C.D. Smith Construction

???? For 25 years, The Daily Reporter has been honoring construction projects across Wisconsin at its Top Projects Awards. ??This year, we are thrilled to announce that the?Baird Center Expansion?has been selected as an honoree at the 26th annual Top Projects Award Celebration on?May 7th, 2025. WHAT THIS MEANS ???? The Baird Center Expansion joins an impressive list of 39 honorees for 2025, showcasing the best in Wisconsin's construction industry. This expansion is about more than square footage and amenities; it provides facilities and services that set new standards in convention center design, contributing to Milwaukee's growth and development as a world-class destination. JUDGING CRITERIA ??? The Top Projects nominations are evaluated based on several key factors for measuring the meaning and importance of projects: ??Community impact and benefits ??Challenges and obstacles overcome during construction ??Significance and scope of the project ??Team collaboration and effort ??Innovative construction techniques and methods A CELEBRATION OF COLLABORATION ???? This recognition is a testament to the incredible teamwork and collaboration that went into this project. ??Thank you to everyone involved in making this project a success! You can learn more and check out related project news at cdsmith(dot)com/bairdcenter##DailyReporter-TopProjects. #BuildingMore #BairdCenter #GreenBuilding #MilwaukeeWisconsin #milwaukeewi #Wisconsin #SustainableConstruction #BuildingTheFuture #sustainablecommunity . . . . . . Baird Center Wisconsin Center District Gilbane Building Company C.D. Smith Construction Cross Management Services, Inc. EUA TVS Prism Technical Management & Marketing Services, LLC CAA ICON GRAEF Henderson Building Solutions Kapur & Associates

??????♀? What if outdated perceptions and ill-fitting gear were no longer obstacles for women in demanding industries? On Thursday, March 13th, 2025, Marian University and C.D. Smith Construction hosted a Women in Construction 2025 event, empowering young women to challenge the old status quo and explore construction careers. While women have made significant strides in the past decade, they still represent a minority. The event brought together industry professionals, educators, and students to support, discuss, and celebrate women's changing roles and the future of the skilled trades. The half-day program featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to inspire, inform, and create new opportunities. ? KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Innovative Solutions for Age-Old Problems Keynote speaker Ana Kraft, Founder and CEO of Xena Workwear, shared her journey from project engineer to entrepreneur. Frustrated by the lack of properly fitting footwear and safety gear for women, Ana launched Xena Workwear in 2019 to bridge the gap. Her story of risk and success provided passion for a greater purpose: with confidence and the right tools, women are empowered to excel in STEM and the trades. ?? PANEL DISCUSSION: Diverse Voices, Shared Experiences A diverse panel of professionals, including project managers, engineers, and current students, shared their experiences and insights. Molly Nemcek, a Project Manager at C.D. Smith Construction, discussed the challenges and rewards of managing large-scale projects. Current students like Payton Beaty from Marian University's Construction Management Program and Alaynah Pierce from Fond du Lac High School's ACE Academy provided perspectives on entering the field and the opportunities they see for their futures. Their stories highlighted the evolving roles of women in the industry and the importance of mentorship and support. ?? INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION: Paving the Way The event showcased current achievements that help pave the way for future leaders. Attendees had the opportunity to network with professionals, learn about opportunities, and discuss new technologies in the field. Events like Women in Construction 2025 continue to break down barriers and create new opportunities for success by sharing real-life stories and providing a platform to connect and learn. For media news from WFRV-TV CBS Local 5 (Nexstar Media Group) and more about the event, see the most recent blog post at cdsmith(dot)com/blog. #WomenInConstruction #WICWeek #SkilledTrades #ConstructionCareers #Wisconsin #SkilledTrades #BuildingCareers #Construction Marian University of Fond du Lac C.D. Smith Construction Fond du Lac School District Fond du Lac High School National Association of Women in Construction

?? On March 12, the Fond du Lac Area Women's Fund named Holly Brenner their 2025 Woman of Achievement! RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE ?? | Every year, the Fond du Lac Area Women's Fund recognizes women who lead by example and who've made a lasting impact on the community. HOLLY'S JOURNEY ??♀? | If you know Holly, you recognize that those two things are what make her stand out. She's excelled in her career and has dedicated herself to improving the community. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT ?? | One of Holly's most remarkable achievements was her role in forming Envision Greater Fond du Lac, a merger of the Association of Commerce and the Fond du Lac Economic Development Corporation. HOLLY'S PHILOSOPHY ?? | Her philosophy is simple but profound: “Sometimes being selfless with your time and talent is the best thing you can do for yourself and others.” LIVING HER TRUTH ?? | Holly lives her truth, serving on boards and in leadership roles for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Foundation, Marian University Board of Trustees, Fond du Lac Area Boys and Girls Club, Fond du Lac Family YMCA, Service League of Fond du Lac, Noon Rotary, and Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, among others. ?????? Holly’s contributions to the Fond du Lac area will be celebrated at the “Power of the Purse” luncheon on April 23, 2025, at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh Marian University of Fond du Lac Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac Fond du Lac Family YMCA Service League of Fond du Lac Rotary Noon Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts #fonddulacWI #communityleader #inspiringwomen #womeninleadership #makingadifference #philanthropyinaction #womeninconstruction #wisconsinproud #cdsmith #wisconsinlife #fonddulac #wisconsin

