Wisconsin Center $456 Million Expansion Construction Project
How Gilbane | Smith used AI to track 21,000 documents | Construction Dive 08.28.2024
📰 An August 28th Construction Dive article revealed how AI transformed communication on the $456 million Baird Center expansion, helping project teams manage and track over 21,000 documents.
ONE BIG THING: No More Paper Chase | 📃🏃♀️💨
This cutting-edge tool enabled workers to get instant answers to crucial questions, eliminating time-consuming searches and preventing costly rework.
It streamlined processes and allowed the team to focus on progress, keeping the project on time and within budget.
CATCH UP QUICK: Details of Building Better | 👷♂️👷♀️
You can link directly to the article to get more details at constructiondive.com/news/gilbane-trunk-tools-ai-baird-center/725378/.
ENR Midwest Announces Best Project Awardees | ENR Midwest 08.16.2024
📣 EXCITING NEWS | The Baird Center expansion and modernization project has earned the prestigious Engineering News-Record (ENR) Midwest 2024 Best Projects Award of Merit in the Sports/Entertainment category.
THE AWARD EXPLAINED 🏆| The ENR Midwest Best Projects Awards celebrate the most remarkable construction and design achievements in the region. Winning in the Sports/Entertainment category highlights Baird Center's significant role in redefining event experiences, elevating Milwaukee as a premier destination for large-scale events, and pushing the boundaries of convention center design.
A COLLABORATIVE SUCCESS 🤝| This award is a testament to the client's vision and commitment and the dedicated efforts of a talented team. It was made possible through incredible collaboration among the Baird Center, Gilbane Building Company, C.D. Smith Construction, and a network of committed subcontractors, partners, and crew members who tirelessly contributed to this achievement. Together, we created a venue that enhances Milwaukee’s ability to host larger, more diverse events, driving economic growth and strengthening the city’s position on the national stage.
CONGRATULATIONS ALL AROUND 🎉| A huge thank you to ENR for this recognition, and congratulations to all the Midwest Best Project award winners and everyone involved in bringing the remarkable Baird Center to life. This is a win for Milwaukee and the entire team behind this extraordinary project!
Wisconsin Center District celebrates completion of expanded Baird Center in Milwaukee | Beneath the Hard Hat® 05.22.2024
How Baird Center's new expansion could impact its events | TMJ4 News 05.17.2024
Milwaukee’s Baird Center Opens After $456 Million Expansion | Skift Meetings 05.20.2024
Hundreds attend the newly expanded Baird Center's open house | CBS 58 05.18.2024
Milwaukee's Baird Center holds grand opening after $456 million renovation: 'It is momentous' | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 05.18.2024
Baird Center preps for public Open House following day of celebration | 620WTMJ Wisconsin's Radio Station 05.17.2024
Baird Center Expansion Opens With Fanfare, Time Capsule | Milwaukee Magazine 05.17.2024
Milwaukee’s $465M Baird Center expansion opens | Finance & Commerce 05.17.2024
Gilbane | Smith Completes $456M Expansion of Baird Center in Milwaukee | REBusiness Online 05.17.2024
Baird Center expansion in Milwaukee is officially complete | The Daily Reporter 05.16.2024
Ribbon-cutting ushers in new era for Baird Center after $456 million expansion | WISN 05.16.2024
Leaders celebrate official opening of $456 million Baird Center expansion | BizTimes 05.16.2024
$456 Million Baird Center Opens With Big Promises, Vision | Urban Milwaukee 05.16.2024
Baird Center $456M expansion opens with ribbon-cutting ceremony | FOX6 News 05.16.2024
See Baird Center make official debut. Why Summerfest's old CEO Don Smiley gets some credit for the name. | Milwaukee Business Journal 05.16.2024
Baird Center expansion ushers in new era of convention business | Spectrum News 1 05.16.2024
New Baird Center allows city to ‘stack conventions’ | 620WTMJ Wisconsin's Radio Station 05.16.2024
Behind the Scenes: Baird Center | CBS 58 05.15.2024
Sneak peek at the $456 million Baird Center expansion before May 16 debut: Slideshow | Milwaukee Business Journal 05.15.2024
Baird Center expansion finished, ready to open in Milwaukee | FOX6 News Milwaukee 05.13.2024
See photos of the completed Baird Center expansion | BizTimes 05.13.2024
Baird Center prepares for grand opening of expanded event space | CBS 58 Newsroom 05.13.2024
Meet Baird Center's New Art Collection | Visit Milwaukee 05.13.2024
Baird Center expansion finished, ready to open in Milwaukee | Visit Yahoo!News 05.13.2024
See the completed Baird Center at upcoming open house | Radio Milwaukee 05.10.2024
Baird Center expansion rises in Westown: Timeline | Milwaukee Business Journal 05.04.2024
The Baird Center expansion, completed on time and within budget, involved collaboration between thousands of workers. Finishing the $456 million project in two and a half years on an active campus in an urban environment is an incredible feat for this landmark project in downtown Milwaukee.
