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University of Wisconsin–Madison Levy Hall Construction Project Updates

Written by Molly Haack | Jul 16, 2025 7:43:05 PM

Progress on Irving & Dorothy Levy Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is advancing steadily with C.D. Smith as construction manager.

The girders were staged adjacent to the jobsite. Street closures were in place from 4:30 to 11 a.m. on a Saturday.

Project features include:

  • Five levels, including a lower-level lecture hall, three green roofs and an outdoor balcony
  • Neighboring faculty offices

Two cranes were needed to leverage the massive beams into place.
  • 13 classrooms and two lecture halls
  • Modern technology and flexible layouts
  • Sustainable architectural practices prioritizing energy efficiency and longevity

View of the girder in place, carefully placed by a skilled team from C.D. Smith.

Strength in Steel and Teamwork

One of the most striking features of Levy Hall is its main lecture hall, a structural marvel that required precise engineering and placement of two 78-foot-long girders, each weighing 115,431 lbs.

Start to finish, each girder took approximately 1 hour to set.

Four ironworkers, a superintendent, a laborer managing road closures and jersey barriers, two crane operators, and truck drivers were onsite to self-perform this piece of the project.

The girders must be placed with precision for perfect beam-to-rod alignment.

Safety remains a top priority at every step of the way and the effort reflects the craftsmanship, expertise and teamwork that define C.D. Smith’s approach to construction. 

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Date: Spring/Summer 2025 | Author: Molly Haack

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