MADISON – Findorff proudly announces it has been selected to construct the new arena parking structure for the Milwaukee Bucks. This major undertaking is part of a public-private partnership to create a new sports and entertainment district in downtown Milwaukee. “With our office only blocks away from the Bucks development, we were already excited about what the new sports and entertainment district would bring not only to the city of Milwaukee, but also to the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Eric Wynn, Findorff’s General Manager Southeast Wisconsin and Director of Project Management for the Company’s Milwaukee office.
Findorff is part of a local team, which also includes GRAEF and American Design Inc. Together with the city and its iconic sports team, the local community will continue to grow and experience significant benefits. As described by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, “The project is designed in a way that benefits the surrounding neighborhood by adding parking and activity, so much more than simply a development to support the new arena.” Additionally, the Bucks is committed to achieving both city and county workforce requirements of 40% RPP and 25% SBE on the project.
The city-owned parking deck, which will be located on the former Park East land between W. Juneau Ave. and W. McKinley Ave from N. Fifth Street to N. Sixth Street, will be a six-story structure that can accommodate approximately 1,250 vehicles. The structure will also include mixed-use opportunities on the first level, seamlessly integrating the structure into the broader design and aesthetics of the surrounding arena development.
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MADISON – Findorff is excited to announce Eric Wynn, Director of Project Management and General Manager of Southeast Wisconsin, has been elected the 2016-2017 Board President for the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Greater Milwaukee. The 2015-2016 Board President was Rick Schmidt, President and Chief Executive of C.G. Schmidt.
Having served as an elected board member for the AGC of Greater Milwaukee since 2013, Eric has proudly held several leadership positions for the Organization, such as Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. In addition, Eric has been an integral member of the Carpenters Negotiating Committee and has recently accepted the position as Chair of the Operators Labor Negotiations Committee.
Eric’s recent appointment to Board President not only exemplifies his commitment to the community and construction industry, but also Findorff’s history with the Organization. Dave Beck-Engel, Findorff President, is a member of the Board of Directors and a past President for AGC of Wisconsin. Moreover, the Company’s Chairman, Rich Lynch, is also a member of the Board of Directors and a past President for AGC of Wisconsin.
“It is an honor to serve as the 2016 AGC of Greater Milwaukee President. In the past 20 years, the construction industry has provided me many opportunities and allowed me to develop both great professional and personal relationships with my peers,” mentioned Eric. “I look forward to continually working with such individuals to help lead exciting efforts. I believe in the future of the construction industry as well as what it has to offer young professionals and future generations of our workforce.”
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MADISON – Findorff is excited to announce several recent promotions of people that have been instrumental to the Company’s success over the years:
- Amanda Byrd was recently promoted to Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist. Having started at Findorff in 2012, she has been significantly involved with spearheading creative proposals, executing departmental programs, and contributing to various campaign efforts. As an experienced marketing professional, Amanda is LEED® accredited and last year served as the PR Chair for SMPS Wisconsin. Currently, she is a member of United Way’s Rosenberry Society and UW Health’s CATCH program. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Amanda is a graduate of UW-Madison and is currently pursuing her masters in Integrated Marketing Communications online from Northwestern University.
- Ben Hager joined Findorff in 2005 and was recently promoted to Senior Project Manager. He graduated from Northern Michigan University and since has become an ASHE Certified Healthcare Constructor. As a leader to Findorff’s project management team, Ben was significantly involved with various projects such as the Madison College Gateway Building, American Family Children’s Hospital, and Ovation 309. Currently, Ben is leading construction efforts for downtown Milwaukee’s new Westin Hotel. Outside of work, Ben has volunteered for organizations such as the United Way and Project Home. Ben and his new bride, Katy, live in Madison. During their free time, they enjoy traveling, boating, as well as spending time with friends and family.