What they said: Milwaukee-area executives talk Baird Center expansion | Milwaukee Business Journal 05.04.2024
Who built, made money from the Baird Center project? | Milwaukee Business Journal 05.03.2024
The Baird Center project in Milwaukee exceeded its inclusion goals for minority-owned, women-owned businesses and workforce participation, demonstrating the city's commitment to diversity and equity.
Cory Henschel, a project executive with C.D. Smith, said the crews on the site were well aware they were involved in an important, sophisticated project that required their best efforts. He's quoted in the article saying, "The success of the project is a result of everyone’s collective efforts.“
Why Baird inked the naming-rights deal for Milwaukee's revamped convention center | Milwaukee Business Journal 05.03.2024
Convention center expansion long time coming, but impact will be felt for years | Milwaukee Business Journal 05.02.2024
The long-awaited expansion of the Baird Center in Milwaukee will have a significant positive impact on the city's economy for years to come by attracting more conventions, conferences and sporting events that simply couldn't fit in the building before.
Baird Center expansion will draw more tourism money | Milwaukee Business Journal 05.02.2024
The expansion of the Baird Center will position Milwaukee as a premier convention destination, attracting more visitors and boosting the city's economy for years to come.
Baird expansion boosts Milwaukee as competitor for convention bookings | Milwaukee Business Journal 05.02.2024
Expansion of convention center was timed perfectly | Milwaukee Business Journal 05.02.2024
The opening of the Baird Center in May 2024 coincides with Visit Milwaukee's rebranding efforts and is expected to boost the city's economy by attracting more conventions and events.
Five questions with event planner David Caruso on Baird Center opening gala | Milwaukee Business Journal 05.02.2024
The grand opening gala will showcase the newly expanded facilities and celebrate reimagined possibilities for hosting future events. With the "Queen of Broadway," Idina Menzel, as the featured performer, this event will be a kickoff for the Baird Center to become a premier convention destination.
Metros are seeking far bigger convention center spaces | Building Design + Construction Media 05.02.2024
The Baird Center expansion in Milwaukee doubles its size, making it a more attractive destination for large conventions. This is part of a nationwide trend of convention centers expanding to meet the demand for bigger event spaces.
See Inside The Massive Baird Center Expansion | Urban Milwaukee 04.18.2024 : Milwaukee-area events spur increased tourism, economic impact | Milwaukee Business Journal 04.18.2024
📰🎉 The much-anticipated grand opening of the Baird Center is just around the corner. Milwaukee is buzzing with excitement as it gears up for an elevated event scene. Catch up quick 👇 on the BIG THINGS COMING.
🌟 WHAT TO EXPECT: The Baird Center has more than doubled in size, boasting 1.3 million square feet. This translates to:
• Larger Exhibition Hall: At 300,000 square feet, this space can accommodate massive events and conventions.
