Village 43 Taking Shape

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

Greenfire is keeping steady progress at Village 43, a new market-rate residential community coming to Brown Deer. Developed by F Street and designed by RINKA+, the project is nearing key milestones. The development’s clubhouse is set for turnover, then sequentially followed by each one of the eight complete two-story residential buildings. The careful preconstruction planning towards the project’s phasing will help F Street bring the residential community to market. Once the project is available for leasing, Greenfire’s construction team will mitigate disruptions to new residents while construction is completed.

Greenfire’s careful site logistics planning has kept the flow of construction smooth within a high-traffic area. Part of the project scope is the installation of the site’s infrastructure and access drives and parking for residents and guests. Phasing the construction of these drives for eventual resident use while maintaining construction access to the site

The project team is currently focused on final finishing work in both the clubhouse and the first residential building. To maintain precision and consistency, Greenfire constructed a scale mockup of the exterior finishes, allowing for early preview of materials and maintaining consistency once exterior finish work commences.

Once completed, Village 43 will introduce 156 garden-style town home apartments, adding more housing to the Brown Deer market. The development blends the feel of single-family living with the amenities of a multi-family community. A centrally located clubhouse and leasing office provides a community space for residents – with amenities that include a club room, fitness center, pet spa, tenant storage room, as well as an outdoor lounge and grilling areas. The development also features an adjacent dog run and large central greenspace.

Located near Brown Deer’s reinvigorated downtown, at the intersection of Brown Deer Rd. and Green Bay Ave., Village 43 will bring more family-oriented and walkable residential housing options to the area.

Project Spotlight | Village 43

Posted March 1, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Multi-Family.

March 2025 Project Spotlight | Village 43

Greenfire’s construction team is making great strides in bringing F Street Development’s innovative housing project to Brown Deer with Village 43.

Following the success of a nearby residential development, F Street enlisted Greenfire to manage the construction of Village 43, a new multi-family residential community. The development consists of eight market-rate residential buildings and a centrally located clubhouse, complete with access drives, parking, and shared green spaces along Brown Deer Road, just west of Green Bay Ave. The project, which will bring 156 units of garden-style townhome apartments, is well underway, with major milestones on the horizon.

Designed by RINKA+ and engineered by Pinnacle Engineering Group, Village 43 offers a family-oriented, walkable, and socially connected neighborhood for future residents of this bustling corridor of Brown Deer. Leveraging successful collaborations on previous projects, Greenfire and RINKA+ have worked to transition the development from concept to reality.

Greenfire’s diligent early planning process has been instrumental in keeping construction on track. By implementing a phased turnover approach, the team has strategically sequenced the build-out of all nine buildings, ensuring progress and early activation of key areas. The clubhouse is slated for turnover in Spring 2025, with each additional residential building following on a monthly basis until the project is fully completed.

Greenfire’s diligence on the front end of the project’s development continues through construction, with weekly Owner, Architect and Contractor (OAC) meetings and safety briefings to keep everyone on the same page. Greenfire’s commitment to safety includes enlisting a third-party safety consultant to keep the site safe and incident-free.

With construction progressing smoothly, the vision for Village 43 is rising out of the ground and quickly taking shape. Once completed, future residents will enjoy the best of single-family-style living with the convenience of a connected, modern residential community — positioned in the heart of Brown Deer’s growing and revitalized downtown area.

The Spark | March 2025

Posted by Robert Boelter & filed under News.

Spring is just around the corner at Greenfire, and the temps aren’t the only thing heating up! February featured significant project milestones, award wins, and great experiences and opportunities to give back to our communities.

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

#BuildersOfTheFuture

Greenfire Gives to MCC

Posted February 26, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News.