- Luke Hutchins began his construction career as a laborer with Findorff in the summer of 1999 and returned as an intern in 2002 while earning his degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering from UW-Madison. Most recently he was promoted to Senior Project Manager and was involved with various notable projects in the area such as Madison Central Library and the Hub at Madison. Luke is now heading efforts at The James, a 12-story, mixed-use apartment building. His community efforts involve serving as a Board Member for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Wisconsin as well as serving as an active member for AGC of Wisconsin and the United Way. Luke currently resides in Madison with his wife, Joanna, and their two children.
- Brad Olson started at Findorff in 2008 and was recently promoted to Senior Project Manager. Several notable clients Brad has completed projects for include St. Clare Hospital and Meriter Hospital. He most recently led various efforts in the construction of UW Health at The American Center. As an experience professional in building healthcare facilities, Brad is certified by WHEA in Healthcare Construction and is a LEED® Accredited Professional. Brad graduated from Lawrence University and currently resides in Fitchburg with his wife, Megan.
- Matt Premo was recently promoted to Senior Project Manager after starting his career with Findorff as an intern in 2001. After graduating from UW-Madison, Matt was instrumental in projects such as the Madison Children’s Museum and LaBahn Arena at UW-Madison. Most recently, he has been a vital part of Findorff’s education team providing day-to-day oversight of project management activities in the Middleton-Cross Plains and Kettle Moraine School Districts. He is now involved with the Sun Prairie Area School District’s pre-referendum efforts. Outside of the office, Matt is very active with the United Way. He has been a member of its Rosenberry Society Young Professional’s Group for the last eight years and chaired the committee in 2011.
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MADISON – As the year comes to a close, Findorff is very proud and humbled by everything it has achieved. Not only has Findorff reached a significant milestone in 2015 celebrating its 125th year in business, but also has been recognized for its ongoing commitment to hard work and superior construction over the years. Such efforts were recently honored by The Daily Reporter. Each year, this established Milwaukee-based publication selects top individuals and firms for their efforts in the construction industry as well as their contributions to surrounding communities. In 2015, Findorff once again became a Newsmaker earning the Builder of the Year award from The Daily Reporter.
This year Findorff was additionally recognized by its peers. As part of the In Business Executive Choice Awards, our genuine character, support for local communities, and excellence in craftsmanship made Findorff the winning commercial builder in the Madison area. Findorff earn such honors also in 2014, 2013, and 2012.It should be noted that these awards would not have been possible without those who made Findorff what it is today. Our Company’s people have set the standard for craftsmanship and made quality their mission in the office and on the job site. Maintaining a reputation for superior construction has been carried out by generation after generation. John H. Findorff, our Company’s founder, would have found it remarkable as to what impact his company has achieved throughout the Midwest after opening his original office and planning mill at South Bedford in Madison, Wis. Findorff sincerely appreciates the talented team of professionals that make honors such as those previously mentioned possible.
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Blog written by Findorff’s Jeff Eckstein, Business Development Healthcare
Health Care Facilities and Engineering teams demonstrate heroism every day, while playing a vital role in keeping facilities safe and operating smoothly. This is mostly work behind the scenes – which is just the way they like it.
Keeping the power on, spaces heated, cooled and properly ventilated, maintaining domestic water supply, piped medical gas and vacuum systems, life safety and countless redundant systems and procedures for if/when things fail, while not easy work, you make it look easy every day. This allows your facility to focus on its true purpose, providing outstanding healing to your patients and their families, as well as caring for your staff.
Although most of this happens behind the scenes, facility operations are critical and there are other opportunities for you to have a significantly positive impact on your healthcare system. For instance, perhaps in a more visible way, you can make impacts the following ways:
- Leverage Life Safety Code 2012 Edition categorical waivers which can ultimately increase patient and family satisfaction.
- Maintain a proactive role with the concept of value based code compliance during facility planning stages.
- Get involved in the Wisconsin Hospital Code – DHS 124 discussion and help influence the codes focused on patient safety, good science, and financial efficiencies.
Whether on the main stage or behind the scenes, health care facility managers and engineers are an essential partner in health care. Every day you too provide clean, safe and healing environments. Findorff is privileged to work side-by-side with you in these critical settings. We hope you have a wonderful National Health Care Facilities and Engineering Week!