• More Meeting Rooms: The number of meeting rooms has jumped to 52, for increased flexibility and catering to events of all sizes.
• Rooftop Ballroom: This 2,000-person capacity space offers stunning city views and can be divided for smaller gatherings.
• Art that Elevates: Stunning new artwork is installed throughout the center, including a four-story mural showcasing Wisconsin landmarks alongside works by talented local artists.
• Amenities: The expansion includes new features like an outdoor terrace with a giant video board, a dedicated visitor center for Visit Milwaukee, and a focus on sustainability with a rooftop solar array.
• Inclusivity: Modern design creates a bright and inviting atmosphere, while a collaborative staircase, sensory rooms, mothers' rooms, all-gender restrooms and a first-of-its-kind privacy-focused breakout room called "The Cove" ensure the comfort of everyone.
👀 A LOOK INSIDE: Recent articles from the Milwaukee Business Journal and Urban Milwaukee offer a sneak peek at a few of the most exciting features mentioned above.
🚀 WHAT IT MEANS FOR MILWAUKEE: The Baird Center isn't just about aesthetics; it's a strategic investment in Milwaukee's future.
• Job Boom: Construction contracts exceeded inclusion goals, with significant participation from minority-owned, women-owned, and disabled-veteran-owned businesses. The project itself created a significant number of local jobs, and the onsite workforce included a substantial percentage of Residence Preference Program (RPP) workers
• Economic Engine: The expanded center is expected to attract larger and more prestigious events, bringing in millions of dollars and boosting local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and shops.
📅 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!: The official ribbon-cutting ceremony and Grand Opening Gala kick things off on May 16th. But save the date for May 18th – that's when the public gets its first chance to explore this incredible space!
🔍 Go Deeper:
• For more details on the new center and its positive impacts on Milwaukee, visit the articles linked above. You can also learn more at buildingmore.com or bairdcenter.com.
First look: Convention center's modern new expansion | OnMilwaukee 04.15.2024
👀📰 An OnMilwaukee article gave a first look at the Baird Center's $456M expansion project. It's a must-read with more than 17 images and insights that bring perspective to the significance and magnitude of the new convention center. Here're 👇 some high-level updates:
🏗 Project Milestones:
• Substantial Completion: Achieved on March 29.
• Grand Opening Gala: Ribbon cutting ceremony and gala hosted by the Wisconsin Center District scheduled for May 16.
• Public Showcase: On May 18, the public will have the opportunity to explore the center from 1 to 5 p.m., offering a glimpse into the future of Milwaukee's event scene.
🌟 The New Addition:
• Exhibition hall space (increased to 300,000 square feet), 24 meeting rooms (bringing the total to 52), 400 indoor parking spaces, six loading docks (totaling 22), and another kitchen
• A rooftop ballroom with panoramic views and space for 2,000 attendees, which can be transformed into smaller meeting spaces as needed
• Outdoor terraces, including one with a giant video board
🚀 Attracting Visitors and Boosting the Economy:
• With an expanded footprint of 1.3 million square feet, the Baird Center is expected to attract larger and more prestigious events, contributing to Milwaukee's economy.
• Increased convention business means more revenue for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, revitalizing the surrounding area.
😊 A Welcoming Space for All:
• The modern design features glass and steel elements, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
• The Baird Center prioritizes inclusivity with sensory rooms, nursing mothers' rooms and all-gender restrooms catering to diverse needs.
• Construction contracts exceeded inclusion goals, with significant participation from minority-owned, women-owned and disabled-veteran-owned businesses.
• The onsite workforce included a substantial percentage of Residence Preference Program (RPP) workers, underscoring the project's commitment to local employment and economic growth.
🙌 The Bottom Line:
• With its expanded space, swanky new amenities and commitment to sustainability, the Baird Center is poised to become a premier convention destination, attracting major events and boosting Milwaukee's economy for years to come.