At Greenfire, giving back is more than a commitment—it’s embedded into our company culture. Through hands-on engagement and volunteering, donations and meaningful partnerships, Greenfire helps strengthen the communities where we live and work. One of our key initiatives is the annual Hygiene Drive, benefitting the Milwaukee Christian Center (MCC). This year, Greenfire employees donated 222 essential hygiene items to support MCC’s Senior Program. To deepen our impact, Greenfire team members came together for a community outreach and team-building event. In addition to delivering the hygiene and clothing donations, members of the Greenfire team volunteered in MCC’s Senior Meal Program. Our volunteers helped with meal prep, serving, and kitchen cleanup—learning a few new culinary skills along the way! In addition to the hygiene drive and meal prep work, Greenfire also donated an additional $1,500, covering a full day’s worth of meals for 60 seniors.

In addition to supporting seniors and those in need, Greenfire helps invest in the next generation of construction trades professionals. Greenfire has partnered with MCC’s YouthBuild program, which provides career and life skills training for young people pursuing opportunities in construction. Greenfire team members conducted mock interviews with YouthBuild participants, offering real-world interview experience, guidance, and constructive feedback to help prepare them for their future careers.

These efforts reflect Greenfire’s ongoing commitment to empowering people, strengthening communities, and building a better future—not just through construction, but through service, mentorship, and giving back.

WFU Wins Economic Development Award

Posted February 18, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Commercial, Historic, Multi-Family, Office.

Market On River, a transformative project by the Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU), has been honored with an economic development award from Momentum West. The 2024 Redevelopment of the Year Award recognizes WFU’s role in contributing towards the revitalizing downtown Chippewa Falls with the Market On River project. Market On River breathes new life into a historic riverfront building, turning it into a hub for local businesses, food entrepreneurs, and a larger sense of community.

More than just a historic redevelopment, Market On River encapsulates WFU’s mission to improve the lives of rural farmers and Wisconsinites by offering economic opportunity, local food accessibility, and community engagement. The space will serve as a platform for local farmers, entrepreneurs, and cooperatives – strengthening West Central Wisconsin’s agricultural and rural economy.

Greenfire played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. As the construction manager, Greenfire leveraged its expertise in historic preservation projects to renovate the 45,000 SF space while maintaining its historic architectural character. Their diligent planning and execution ensured that the project met both WFU’s functional needs and long-term growth goals.

Market On River opened its doors in late 2024, and now houses WFU’s new corporate headquarters, retail and conference spaces, a food hall, and residential apartments. The project is a major milestone of Chippewa Falls’ downtown resurgence – driving economic growth, job creation, and community engagement. The project aims to welcome back families, residents, tourists, and businesses to an area of Chippewa Fall’s central business district that was once neglected. In part because of this project, the area is rapidly becoming known for its two large outdoor music festivals, and community engagement activities which take place across the street.

The health of Chippewa Falls residents is a major concern for the community: high rates of diabetes, heart disease and obesity are present, and food insecurity—especially among children and the elderly—is prevalent. Market On River is interested and willing to invest time, resources, and expertise to improve these economic and health outcomes in Chippewa Falls. Although there is a solid resource base— organizations, programs, initiatives, and stakeholders interested in diversifying and developing the local food system and increasing access to healthy food choices through a variety of means—having a place that generates educational interest was a constant challenge. The WFU has developed educational programs for all aspects of food and farm development, including health, wellness, and business development housed at Market on River. The Chippewa Distillery, The Ritz, and the Sheeley House local staples have already benefited from this WFU expansion project.

Momentum West was eager to name the project their 2024 Redevelopment of the Year, recognizing the positive economic impact that Market On River will provide to West Central Wisconsin.

Market On River is not just a redevelopment success story—it’s a model for how thoughtful investment and collaboration can shape a thriving future for Wisconsin’s small communities.

Pictured in the award photo (Left to Right)

Charlie Walker, CEO, Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation
Tim Sandstrom, Royal Credit Union, Chair of Momentum West
Jackie Boos, Facilities Manager, Wisconsin Farmers Union
Julie Bomar, Executive Director, Wisconsin Farmers Union
Danielle Endvick, Director of Development, Wisconsin Farmers Union
Maureen Carlson, Regional Business Development Manager, Greenfire
Darin Von Ruden, Chair of Wisconsin Farmers Union
Steve Jahn, Director, Momentum West

Read more about Wisconsin Farmers Union: Market On River Here

GREENFIRE CELEBRATES 15 YEARS

Posted February 10, 2025 by Simmi Urbanek & filed under News.

