When originally opened as the Midwest Express Center in 1998, the convention center was designed with expansions in mind. C.D. Smith Construction in partnership with Gilbane, led the phased renovation, one of the largest projects in Wisconsin. The groundbreaking for the $456 million Baird Center expansion occurred in October 2021. The expansion project, built on a former parking lot, doubles the size of the convention center to a total of 1.3 million SF.
The transformed Baird Center now serves as a premier convention destination with state-of-the-art facilities and sustainable features. The convention center offers ample space for exhibitions, meetings, events, and more!
(Photo Above - At Left) Reclaimed urban wood on Baird Center’s Collaborative Staircase is promoting conservation and connection
The project provides 400 indoor parking spaces, ensuring convenient access for visitors. Six additional loading docks were added. A total of 22 loading bays help facilitate smooth logistics, while a second executive kitchen caters to the needs of event organizers and attendees. The rooftop Baird Ballroom can accommodate up to 2,000 people for a seated dinner. Paired with the Baird Sky View Terrace and its majestic views of downtown, the ballroom is the perfect venue for grand celebrations.
(Photo Above) W. Wells St. Sky Bridge
The project provides 400 indoor parking spaces, ensuring convenient access for visitors. Six additional loading docks were added. A total of 22 loading bays help facilitate smooth logistics, while a second executive kitchen caters to the needs of event organizers and attendees. The rooftop Baird Ballroom can accommodate up to 2,000 people for a seated dinner. Paired with the Baird Sky View Terrace and its majestic views of downtown, the ballroom is the perfect venue for grand celebrations.
(Photos Above) Customizable wave-shaped ceiling lights in Baird Ballroom (left) and North building entrance (right) featuring original art, a 2-story water feature, and ample seating.
• State of the art color changing light fixtures
• HVAC controls in subdividable spaces
• Large windows add natural light throughout
• Landscaped terraces and outdoor gathering spaces
• Inclusion-focused all-gender restrooms
• On-site sensory rooms
• Nursing mother’s rooms
• 300,000 SF of exhibit space
(Photo Above) Exhibit Hall
• 52 meeting rooms (73,400 SF)
• 65,500 SF ballroom space
• Three-story window entrance with brass ceiling
• Multi-level indoor water feature
(Photo Above) North building entrance featuring three-story window entrance with brass ceiling and collaborative staircase with ample seating
The expansion is projected to generate significant economic benefits for Wisconsin.
It is expected to support 2,300 full-time equivalent jobs throughout the region, boosting the local workforce. Moreover, the new convention center is anticipated to attract an additional 100,000 out-of-state visitors annually, stimulating tourism and related industries.
(Photo Above) Baird Sky View Terrace
The project is seeking LEED Gold certification, recognized globally as a leading green building rating system. The design incorporates several environmentally friendly features to reduce its carbon footprint.
• Gray roof membrane, suitable for Milwaukee's climate, helps protect the building from weather and water-related issues.
• 320,000-gallon StormTrap®, an underground stormwater retention system, will manage stormwater runoff, minimizing the impact on local water resources.
(Photo Above) Wells Entrance
• The building is 24% more energy efficient and 30% more water efficient than the LEED baseline.
• The project diverted more than 75% of the construction waste from landfills and includes various environmentally friendly design elements, such as 32% of total recycled content.
• 90% recycled steel was used in construction, reducing the project's environmental impact.
• Ceramic fritted glass not only improves insulation but also prevents bird collisions.
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures are installed throughout, promoting water conservation.
(Photo Above) Industrial Kitchen
• LED lighting in both the front and back of the house and occupancy sensors are employed to optimize energy usage based on occupancy and daylight levels.
• Solar Roof.
• State-of-the-art ORCA food digester mimics natural digestion and converts food waste into liquid, diverting up to 438 tons of food waste annually from landfills.
• Use of reclaimed ash in the Collaborative Staircase.
By implementing such sustainable solutions, Baird Center aims to lead in reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.
Gilbane and C.D. Smith proudly partnered to bring the Wisconsin Center District’s vision to life. The Baird Center Grand Opening Gala was held on May 16, 2024, ushering in an exciting new era of accessibility, innovation, and unrivaled event experiences.
(Photo Above) North building entrance featuring three-story window entrance and reclaimed urban wood on collaborative staircase
Gilbane | Smith committed to a diverse and inclusive trade partner involvement plan with goals to hire a work force that represented Milwaukee. We were thrilled to exceed our goals with:
• 25.3% minority-owned businesses.
• 16.5% women-owned businesses.
• 1% disabled-veteran-owned businesses.
Additionally, close to $40 million of the $100 million in construction wages were earned by residents of Milwaukee, including:
• 41.3% by Resident Preference Program (RPP) workers.
• 4.5% by women.
• 1.2% by disabled veterans.
• 41.5% by minority workers.
This project was truly built for Milwaukee, by Milwaukee.
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Baird Center Project | BENEATH THE HARD HAT® + IN THE NEWS
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Baird Center Expansion Project Updates | April 2021 to Current BENEATH THE HARD HAT® & IN THE NEWS
Baird Center's $456M Convention Center Expansion: Media news and project progress in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from groundbreaking to ribbon cutting and beyond.
Wisconsin Center District celebrates completion of expanded Baird Center in Milwaukee | Beneath the Hard Hat® 05.22.2024
Meet the Members of Ironworkers Local 8 on the Baird Center Expansion Project in Milwaukee | Beneath the Hard Hat® Press & Blog 07.18.2023
WISCONSIN CENTER EXPANSION PROJECT CELEBRATES FINAL BEAM INSTALLATION | Beneath the Hard Hat® Press & Blog 05.12.2023
Wisconsin Center District Breaks Ground on $456 Million Convention Center Expansion | Beneath the Hard Hat® 05.22.2024