🔍 Go Deeper:
• For more details on the new center and its positive impacts on Milwaukee, visit the OnMilwaukee article linked here: First look: Convention center's modern new expansion. You can also learn more at buildingmore.com or bairdcenter.com.
WISN 12 News Exclusive: Inside the new Baird Center | WISN 12 News 04.03.2024
Baird Center on track for May opening as expansion reaches substantial completion | The Daily Reporter 04.01.2024
Milwaukee's Baird Center reaches milestone before grand opening | FOX6 Milwaukee 04.01.2024
Construction for $456 million Baird Center expansion reaches ‘substantial completion’ | BizTimes 04.01.2024
📰 The much-anticipated Baird Center expansion has reached a major milestone: substantial completion!
WHAT IS SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION? It signifies when the project is considered substantially finished and the building is now functional and usable for its intended purpose. Work is sufficiently completed so Baird Center staff can occupy and use the building without needing protective equipment. Final inspections and system testing are underway, marking the final steps before opening.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The official ribbon-cutting ceremony and Grand Opening Gala are scheduled for May 16th, and the Baird Center will open its doors to the public on May 18th.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT: The Baird Center's expansion isn't just about size; it's expected to boost the local economy and is also about sustainability, inclusivity and diversity.
• More space for big events: With a total of 1.3 million square feet, the expanded center can accommodate larger, more prominent events, bringing more visitors and business to Milwaukee.
• Focus on sustainability: The Baird Center is built with the future in mind, featuring a solar roof, stormwater management system, and even an on-site food digester!
• Commitment to inclusion: The new center boasts features designed with everyone in mind, including sensory rooms, nursing mothers' rooms, and all-gender restrooms.
BUILT BY MILWAUKEE, FOR MILWAUKEE: The ambitious $456 million expansion project prioritized the inclusion of local businesses and residents throughout the building process and exceeded its goals for the participation of minority-owned businesses (MBEs), women-owned businesses (WBEs), and Milwaukee residents in the construction workforce.
A WIN FOR THE COMMUNITY: As this state-of-the-art facility prepares to open its doors, it symbolizes a commitment to progress, inclusivity, and economic prosperity for Milwaukee and its residents.
Baird Center expansion project shoots past minority business and local resident goals | The Daily Reporter 03.18.2024
📰 As the Baird Center expansion project nears completion, it's already making its mark as a significant achievement in terms of construction and economic opportunity for the surrounding community.
LOCAL BUSINESS INCLUSION: The ambitious $456 million expansion project prioritized the inclusion of local businesses and residents throughout the building process and exceeded its goals for the participation of minority-owned businesses (MBEs), women-owned businesses (WBEs), and Milwaukee residents in the construction workforce.
🤝 MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES THRIVE:
• Initial targets envisioned 25% of contracts awarded to MBEs and 5% to WBEs.
• The final results were even more impressive, with MBE participation reaching 25.3% and WBE participation exceeding expectations at a commendable 16.5%.
• Disabled veteran-owned businesses also saw involvement exceeding the 1% target, achieving a 1.2% share.
👷♂️👷♀️ BOOSTING MILWAUKEE'S WORKFORCE: A key focus was recruiting workers from economically disadvantaged areas, with a target of 40%. The final figure reached 47.9%, showcasing a significant commitment to local contractors. Minority worker participation soared to 42%, exceeding the initial 25% goal.
🏗 EXPANSION BY THE NUMBERS: The official substantial completion date is slated for March 29th, with systems and owner training scheduled for April. The following project stats are from a March 18th article published by The Daily Reporter:
• The project consistently maintained an average daily workforce of 242 individuals, which is expected to decrease as we get closer to completion.
• As of March 18th, the Baird Expansion logged 1.26 million work hours, with the final number estimated at 1.3 to 1.4 million by project completion.
BUILDING MORE, TOGETHER: By setting ambitious goals for local business and resident participation, the project played a vital role in fostering economic opportunity, boosting the local economy and helping build an even bigger, brighter future for Milwaukee.
