??It's official! Baird Center expansion project received the Award of Merit in the Sports/Entertainment category at the Engineering News-Record Midwest Regional Best Projects Awards ceremony in Chicago on November 15, 2024. This recognition highlights the project's significant impact on Milwaukee's future.
??ONE BIG ACHIEVEMENT: THE BACKSTORY
The $456-million expansion doubled the convention center's size to 1.3M square feet, enhancing Milwaukee's ability to host a wide range of events simultaneously. Remarkably, this massive project was completed in just 27 months, showcasing the power of collaboration and efficient planning at scale.
??NEW STANDARDS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
The Baird Center sets a new benchmark for sustainable design in convention centers, reducing the facilities' environmental footprint and positioning Milwaukee as a leader in green urban development, with features including:
??Triple-silver low-emissivity glass on the facade
??Bird-friendly glass on the skywalk
??Solar array generating 98,130 kWh
??320,000-gallon underground stormwater detention system
??Orca food digester
??OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
The project team demonstrated resilience and innovation in the face of supply chain constraints. By sourcing cement from multiple suppliers and adopting a new concrete type, they maintained an ambitious schedule without compromising quality.
?? A COLLABORATIVE SUCCESS
With 2,359 workers contributing their skills and expertise, the expansion embodies the spirit of teamwork that drives Milwaukee forward. This collaborative effort resulted in driving 2,742 piles, using 5,852 tons of steel, and placing 48,000 cubic yards of concrete.
??WHAT'S NEXT
As we celebrate this recognition, it's clear that the Baird Center expansion is more than just an award-winning project. It symbolizes Milwaukee and everything it stands for—ambition, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable growth.
Since its opening in May 2024, the expanded center is attracting new events, visitors, and economic opportunities to the heart of the city, and it's poised to become a cornerstone of the financial, economic, and cultural future, attracting diverse events for years to come.
?? Photo credit with sincere thanks for capturing and sharing photos from the awards ceremony goes to our friends at Wisconsin Center District!
You can learn more and check out related project news at cdsmith(dot)com/bairdcenter.
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