Greenfire Management Services (Greenfire) is celebrating 15 years of business in 2025. Greenfire was founded in 2010, as a construction management startup in the commercial sector of the Potawatomi Ventures (fka Potawatomi Business Development Corp) portfolio.

“We applaud the Forest County Potawatomi for their visionary leadership. Greenfire was formed to support the tribe by building capabilities, capacity, infrastructure, and business acumen. There was an opportunity to bring experts to the table and manage the construction of the first hotel tower at the Potawatomi Casino | Hotel,” says Kip Ritche, CEO, Potawatomi Ventures. “The Tribal leadership had the foresight to create an entity that would provide construction management services for their own projects and for private clients.”

As Greenfire celebrates 15 years, they have been recognized with over 65 awards for its quality projects, efforts to engage other minority-owned businesses and increasing revenue. In 2024, the firm hit a milestone and celebrated hitting $1 billion in cumulative revenue since its inception. These accomplishments pale in comparison to the real asset of Greenfire – its people. With over 50 team members across Wisconsin, Greenfire is an employer of choice in the construction industry.

“The awards and accolades received in our first 15 years are a result of a focused effort to grow and develop a team of talented, ambitious, and resilient professionals that are committed to maintaining a culture built on trusted relationships and continuous improvement,” says Jeb Meier, President, Greenfire. “Our team members take immense pride in their work and strive to make a positive impact in our communities.”

Some of Greenfire’s current projects include the Cream Puff Pavilion at State Fair, Jewish Family Services’ Woodale Crossing Apartments, F Street’s Village 43 Apartments, Irgens’ retail building at the Shoppes at the Corridor, and Ho-Chunk Nation’s Village West Apartments. Having successful projects, satisfied clients and engaged team members is how Greenfire celebrates 15 years.

Davidson Park Takes Center Stage at WEDA

Posted February 6, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Commercial, Tribal.

At the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) Governor’s Conference in downtown Milwaukee, Davidson Park was front and center stage.

Davidson Park has quickly become a vibrant public space in Milwaukee’s Near West Side, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Harley-Davidson Motor Company Foundation, Near West Side Partners, the Forest County Potawatomi Community, and the surrounding neighborhoods – all brought to life by Greenfire. As the construction manager, Greenfire played a crucial role in turning the Foundation’s vision into reality. Working with International project designers Heatherwick Studio and local architects and engineers HGA, the project team was able to centrifuge community collaboration, historical symbolism, locally sourced design elements and sustainable functionality into a thriving yet evolving public space.

Greenfire’s Simmi Urbanek, Director of Marketing and Business Development, moderated a panel featuring key project stakeholders for Davidson Park. The panel included April Gianeselli, Manager Community Impact, Harley-Davidson Foundation, Peter Balistrieri, Principal, HGA and Lindsey St. Arnold-Bell, Executive Director, Near West Side Partners.

The panel shared insights on how private-public partnerships and neighborhood engagement coalesced in the development of Davidson Park. In the initial development phases, a series of “Appreciative Inquiry Summits” helped refine the project vision, ensuring that community input shaped everything from the design of the park’s playground and gathering spaces to sustainable stormwater management solutions.