GO DEEPER: For more details on the workforce numbers and positive impacts on Milwaukee, go to The Daily Reporter article linked here: Baird Center expansion project shoots past minority business and local resident goals.
You can also learn more at buildingmore.com or bairdcenter.com.
Milwaukee’s Baird Center expansion exceeds minority business goal | Finance&Commerce 03.19.2024
Baird Center project exceeds goals for minority contractors, Milwaukee resident workers | Milwaukee Business Journal 03.15.2024
In Milwaukee, Double the Space for Conventions and Exhibitions | MeetingsNet 03.06.2024
Get ready, Milwaukee! With the impending completion of the Baird Center Expansion Project, your meeting space is about to get much bigger.
Here's a breakdown of some of the BIG THINGS COMING:
DOUBLING THE SPACE: Adding 673,000 square feet to its existing footprint brings the total to over 1.3 million square feet, allowing the Baird Center to host multiple events simultaneously. The new exhibit hall can be cleverly divided into two sections, offering flexibility for events of different sizes.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW: A swanky new 32,000-square-foot rooftop ballroom has an executive kitchen, perfect for catering special events. But the real showstopper is the 18,223-square-foot wraparound rooftop terrace, offering panoramic city views. The expansion also includes 16 new meeting rooms, each approximately 5,000 square feet, allowing for nearly 100 smaller configurations for more intimate gatherings.
FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY: The Baird Center isn't just focused on size and aesthetics. The Baird Center aspires to achieve LEED Silver certification, aligning with national green building standards. The new facility incorporates a solar roof, energy-efficient LED lighting that adjusts based on natural light and occupancy, and an Orca organic food digester capable of handling up to 438 tons of food waste annually. Ceramic-fritted glass on the exterior enhances energy efficiency and mitigates bird collisions.
UP AND TO THE RIGHT: The expansion is expected to be a boon for Milwaukee's economy. With more space and amenities, the Baird Center will be able to attract bigger events and conventions, bringing in more out-of-town visitors. The estimates are for an additional 100,000 visitors each year. The strategic timing aligns with the Republican National Convention in July, providing the Baird Center with a national platform.
THE BOTTOM LINE: With its expanded space, swanky new amenities, and commitment to sustainability, the Baird Center is poised to become a premier convention destination, attracting major events and boosting Milwaukee's economy for years to come.
You can learn more at buildingmore.com or bairdcenter.com.
Baird Center's structure is engineered for big boats and 'Jump Around' | Milwaukee Business Journal 02.22.2024 and Downtown's Baird Center will play a key RNC role. A $456 million expansion is almost done | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 02.22.2024
The newly expanded Baird Center is almost done! On February 22, 2024 the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel showcased a photo gallery with descriptions of new spaces and features, and the Milwaukee Business Journal loaded us up on structural engineering highlights. Here are some key points and takeaways:
BAIRD CENTER EXPANSION OVERVIEW:
• $456 million expansion, nearing completion
• 300,000 sq ft of contiguous exhibition hall space
• Additional meeting rooms and 400 indoor parking spaces
• Doubles the convention center's space to host simultaneous events
• 30,000 sq ft Baird Ballroom with dedicated kitchen and outdoor terrace
• North Building has a collaborative staircase and cascading water feature
• A visitor information center operated by VISIT Milwaukee helps attendees
BOOKINGS AND FINANCIALS:
• Bookings are on the rise, with 116 confirmed events for 2024
• Expected first-year increase in annual visitor spending of nearly $50 million
ENGINEERING HIGHLIGHTS
• Engineered to minimize vibrations from crowds and music
• Designed to handle heavy loads from events like boat shows
• 6,000 tons of structural steel for construction, equivalent to 12 Boeing 747s
UPCOMING EVENTS
• The expanded center's first event is scheduled for May 16, featuring a gala hosted by the Wisconsin Center District with a performance by Idina Menzel.
