C27 Nominated for MANDI

Posted August 15, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Commercial, Historic, Multi-Family, Office.

Nearly 500 community members, leaders, and partners gathered at Potawatomi Casino | Hotel for the 26th Annual Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDIs). Presented by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Milwaukee, the awards honor organizations and projects making Milwaukee stronger and more resilient. This year marked LISC Milwaukee’s 30th anniversary of community investment.

Concordia 27 was nominated for the Building Blocks Award, which recognizes a real estate project that addresses an articulated neighborhood need and demonstrates high design quality, public benefit, and strong community impact. The award also acknowledges projects that prioritize environmental considerations, involve diverse contractors, and contribute to long-term neighborhood vitality. Greenfire proudly represented alongside the project team and stakeholders.

Located at 27th and Wells St., Concordia 27 transformed a long-vacant historic property into a mixed-use community hub. The 79,250 SF redevelopment delivered affordable housing, community resources, and health and wellness services to Milwaukee’s Near West Side. The project received support from local organizations, the State of Wisconsin through American Rescue Plan Act funding, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Greenfire served as construction manager, leading the adaptive reuse and historic renovation effort alongside design partner Quorum Architects. Greenfire provided solutions for complex project needs, such as transparent food prep-approved ceiling tiles to allow natural light in the Milwaukee Centers for Independence’s new kitchen and a movable serving window in Fruition MKE’s café. Early involvement and strong collaboration with stakeholders helped keep the project on track while ensuring the vision was realized.

Concordia 27 is now home to Near West Side Partners’ headquarters, Fruition MKE’s coworking and café space, the Milwaukee Center for Independence’s 12,000 SF kitchen with capacity to produce 30,000 meals daily, and Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee (SWIM)’s therapy and wellness center. The project anchors the neighborhood and is an example of how historic redevelopment of underutilized spaces can meet housing and community needs.

Cloud Village Hosts Tours

Posted August 13, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Multi-Family, Tribal.

Cloud Village, the Ho-Chunk Nation’s newest affordable housing development in Baraboo, WI, recently welcomed visitors as part of the statewide “A Home for Everyone” conference, focused on generating opportunities to develop affordable housing solutions across Wisconsin. Cloud Village is a great example of achieving housing density in areas of need.

The 65,000 SF project will provide 40 apartment units in a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts. With both underground and surface parking, the development also includes recreational space and community amenities. Designed by Dimension IV Madison Design Group, Cloud Village is built to Enterprise Green Community standards with stormwater management systems, energy-efficient appliances, and electric vehicle charging.

Greenfire was engaged from the project’s early stages, helping coordinate among multiple stakeholders including Tribal leaders and developer Collin Price of Heena Development. Greenfire’s role as construction manager includes oversight of field operations, scheduling, and safety, while providing guidance to navigate the complexities of a rural affordable housing project. The team worked closely with partners to maintain steady progress and ensure the project aligns with the Ho-Chunk Nation’s goals.

During the tour, conference participants visited all three residential floors, viewed near-complete units, and explored recreational amenities including athletic courts and a playground. Guests were guided by Project Manager Alex Hoffman Project Superintendent Alan Augustynowicz, and developer Collin Price, who shared insight into the project’s challenges and the importance of strong partnerships and utilizing funding mechanisms like WHEDA, to help make it possible.

Cloud Village represents more than new housing units. It demonstrates how rural communities can achieve housing density, sustainability, and affordability. For the Ho-Chunk Nation, the project is both a home for families and a model for overcoming barriers to create similar housing solutions in other rural regions.

The Spark | August 2025

Posted August 1, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News.

July brought the heat—and not just the weather! This past month, Greenfire celebrated ribbon cuttings with our project partners, saw major construction milestones, and celebrated our company summer picnic at a Brewer game! As we step into August, here’s a look back at a month full of progress, partnerships, and fun along the way. #BuildersOfTheFuture.

Take a break from your endless scrolling and get caught up here – the August 2025 edition of #TheSpark

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Posted July 27, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News.

Team Greenfire gathered for the annual company picnic at American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. The event brought together team members and their families in the Johnsonville Party Deck in right field, which offered delicious catered food, beverages, and a great view of the game. The annual company picnic is an opportunity for all Greenfire employees from our offices, field teams and their families to reconnect and spend time together outside of the work environment.

The Brewers faced off against the Miami Marlins in a close and competitive game. The game ended in dramatic fashion with a walk-off win by the Brewers, giving Team Greenfire something extra to cheer about. The energy in the stadium was high and the group joined thousands of fans in celebrating the hometown win.

Weather conditions were hot and sunny, but with the roof open and a steady breeze moving through the ballpark, the setting remained comfortable. The Johnsonville Party Deck provided a shaded area, seating, and plenty of room to move around, eat, and comfortably watch the game.

