Construction for $456 million Baird Center expansion reaches ‘substantial completion’
The substantial completion of the Baird Center expansion, a $456 million project in downtown Milwaukee, was announced last week. This important phase signifies that the building is now ready for its intended function, and employees can safely enter without needing protective gear. This stage also involves the final checks and system tests, as stated in a recent press release on Monday.
The grand opening of the expanded Baird Center is set for May 16, featuring a ribbon-cutting event and a Gala. The public will get their first chance to visit and explore the new features of the building on May 18.
The completion of the expansion will bring the Baird Center’s total space to 1.3 million square feet, as reported by the Wisconsin Center District, its owner. This expansion enables the hosting of multiple or overlapping events, enhancing the district’s capacity.
Key sustainability elements of the new Baird Center include a solar roof, a stormwater management system, bird-friendly glass, and an on-site food digester. Additionally, the convention center will have areas dedicated to inclusivity, such as sensory rooms, spaces for nursing mothers, and all-gender restrooms for clients, guests, and employees.
Marty Brooks, the president and CEO of the Wisconsin Center District, expressed pride in the project’s focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and diversity. He highlighted the recruitment efforts by construction manager Gilbane | Smith, emphasizing the project’s commitment to the Milwaukee community.
The Wisconsin Center District disclosed that the contracted construction involved:
- 25.3% minority-owned businesses, surpassing the 25% target.
- 16.5% women-owned businesses, exceeding the 5% goal.
- 1% disabled-veteran-owned businesses, meeting the 1% objective.
Regarding on-site labor:
- 47.9% of hours were by Residence Preference Program (RPP) workers, who are residents of Milwaukee’s underserved areas, beating the 40% goal.
- 4.5% of the hours were worked by women, slightly below the 5% target.
- 1.2% of the labor was contributed by disabled veterans, meeting the 1% aim.
- 42% of the workforce were minority workers, significantly over the 25% objective.
