Urbane 115 is a new two-building development located in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin. Phase one is currently in progress and entails site and utility work along with construction of a mixed-use residential building.

The site initially housed the Conway Hotel which operated from the late 1800’s until the mid-1970’s. Ownership of the property and building then transferred to the Appleton Housing Authority who repurposed the building to accommodate a senior living facility. The City of Appleton eventually took ownership control, razed the building, and marketed the site for redevelopment.

Fast forward to today and construction at the site is in full swing for the first phase of Urbane 115. The structure consists of a precast concrete podium that supports four residential levels above. Grade level offers over 6,000 SF of commercial space that features one large tenant and four micro-retail tenants. The resident entrance and lobby occupy the remaining space on the east end. The first phase includes 56 units, ranging from studio to 2-bedrooms units, and totals 52,000 SF.

During excavation, the team uncovered the original foundations and basement bathroom tiling from the historic Conway Hotel. In order to install geo piers and pour foundations, the team hauled the debris off-site, surpassing ten truck loads. Currently, the pre-cast podium is complete along with framing of the four floors above. From footings to topping out, it took the team less than sixteen weeks to complete. For the interior, rough MEP installation is underway throughout all floors along with installation of the fire protection system. On the exterior, roof sealing and site work is in progress along with preparation for masonry and cladding.

The site is compact and situated adjacent to operational buildings to the east and south which requires a detailed and concise logistics plan. Additionally, due to the downtown location, the team works diligently to flag vehicular and pedestrian control while all construction activities are performed in the roadway. The site remains productive and efficient which our project team attributes to the quality of trade contractors on site with reverence of their craftsmanship, character, and respect for one another. The team is proud of the positive work environment on site and acknowledges the sense of comradery and willingness amongst all workers. This in turn fosters strong communication and efficiency now that the team is utilizing a pull-plan approach as the project progresses.

We would like to recognize the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our project team: Josh Bruesewitz, project manager, Mitch Berti, assistant project manager, and Lonnie Dunbar, superintendent. We would also to thank Merge Urban Development Group for trusting Greenfire to serve as construction manager on the project and continue our valued partnership. The architect is Slingshot Architecture.

Community service and events highlighted February for Greenfire. We showcased Greenfire at a couple of university career fairs and held a winter warmth drive and service day for a couple of community organizations that are near and dear to us.

Take a break from your endless scrolling and get caught up here – the February 2023 edition of #TheSpark

#BuildersOfTheFuture

The Forest County Potawatomi (FCP) Museum is a full interior renovation of the museum located on the Forest County Potawatomi Reservation. The project consists of a new floorplan to create a more efficient path and exhibits that display the artifacts in a more interactive and up-close way for patrons.

The project commenced in January 2021 with full demolition of the existing museum. Remediation efforts and removal of the electrical and HVAC systems also expanded into adjacent parts of the building including the cultural center and library.

An upgraded electrical system now runs throughout the building that feeds into a new transformer. The unit is backed up by a new generator to ensure peace of mind and power to the entire building in case of power outages or other similar crises.

A new HVAC system also runs throughout the building which includes new air handling units, ducts, a chiller, and a climate control system. The climate control system is fitted and programmed to meet Smithsonian Institute Design Standards, which is a set of codes that standardize the approach to designing and equipping museums and similar facilities to the highest professional standards.

The FCP engaged Bluewater Studio to design the new layout of the museum. Bluewater is a full-service design firm that specializes in creating exhibits and environments for cultural institutions. Greenfire’s collaborative efforts with the firm began with filling in select window and exhibit openings to create a white-box space. New construction includes metal stud exhibits which are strategically placed throughout the open floorplan to generate a natural flow of direction. The exhibits display Potawatomi regalia, historical artifacts, tribal photos, and a timeline and future path of the Tribe.

There are several large circular displays that provide a natural breaking point which invite patrons to walk into the exhibit and view artifacts in a surrounding environment. New standalone exhibits and glass displays percolate the museum floor to aide in patron flow. The scope also includes new track lighting which create dramatic and key light effect for viewing the displays and artifacts. A new epoxy floor provides the final touch that ties in the Tribal colors which represent the circle of life. The project finished in March 2021.

“We have so many tribal members today who are succeeding today that we wanted to recognize everybody,” said Museum Director Donald Keeble. Vice Chairwoman Heather Vanzile expressed her thoughts about the renovation, “We believe in the importance of sharing our culture with different communities and being able to relate and develop good relationships.”

We are proud to take an active role in the renovation of the FCP cultural museum. We would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of our project team John Chinault, senior project manager, Scott Earley, superintendent, and Mark McCloskey, superintendent. We would like to thank our owner, the Forest County Potawatomi, for selecting Greenfire as their construction manager.

UW-Platteville and UW-Milwaukee hosted career fairs this month and Greenfire exhibited at both. The fairs are a great way to get our company in front of young talent who are pursuing degrees in architecture, engineering and construction and showcase Greenfire as a viable option for a career in construction.

Kevin Stockinger, a UW-Pallteville alumni, represented Greenfire at their career fair which was held earlier in the month. Jess Henning, Cedric Price, and Michael Moe, all UW-Milwaukee alumni, and other members of the BD/Marketing team represented Greenfire at their career fair held later this month.

We are always looking for bright and eager talent so if you or anyone you know are looking to spark your career, please reach out to us!