• In July, the Republican National Convention (RNC) will utilize the Baird Ballroom for hospitality functions, and the Baird Sky View Terrace is expected to host live network newscasts with views of Fiserv Forum and Deer District.
With the Baird Center's grand opening just around the corner, Milwaukee is poised to welcome the world to watch the future of this innovative city unfold with an exciting new chapter of experiences. Be a part of more BIG THINGS COMING and learn more about upcoming events at buildingmore.com or bairdcenter.com.
WATCH: Wisconsin’s Morning News tours The Baird Center construction site | 620WTMJ Wisconsin's Radio Station 02.05.2024 and See the Baird Center's $456M expansion project as it nears completion: Slideshow | Milwaukee Business Journal 02.08.2024
GET READY TO BE WOWED 🤩 by the $456 million transformation of Milwaukee's iconic convention center with a closer look at the Baird Center Expansion project as it nears completion.
» Scheduled to open its doors in the next few months (Spring 2024), the Baird Center is poised to become a premier destination for conventions, conferences and special events. Recent updates from a video tour with WTMJ 620 AM and a Milwaukee Business Journal article shed light on the project's progress and significance for the city.
🌟📽 FEATURES HIGHLIGHTED in VIDEO TOUR:
• Massive Exhibition Hall: Over 300,000 square feet of space, perfect for hosting large-scale trade shows and conventions, is accommodated by extending the building over the sidewalk.
• Luxurious Baird Ballroom + Outdoor Terrace: The ballroom can accommodate 2,000 guests and boasts a terrace with breathtaking panoramas of the city skyline and ample outdoor event space.
• Modern Meeting Rooms + State-of-the-Art Amenities: 24 new versatile meeting rooms are equipped with cutting-edge technology.
• Local Flair: Local art focuses on themes related to Wisconsin and the Great Lakes to reflect the region's cultural heritage and celebrate the unique spirit of Milwaukee.
🏗📰 CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS detailed in MILWAUKEE BUSINESS JOURNAL ARTICLE:
• Substantial Completion: Construction is nearing completion, with crews adding the final touches, including artwork installation, equipment testing, and staff training.
• Collaborative Efforts: Construction managers C.D. Smith and Gilbane, along with subcontractors, including minority-owned and women-owned businesses, are working together to bring the project to fruition.
🎉 GRAND OPENING GALA:
• Scheduled Event: Mark your calendars for May 16th for a Grand Opening Gala marking the official debut of the Baird Center.
🚀 THE BOTTOM LINE:
» The Baird Center Expansion project is an investment in Milwaukee's future, attracting new visitors, boosting the economy, and creating jobs. It elevates the city's profile as a hub for business and entertainment. It's where innovation and collaboration thrive, putting Milwaukee on the map as a premier destination for meetings and events.
Baird Center completion, entertainment venue construction will highlight Milwaukee-area development activity in 2024 | BizTimes Milwaukee Business News 01.29.2024
Baird Center expansion to hit completion target in late March | Milwaukee Business Journal 01.11.2024
📣 The $456-million expansion of the Baird Center exceeds expectations as it nears completion.
Construction is on track for substantial completion by late March, meaning we are just months aware from experiencing it firsthand!
Here's what you can expect 👇 :
» A massive exposition hall with 300,000 square feet of contiguous space, perfect for hosting major events.
» 24 additional meeting rooms for brainstorming, networking, and collaboration.
» Convenient amenities like 400+ indoor parking spaces, six loading docks, and an executive kitchen.
» A luxurious fourth-floor ballroom that can seat 2,000 guests for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Mark your calendars! 📅
» May 16th: Grand opening gala and evening celebration.
» May 18th-19th: Public open house + your chance to explore the new and improved Baird Center firsthand!
This project is more than an architectural marvel; it symbolizes Milwaukee's innovation and commitment to the future
📰 You can check out the latest article in the Milwaukee Business Journal or visit bairdcenter.com to learn more about the BIG things coming!