The picnic is a tradition that supports Greenfire’s focus on team building and maintaining strong company culture. With teams working across different jobsites and regions across Wisconsin, this event gives employees time to connect in person. It also gives leadership the chance to recognize the people behind Greenfire’s continued success.

Whether it was talking baseball, catching up on current projects, or simply enjoying time with coworkers and family, the Greenfire company picnic reminds us of the strong relationships that drive the company forward. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day a success!

Pan Asia Officially Open

Posted July 25, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Commercial.

Pan Asia Supermarket officially opened its doors at the West Allis Towne Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by City of West Allis officials, the Pan Asia team, and hundreds of excited shoppers. Located at the corner of 70th Street and Greenfield Avenue, the project involved the renovation of a 36,000 SF former retailer – bringing the first Pan Asia location in the Upper Midwest.

Greenfire managed the construction of the project, overseeing coordination with ownership and City officials to navigate permitting and inspection requirements for the building’s first grocery tenant. The scope of work included heavy mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection upgrades, along with extensive improvements to the building’s exterior envelope. Greenfire also constructed a new main entryway, cart corral, and completed new site landscaping. The project was designed by Madisen Maher Architects, with engineering support from Barber Engineering and IBC Engineering.

The supermarket offers an unmatched selection of Asian foods and prepared meals. Guests lined up by the building in anticipation of the grand opening, eager to experience the store’s full range of offerings. Inside, shoppers can find fresh sushi, a boba tea café, a bakery, and a hot food counter serving Chinese, Korean, and other Asian dishes. The store stocks fresh produce, meat and seafood, and more than 10,000 grocery items sourced from across Asia—China, Vietnam, Korea, India, Japan, Thailand, Pakistan, and many others.

Pan Asia co-owners Ethan Lin and Hong Zheng welcomed patrons to the store, along with their friendly and knowledgeable staff which helped guide shoppers through the new store. The West Allis location is Pan Asia’s sixth location, with more opening in the coming months. Greenfire’s construction efforts introduces this full-service Asian grocery and dining destination to the West Allis community and the greater Milwaukee area.

JFS Celebrates Woodale Crossing

Posted July 24, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Multi-Family, Senior Living.

Jewish Family Services (JFS) celebrated the opening of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Residences at Woodale Crossing with an event-filled afternoon and celebratory ribbon cutting. The new development adds affordable and supportive housing to the Brown Deer community and advances JFS’ mission to strengthen the well-being of individuals and families through supportive services. The project was developed by JFS Housing, Inc. with funding support from Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), Bader Philanthropies, and other partners.

Greenfire managed the construction of the new building, along with the design team including JLA Architects and engineering services provided by The Sigma Group and REYN Engineering. Greenfire lead with experience in affordable and supportive housing projects ensuring high-quality, code-compliant construction. Greenfire worked closely with JFS and all project partners to deliver a space that is safe, accessible, and built to serve residents in need.

The ribbon cutting event included remarks from several community leaders and project partners. Speakers included Daniel Fleischman, Interim President and CEO of JFS, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Elmer Moore, President & CEO of WHEDA; Shakita LaGrant-McClain, Director of Milwaukee County Health & Human Services (And Brown Deer native) and Dan Bader, President & CEO of Bader Philanthropies. The program also included a tree dedication in memory of Scott Luber, who passed away in July 2025. Scott served on the JFS Board of Directors, the JFS Housing Board, and the JFS Housing Task Force. He was instrumental in supporting the JFS mission and advancing its housing work. Remarks were given by Jason Steigman, Interim Chair and Past President, and Adam Witkov, honoring Scott’s legacy of compassion, leadership, and service.

The event featured live music, food, beverages, and tours of the new facility. Woodale Crossing now opens its doors to residents and begins its role as a long-term resource for individuals and families in need of housing and support.

Project Spotlight | Dairy Building

Posted July 18, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Commercial, Historic, Hospitality.

Wisconsin State Fair Park officials welcomed guests for a Partner Preview of the newly renovated Dairy Building, formerly known as the Original Cream Puff Pavilion. The event offered an early look at the upgraded space ahead of its return to service as the cream puff production hub during the 174th Wisconsin State Fair.

Originally constructed in 1909, the building was first used to promote Wisconsin’s dairy production and agriculture to Fairgoers. Over time, its role evolved into the home of the cream puff—now one of the Fair’s most famous offerings.

Greenfire led construction services for the project, with American Design, Inc. serving as the architect. Engineering was provided by GRAEF, Pierce Engineers, and Ring & DuChateau. The team worked together to renovate and expand the structure while maintaining its original character. New features highlighted during the event included reopened historic windows, improved interior circulation, ADA-compliant restrooms, and a new exterior serving window on the north side. A large pedestrian door on the southeast side improves interior-exterior flow, allowing better connection to outdoor Fair traffic. Large interior viewing windows now allow guests to see each stage of cream puff production from preparation to service.