It was another successful result for our annual Winter Warmth Drive!

The Milwaukee office collected winter warmth items and raised funds for the Milwaukee Christian Center (MCC), a partner of ours for over six years. The Wausau office collected winter warmth items for The Open Door of Marathon County.

Collectively, we donated over 200 items to the organizations. The donations consisted of a variety of winter warmth clothing, accessories, and hand and footwear. In addition, the Milwaukee office helped prep, cook, and serve the day’s lunch and contributed $1000 to the MCC’s older adults meal program which will provide three days of lunches to their guests.

The responses to our drives were amazing and we would like to thank all who helped in giving back to our communities. Together, we are making a difference!

Greenfire reveled in the first month of 2023. It was announced that we would serve as the CM for a high-profile project right in our backyard. We also gathered to celebrate and socialize at our annual holiday party. And we still made sure to promote our services and further our brand at an annual convention.

Take a break from your endless scrolling and get caught up here – the January 2023 edition of #TheSpark

#BuildersOfTheFuture

Greenfire selected as the construction manager for a high-profile project.

Harley-Davidson recently unveiled their plans to transform the parking lots and unused parcels of the corporate headquarters into a community gathering space. The project will transform the concrete site into a civic and soulful green gathering space that can be used by everyone.

The circular layout of the park is defined by a combination of motorcycle driveways and turning circles, parking bays, sidewalks, plants and seats, and 360-degree viewpoints. At the heart of the park is “The Hub”, a sunken multi-use events space, approximately 272 feet wide with tiered seating and a performance space. The park will be sown with 120 native plant species, some of which are sacred to the Forest County Potawatomi. There are also plans for a market street, contemplative garden, and nature playground.

Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson said:

“Milwaukee is the place we have proudly called home for 120 years. We want Harley-Davidson’s presence in Milwaukee to be more relevant than ever before, for our community, employees, and our customers. It’s important to us to protect and enhance this part of our heritage in a way that is aligned to our strategy, ensuring that it will be relevant to generations to come.”

“Kicking the project off in our 120th year underscores both the importance of the project and the commitment that we are making to Milwaukee. We are very proud by the work of the Harley-Davidson Foundation in spearheading this project.”

Harley-Davidson executive Julie Anding is the foundation’s president. She said the project foundation demonstrates the company’s commitment to an enduring presence in the Milwaukee community and that, “it is our hope this park will become the heart of the Near West Side community and catalyst for further revitalization efforts.”

“The Hub is also an incredible investment that Harley-Davidson is making in Milwaukee’s near west side,” said Jeb Meier, Greenfire president.  “I could not be more proud that Greenfire is part of the team that looks to continue to positively impact the community and the neighborhood we call home.”

The community park development is set to break ground in spring of 2023 with the park available for use by summer 2024.

We would like to thank Harley-Davidson for the opportunity to serve as the construction manager for this transformative and high-profile project. We are proud to be a part of the team that is investing in and continuing to revitalize the near west side and helping to realize the potential of this important economic corridor of Milwaukee. The Greenfire team includes Mike Smith, Senior Project Manager, Gene Widenski, Superintendent, Mitch Berti, Assistant Project Manager and Jess Henning, Project Development Manager. Heatherwick Studio of London, England, is the mind behind the design. Heatherwick will collaborate with local firm HGA Architects and Engineers, who is the architect of record.

The Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) held their annual State Education Convention at the Wisconsin Center. The two-day annual event brings together education professionals from around Wisconsin to attend industry breakout sessions and network with vendors at the tradeshow.

Greenfire hosted a booth on the tradeshow floor for the sixth consecutive year. Pepi Randolph, VP of Business Development, Simmi Urbanek, Director of Marketing, Maureen Carlson, Regional Business Development Manager, Kyle Widenski, Marketing Manager, and Michael Moe, Business Development Coordinator connected with visitors to extend our brand as a resource for education construction.

From this event, we were able to meet with and establish valuable relationships with members of district boards and administrations who play key roles in construction contracts for schools throughout the state. As we continually pursue and grow our capabilities in this sector, we are pleased with the groundwork our team accomplished at this event.

In appreciation of another successful year, the Greenfire team and extended family gathered to celebrate our annual holiday party this month. The party was held at the Milwaukee Yacht Club and was an opportunity to reflect upon our accomplishments this past year along with milestones to look forward to in the future.

The evening featured a special presentation during dinner from our active and veteran service members of the Greenfire team. Chad Greuel and Craig Bailey recognized the Greenfire veterans and active service members and emphasized what it means to be a team no matter how far apart we are. Nate Brown, an active service member on duty in Korea, joined via video chat. The three of them presented the Department of Defense for Patriot Award to Greenfire President, Jeb Meier. Nate nominated our leader and president, Jeb for the distinguished recognition based on the support provided to him and his family during this deployment.

After the presentation, the night continued with socializing and cocktails along with those brave enough to show off their skills in karaoke. We would like to thank all our staff and extended family for your hard work and dedication as it reflects the culture and success of our company.

The team got together again for our annual Greenfire Ugly Sweater Competition and White Elephant gift exchange. The Milwaukee and Wausau offices got in the holiday spirit and donned our ugly sweaters to exchange white elephant gifts and vote on our favorite ugly sweaters. Congratulations to Brian Kraus on winning the Milwaukee office Ugly Sweater contest and Sherrie Harenda on winning the Wausau office contest!