Davidson Park was designed to celebrate Harley-Davidson’s legacy; help revitalize the Near West Side and create a year-round gathering space. Key design elements include:

Flexible, Multi-Purpose Space: A destination that supports recreation, cultural events, and neighborhood programs throughout the year. Since opening in June 2024, Davidson Park has already hosted over 15 community events, bringing new energy, resources, and experiences to the Near West Side. The park has not only met its original vision but has also inspired unexpected uses—such as live music and dance performances—further enriching the neighborhood.
Sustainable Solutions: Replacing a parking lot with green space. Pervious pavers, and retention basins helped to manage stormwater and reduce strain on the sewer system. Also, the utilization of reclaimed and locally sourced building materials and native plantings.
Community-Driven Features: Residents helped shape the park’s garden, playground, and artistic elements, ensuring it reflected their needs. Design elements of the park include student-design brick mosaic patterns, and a MIAD-student designed centralized medallion in The Hub, the park’s central point in the sunken amphitheater. The park also features a serenity garden, designed and developed in collaboration with the Forest County Potawatomi Community.

Davidson Park stands as a model for how private-public partnerships can transform urban spaces, proving that when communities are engaged from the start, the results are both meaningful and lasting.

Read more about Davidson Park and Greenfire’s construction efforts to bring it to life here.

Davidson Park wins Concrete Design Award

Davidson Park WRMCA Concrete Design Award

Posted February 4, 2025 by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Commercial.

Greenfire, along with Marriott Construction and Riv/Crete Ready Mix, were honored with a Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association (WRMCA) 2024 Concrete Design Award for their outstanding work on the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Foundation’s Davidson Park. This award demonstrated the commitment by the project team’s ability to overcome design complexities, weather challenges, and supply shortages to deliver a seamless and visually stunning concrete public space.

Davidson Park, a three-year transformation of an unused parking lot into an immersive public park, was a collaborative effort between Harley-Davidson, the Harley-Davidson Foundation, the Forest County Potawatomi Community, Near West Side Partners, and the surrounding neighborhood. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, with HGA serving as the local architect and engineer, Greenfire managed the construction of the project to bring the vision to life.

The park features a sunken, circular design with a central amphitheater called “The Hub,” which houses the 600-pound steel Foundation Stone—designed by a student from Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Spiraling upward from the center of The Hub are drivable pathways featuring unique concrete and mosaic brickwork.

One of the project’s early design concepts called for an expensive black granite stone, Wisconsin Pride, to be exposed through a specialized concrete treatment. To reduce costs, Marriott Construction and Riv/Crete Ready Mix collaborated on a more cost-effective local aggregate alternative, which was tested through multiple mock-ups. The final selection not only met the design team’s vision but also resulted in savings of over $600,000.

Throughout the year-long construction, maintaining a consistent concrete mix was a major challenge, given cement shortages and extreme weather fluctuations. The team poured over 3,000 yards of exposed concrete, ensuring uniformity by carefully managing aggregate, admixtures, and cement supply. Greenfire and its partners remained in constant communication, adjusting schedules and coordinating closely with suppliers to mitigate delays and maintain quality.

This award-winning project is a testament to collaborative problem-solving, innovative thinking, and Greenfire’s commitment to excellence, delivering a space that will serve Milwaukee’s Near West Side for generations to come.

Learn more about Davidson Park here.

The Spark | February 2025

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

A new year means a new reason to celebrate: Greenfire is celebrating 15 years of being #BuildersOfTheFuture! Throughout 2025, we’ll be sharing special content offering a history of where we’ve started, how we’ve grown, and what our future holds. We also have a special commemorative logo to mark this 15 year milestone.

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

#BuildersOfTheFuture

Project Spotlight | Wisconsin Farmers Union – Market On River

Posted by Robert Boelter & filed under News, Commercial, Historic, Multi-Family.

Before we closed out 2024, Greenfire joined Wisconsin Farmers Union to celebrate the opening of Market On River, a vibrant reimagination and repurpose of the historic 1916 Chippewa Falls Mercantile building in downtown Chippewa. Team Greenfire was on hand to celebrate with WFU the completion of the renovation of this historic mixed-use development with a ribbon cutting!

This project embodies WFU’s mission to enhance the lives of rural and farming families in Wisconsin, through creative collaboration and local-focused economic initiatives.

Read more about the project here! Project Profile: Wisconsin Farmers Union – Market On River

…and more about the ribbon cutting celebration! Wisconsin Farmers Union – Ribbon Cutting