Summer is in full swing at Greenfire! As our projects rolled on, this past month we celebrated ribbon cuttings at two highly anticipated projects and strengthened our team at outings, events and training retreats. We look to carry our momentum into the heat of the summer!
Take a break from your endless scrolling and get caught up here – the July 2024 edition of #TheSpark
#BuildersOfTheFuture
A milestone event of Greenfire’s construction management at Concordia 27 included the ribbon cutting celebration. Located on Milwaukee’s Near West Side on the corner of 27th and Wells St, Concordia 27 is the transformation of a once vacant yet historic building into a bustling community and wellness hub, as well as the future home of affordable apartments. Developer, Rick Wiegand enlisted the services of Quorum Architects to redesign the building, and Greenfire to head up the construction efforts.
The concept and redevelopment of the site was truly a collaborative effort, which garnered support from many local organizations, businesses, as well as local, state, and federal bodies. Many of the representatives who helped in these efforts were present at the ribbon cutting, including U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, as well as Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
Concordia 27 will function as the new headquarters for Near West Side Partners, a non-profit with aims to revitalize the Near West Side of Milwaukee. NWSP’s executive director Linsey St. Arnold Bell was a key figure in the project’s development, and applauded all parties involved to make the project a reality. Concordia 27 will serve as a hub of community resources for local entrepreneurs, retail and café space, gathering and meeting spaces, as well as the home of other local organizations. The development’s first floor is home to NWSP’s offices, the Milwaukee Centers for Independence’s training center and meal prep kitchen, Fruition MKE’s coworking, makerspace and café, and SWIM (Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee) a non-profit resource and therapy center that addresses trauma and provides wellness services.
As a subsidiary of Potawatomi Ventures, which is a member of Near West Side Partners, Greenfire is proud to see the culmination of our construction efforts, and the diligence of all parties to make Concordia 27 possible. The benefits that the project will provide to the community will have a ripple effect through Milwaukee’s Near West Side and beyond.
Laona Rescue Unit, Inc. celebrated the opening of their new EMS building with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The weather couldn’t have been better on the day to commemorate the culmination of the hard work of many involved to make the new home for Laona Rescue Unit a reality. Greenfire‘s new build of the three-bay EMS facility complete with a treatment center, staff quarters, training facility and helipad sits proudly nestled within the beautiful mature trees of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, right off State Highway 32. The event was attended by local neighbors, the Laona Rescue Unit staff, Team Greenfire and many representatives and dignitaries. Scott Reeves, Laona Rescue Unit Vice President welcomed everyone in attendance, and personally thanked everyone involved in the project including Team Greenfire and their construction team for the quality and attention to detail provided in the build of their new facility, pointing out that in his personal experience from his many years in construction, he can quickly tell when those working actually care deeply about what they’re working on. Scott then turned the microphone over to Annie Krawze, President of Laona Rescue Unit, who recounted her tireless effort it took to make this building possible. Annie commended the early involvement of the Forest County Potawatomi Community, whom is one of the several communities that Laona Rescue Unit serves. Thanks to their early contribution of the funds to pay for a feasibility study, the project finally had the necessary footing to begin. Annie also shared her account of the dozens of grants she applied for, and the joy she expressed when she learned that the project had received full funding through grants from Governor Tony Evers administration and programs from the USDA through the offices of US Senator Tammy Baldwin. Annie also thanked Greenfire’s early involvement in the planning process and bringing Gries Architectural Group‘s design to life. Ward Leach, a founding member of Laona Rescue Unit reiterated the importance of the service to the area as well.
The day included a few surprises, including a visit from a Life Link III medical flight helicopter to showcase the facility’s capability with the addition of the helipad. Scott also took a moment to close out the ceremony inviting everyone to partake in the catered BBQ, but also thanked everyone involved again and, but especially Annie for all her effort and dedication. To honor her efforts and sacrifice, Scott informed Annie that the training center will be named “The Annie Krawze Mama Bear Training Center” in her honor. Greenfire’s project team comprised of Scott Earley and John Chinault, who did the honors of holding the ribbon for Annie to officially cut the ribbon to mark the momentous occasion. This new facility ensures the exceptional care that Laona Rescue Unit provides will continue for many more generations.
It was March Madness here at Greenfire! This past month we welcomed new Team Members, celebrated award wins for our projects, attended the RES 2024 Summit, and recognized all the great women at Greenfire for Women in Construction Week! We are looking forward to Spring’s warmer temperatures, and our projects heating up!
Take a break from your endless scrolling and get caught up here – the April 2024 edition of #TheSpark
#BuildersOfTheFuture
Greenfire had four projects named as The Daily Reporter’s Top Projects award winners for 2023!
– Potawatomi Casino | Hotel – Project First Strike – A joint venture with Gilbane, The project was the third-floor renovation of the Casino that includes new high-end gaming, dining and retail options.
– Wgema Campus – Historic Tthigwe Gymnasium – A historic renovation of a gymnasium on the Wgema Campus on Milwaukee’s Near West Side.
– The Residences at Zuelke – Downtown Appleton’s first high rise that has been renovated into high end apartments and commercial space.
– Tribute Apartments at R1VER – The new construction of multi-family apartments on the Kinnikinnic River within the R1VER Development in Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee Business Journal awarded two Greenfire projects for 2024: Potawatomi Casino | Hotel’s Project First Strike and SoftwareONE US Headquarters!
In a joint venture with Gilbane Building Company, Greenfire renovated Potawatomi Casino | Hotel’s third floor, adding attractions like Rock & Brews and Potawatomi Provisions. The space now features new dining spots, a luxury gift shop, and upgraded gaming areas like ElevenHundred and the exclusive 1833 Club.
Greenfire transformed the space in a historic building into a modern office space for SoftwareONE for their US Headquarters, boasting high-end AV/IT technology, specialized lighting, collaboration areas, and amenities such as a kitchen, game room, and digitally customizable fireplace.
These awards are a testament to Greenfire’s tried and true approach that yields award-winning results for our clients.
There was a lot to love about Team Greenfire’s efforts and activities in February! We donated, volunteered, and were mindful of each other’s hearts during CPR training. While projects are still humming along, we took a moment to take in this year’s State of the Tribes address in Madison as well.
Take a break from your endless scrolling and get caught up here – the March 2024 edition of #TheSpark
#BuildersOfTheFuture
Team Greenfire wasted no time hitting the ground running in 2024! Although the long overdue Winter temps finally started to set in, things are certainly heating up at Greenfire!
Take a break from your endless scrolling and get caught up here – the February 2024 edition of #TheSpark
#BuildersOfTheFuture
Team Greenfire gathered for a National Hot Cocoa Day celebration, expertly organized by Cheryl Bousquet. Her meticulous planning transformed the Milwaukee office’s kitchen into a winter wonderland! Everyone had the chance to customize their velvety cocoa with a delightful array of toppings and ingredients. Alongside everyone’s cocoa were plenty of festive cookies, desserts and other treats.
Whether you prefer marshmallows, candy canes, a mystery cocoa bomb, or whether you prefer your cocoa milk based, water based, or a little mixture of both; everyone could agree that this was a very tasty way to celebrate the Holiday Season!
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