construction, the contractor for the $230 million Milwaukee project, and five LLC associated with the Helbach family. Almost half of the 206 units in Bakers place are still available for rent, well above the 6-7% vacancy rate. The city of Madison is approving a new contract with Baker Place SPE LLC, which has a history of financial difficulties.