The Partner Preview event brought together project partners, vendors, and community stakeholders to tour the facility and experience the updates firsthand. Attendees sampled food from local vendors, previewed upcoming State Fair merchandise, and, of course, enjoyed cream puffs. The event featured local media that was able to get impressions from project stakeholders like Shari Black, Wisconsin State Fair Park chief executive officer. She reiterated the excitement around the project and how the new facility highlights, preserves and advances the Wisconsin dairy and agricultural industry. The new facility that preserves historic features with newly added upgrades that will improve production efficiency and visitor flow.

New vintage-style artwork and decor were added throughout the space to pay homage to Wisconsin’s dairy industry, tying the building’s original purpose to its current function.

The newly updated areas will soon support the production and sale of nearly 400,000 cream puffs during the Fair. The modernized infrastructure also opens the building to off-season events and programming, giving the space a new year-round role at State Fair Park.

Learn more about this exciting project here!

Greenfire Named Top Contractor

Posted July 14, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Uncategorized.

Greenfire has been named a 2025 Top Contractor by Engineering News-Record (ENR) Midwest, ranking #62 among general contractors across the entire Midwest region. The annual Top Contractors list ranks firms based on construction contracting-specific revenue and includes both publicly and privately held companies operating throughout the Midwest.

Greenfire earned this recognition through continued growth and performance across several market sectors. In 2024, Greenfire was recognized for having the highest certified construction spend as a minority-owned enterprise in the State of Wisconsin. Project work contributing to this achievement includes the Dairy Building renovation at the Wisconsin State Fair Park, renovations at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, and kitchen upgrades at the Union Grove Veterans Affairs facility among others.

Greenfire continues to maintain a strong footprint in the multi-family construction sector. Ongoing and completed projects include Rowe MKE along Milwaukee’s East Side riverfront, Village 43 in Brown Deer for F Street Development, and the Landing at Hub City in Plymouth for Wangard Partners. Affordable housing projects like Jewish Family Services’ Woodale Crossing in Brown Deer, Cardinal Capital’s Cornerstone Village-Highland on Milwaukee’s Near West Side, and Ho-Chunk Nation’s Cloud Village project in Baraboo round out Greenfire’s diverse range of housing project types.

Beyond multi-family, Greenfire remains active in other construction sectors including Tribal, commercial, healthcare, senior living, infrastructure, and hospitality throughout Wisconsin. These projects support a balanced portfolio and reinforce Greenfire’s role as a full-service construction manager with the capacity to lead diverse and complex efforts across the state.

Greenfire adds value to every project through collaborative project planning and management, cost control, and field execution with the client’s goals at the forefront. By focusing on communication, transparency, and long-term relationships with clients and subcontractors, Greenfire continues to deliver reliable results. Maintaining this standard of quality and service has helped Greenfire continue to earn recognition among the Midwest’s top construction firms.

The Spark | July 2025

Posted July 1, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News.

June was a month to remember at Greenfire! We marked our 15-year anniversary with a celebration full of gratitude, honoring the journey that brought us here and a look to the future. We also celebrated major project milestones with ribbon cuttings, site tours, and photoshoots. #BuildersOfTheFuture.

Take a break from your endless scrolling and get caught up here – the July 2025 edition of #TheSpark

Project Spotlight: Potawatomi Carter Casino | Hotel

Potawatomi Carter Casino | Hotel Project Rise

Posted June 30, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Commercial, Hospitality, Tribal.

Greenfire recently completed a two-part renovation project at Potawatomi Carter Casino | Hotel in Carter, WI. The scope included hotel room finish upgrades and a new smoking gaming area on the casino’s main floor.

The hotel renovation updated 39 guest rooms, including two specialty rock & roll-themed suites. These suites feature custom finishes, fireplace installations, and fenced-in patios with pergolas. The new finishes extended themes from the recently completed Rock & Brews restaurant within the casino, incorporating details such as guitar neck door pulls and rock-themed art from local artists.

The 6,000 SF smoking gaming area renovation added 86 slot machines, a new slot tech room, two offices, and lobby façade enhancements. A raised access floor system was installed to make updates and upgrades to the gaming area machines and technology simpler. The new area includes a pressurized vestibule and negative air draw system to manage smoke and maintain air quality in adjacent spaces. The entertainment system includes 10 TVs and music synced with the adjacent Rock & Brews multimedia.

Greenfire delivered both components of the project ahead of schedule and under budget. The team coordinated closely with subcontractors and casino staff to ensure minimal disruption to operations. Greenfire overcame material delays by sourcing products domestically and working with local artists to keep renovation efforts on track. A major win included reducing a 14-week sliding door lead time to just 2 weeks by identifying an alternate supplier. Additional cost savings were achieved by relocating chandeliers from Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee to Carter.

Greenfire’s proactive approach, coordination with the owner, and creative problem solving helped deliver a successful renovation that greatly improved guest experience for the Forest County Potawatomi Community’s Carter casino.