Blog written by Findorff’s Director of Education Market & Communication Services, Christin Mlsna
Summer is a special time of year for Findorff and our education clients as we prepare for excited students to come back to school.
To say we’ve had a busy past few months is an understatement! From secured entries to completely rebuilt schools, we are proud to have worked in nine school districts and four colleges where we completed dozens of projects for the 2015-16 school year.
Findorff worked in or constructed the following spaces over the summer:
- Thirty-one buildings
- Nine elementary schools
- One intermediate school
- Six middle schools
- Five high schools
- Two art suites
- Two STEM/STEAM spaces
- Five secured entries
- Three IMCs/libraries
- Two cafeterias
Over 40,000 students will benefit from the transformed spaces Findorff constructed. We are very proud of the work we’ve accomplished for every client this summer, and wish all of the students and staff good luck on another great school year!
MADISON – Wisconsin Kenworth is breaking ground on its new Madison area commercial truck dealership next week. The 75,700-square-foot facility will be constructed on the company’s current 20 acre site located at I 90-94 and Hwy 19 in Windsor, Wisconsin. The building incorporates many new technologies including energy efficient lighting and geothermal heating and cooling systems to help reduce its carbon footprint. It also has bays specially designed to provide rapid-assessment service solutions to its customers, as well as servicing environmentally friendly CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered units. “We are very proud of our dedicated employees for their contributions to our company’s growth in recent years. This new facility will ensure that they can continue to deliver the best service possible to our great customers.” Says Jim Moeller, CEO of CSM Companies, Inc.
Wisconsin Kenworth is a subsidiary of CSM Companies based in Madison. It has 6 full-service commercial truck sales, parts and service locations across Wisconsin with an additional parts-only location in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Wisconsin Kenworth has selected Findorff as its general contractor. The project’s architect is Excel Engineering out of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Interview and photo opportunities: Media is welcome to attend this local groundbreaking. Representatives from Wisconsin Kenworth, as well as those from the project’s design and construction teams will be in attendance to speak about the project’s importance to CSM Companies and the local community. Photo opportunities will also be available.
Who: Jim Moeller, CEO of CSM Companies, Inc. will share special remarks.
When: Wednesday, September 9th at 3:00pm
Where: 4539 Pelican Bay Circle – Windsor, WI 53598Parking for the event will be along Pelican Bay Circle.
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Blog written by Findorff’s Executive Vice President, Jim Yehle
Findorff is excited to announce the recent completion of its latest construction endeavor, UW Health at the American Center. Findorff’s relationship with UW Health dates back to the early 1970s when Findorff built the Clinical Sciences Center (CSC), more commonly referred to as the UW Hospital on Highland Ave. In 2005, UW Health purchased a 42-acre parcel of land on Madison’s east side as part of its successive evolution. A decade later, a state-of-the-art facility stands epitomizing the spirit of innovation.
Taking a fresh approach to healthcare and patient and family-centered care, UW Health partnered with Findorff early on to strategically develop a comprehensive, one-of-a-kind health and wellness center. As with the CSC in the 1970s, Flad Architects was again chosen to be an integral part of the team. Construction began in spring 2013, when hundreds of trades men and women braved harsh winters, record rainfalls, and summer heat to complete the project on schedule and on budget in May 2015. In addition to the construction management team, Findorff self-performed structural concrete, structural and miscellaneous steel, masonry, as well as carpentry. At the peak of construction, over 250 Findorff men and women were on site. Having control over these trades allowed Findorff to push the schedule, while maintaining our commitment to quality.
The new facility opened its doors on Monday, August 17th to patients. UW Health at The American Center is an inviting, 496,000-square-foot healing environment, easily accessible to visitors and home to:
- 14 operating rooms
- A 56-bed hospital serving orthopedic and general medical/surgical patients
- A dedicated training space for athletes consisting of a full-sized basketball court (modeled after that of at the Kohl Center), an outdoor training field, the Center for Sports Movement with 2D- and 3D-movement-evaluation systems, strength-development accommodations, as well as lap and therapy pools
- A Universal Care Center to support urgent and emergency services along with outpatient diagnostic and treatment procedures
- Two floors of clinic exam rooms
- Physical and occupational-therapy space
Additionally, UW Health at The American Center is pursuing LEED® Gold for Healthcare. Through this initiative, it is expected that 34% of the building’s total base water usage will be avoided and 34% will be reused.
