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!