Findorff is extremely proud to have again partnered with such a progressive healthcare institution and congratulates UW Health on crafting one of the most-advanced care facilities in the nation.
MADISON – Findorff is excited to announce the groundbreaking at Grace Episcopal Church, which has been a center of ministry on the Capitol Square and throughout Madison for over 175 years. Since 2012, the congregation has been engaged in a process of discernment and fundraising in an effort to improve its facilities and to reimagine how its beautiful and historic buildings can be a place of welcome and spiritual respite for the whole community.
This special event marks the first steps in major renovations that will encompass much of the building, including the worship space, classrooms and gathering spaces, as well as its iconic Cornelia Vilas Guild Hall. Additionally, the reconstruction of the Church’s central stairway will enhance movement throughout the building and create a striking entrance from the courtyard. Additional efforts will involve finish and system upgrades, as well as improved signage. Rev. D. Jonathan Grieser, Rector of Grace, says “we hope that this project will help to adapt our historic building and our congregation to engage the challenges and opportunities of mission and ministry in the changing twenty-first century.”
Interview and photo opportunities: Media is welcome to attend this local groundbreaking. Representatives from Grace Episcopal Church, as well as those from the project’s design and construction teams, will be in attendance to speak about the project’s importance to the parish and local community. Photo opportunities will also be available.
Who: Fr. Jonathan Grieser, John Wood, Vince Micha, Steve Klaven, and Jane Ferris will share special remarks.
When: Sunday, August 23rd at 9:15amWhere: 116 West Washington Avenue – Madison, WIStreet parking is available along W. Washington Avenue, N. Fairchild Street, and N. Caroll Street. There are also several parking ramps within walking distance.
Much gratitude goes out to all that helped make this major milestone possible for Grace Episcopal Church, especially Kubala Washatko Architects, who was significantly involved in the design and planning efforts.
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MADISON – Findorff is excited to announce the recent completion of its latest construction endeavor, UW Health East Madison Hospital. In 2005, UW Health purchased a 42-acre parcel of land on Madison’s east side as part of its successive evolution. A decade later, a state-of-the-art facility stands epitomizing the spirit of innovation.
Taking a fresh approach to patient- and family-centered care, UW Health partnered early on with Findorff to strategically develop a comprehensive, one-of-a-kind health and wellness center. As a crucial part of the project, both patient and provider perspectives were evaluated to improve efficiencies in care and operations, as well as foster better patient outcomes and experiences. Ready to open its doors and provide care from a holistic approach, UW Health at The American Center is an inviting, 496,000-square-foot healing environment easily accessible to visitors and home to:
- 14 operating rooms
- A 56-bed hospital serving orthopedic and general medical/surgical patients
- A cardiology clinic with same-day access
- A dedicated training space for athletes consisting of: a full-sized basketball court modeled after that of at the Kohl Center, an outdoor training field, the Center for Sports Movement with 2D- and 3D-movement-evaluation systems, strength-development accommodations, as well as lap and therapy pools
- A Universal Care Center to support urgent and emergency services, outpatient diagnostic and treatment procedures, as well as pre-operative and post-operative care
- Two floors of clinic exam rooms
- Physical- and occupational-therapy space
Additionally, UW Health at The American Center is pursuing LEED® Silver for Healthcare. Through this initiative, it is expected that 34% of the building’s total base water usage will be avoided and 34% will be reused.
Findorff is extremely proud to have again partnered with such a progressive healthcare institution and congratulates UW Health on crafting one of the most-advanced care facilities in the nation. The project’s architecture and structural engineering were completed by Flad Architects. Affiliated Engineers was responsible for the MEP engineering, which was supported by TURIS™ Systems.
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