?????? Exciting News from Neutral.Edison in Milwaukee: Construction is officially underway! WHAT WE'RE WATCHING ??????? | The first phase focuses on repairing the dock wall between the site and the Milwaukee River, setting the stage for the construction to come. WHY IT MATTERS ?????? | This marks the beginning of what will become the tallest mass timber residential building in the U.S., set to open in 2027. The 31-story mass timber hybrid structure is a commitment to financially responsible, sustainable living spaces for healthy lifestyles and vibrant communities in one of our most beloved cities. LOOKING AHEAD ?????? | The world will be watching as we transform Milwaukee's skyline and redefine sustainable building and living, together. LEARN MORE ?????? | You can follow along for construction milestones and news updates at cdsmith(dot)com/neutral-edison#news! Development: Neutral Architecture: Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture Amenity Design: Neutral Landscape: HDLA Construction: C.D. Smith Construction Earthworks: Terra Engineering & Construction Corporation Structural Engineering: Forefront Structural Engineers MEP Engineering and Sustainability: dbHMS Living Building Challenge: Living Future Passive House: Phius Energy Star: RunBrook Sustainability Accounting: BDO USA Civil Engineering: Spaceco Facade Engineering: Reflection Window + Wall Fire Engineering: Arup Mass Timber: Stora Enso WIEHAG Timber Construction GmbH Financing: Bank OZK Pearlmark #SustainableLiving #MassTimber #GreenBuilding #Milwaukee #UrbanDevelopment #EcoFriendly #SustainableConstruction #HealthyLiving #MultifamilyHousing #MilwaukeeWI #Wisconsin

?? The ACE Shanty Raffle was a success! On February 8th, the annual drawing took place at the Sturgeon Spectacular, marking the 5th anniversary of Fond du Lac High School's ACE Academy project. ?? Fond du Lac Festivals recognized ACE Academy students for constructing the high-quality shanty in a recent Facebook post featuring a group photo of student participants, business partners, sponsors, and supporters. ???Pictured from left to right (front row) is Vern Widmer, head instructor for the ACE Academy, eight students who helped build this year's shanty, Christopher J. Smith (C.D. Smith Construction) and Josh Shell (Badgerland Connections); (back row) Ruby Guell & Peter Wilke (Fond du Lac Festivals), Aaron Thurwachter & Alex Baleiko (C.D. Smith) and Brad Teichmiller (Foot of the Lake). BY THE NUMBERS: ? This year's project raised a total of $8,100. ? 75% ($6,075) goes directly to the ACE Academy Shanty Build Program. ? The remaining $2,025 goes to Foot of the Lake Fishing Club for their help administering and supporting the raffle. ?? Thank you to everyone involved in making this another successful year for the Fond du Lac High School Architecture Construction Engineering Academy (ACE) Shanty Build Project! #supportlocal #futurebuilders #constructioncareers #teched #constructionlife #skilledtrades #fonddulacwi #giveback #sturgeonspearing #iceshanty #aec #wisconsin

?????On February 21, the Fond du Lac R.O.C.K. (Retention. Opportunity. Community. Knowledge) Program brought together local high school students to observe and explore the world of skilled trades. HOW IT WORKS??:?Envision Greater Fond du Lac's R.O.C.K. program offers guidance for high school students still determining their career paths after graduation. It provides company tours and job shadows, helping students explore various career options. WHAT WE'RE DOING?:?Hosted by C.D. Smith Construction, this tour sparks curiosity and showcases career opportunities in construction. HOW DID IT GO? ???Exploring Careers:?Students started with a presentation at C.D. Smith’s Corporate Office, learning about various field positions. ???On the Jobsite:?The day continued with a hands-on tour of the St. Lawrence Seminary High School Campus jobsite, led by Superintendent Isaac Guzman. Here, students saw into the heart of what we do by witnessing construction professionals in action. WHY IT MATTERS??:?A Win-Win-Win ???For Students:?This program opens doors to career exploration, helping students align interests with potential careers and make informed decisions about their future. ???For the Community:?By nurturing young talent, Fond du Lac builds a stronger workforce, attracting new businesses and opportunities that ensure sustainable growth and economic vitality. ???For Businesses:?Local companies can access and influence a pool of talented and motivated individuals, contributing to their success and continued growth. THE BIG PICTURE??:?The program is more than tours—it's a movement to inspire the next generation of builders, creators, and innovative young talent. Together, we’re creating brighter futures and strengthening our community. Ready to be part of shaping the future? Learn more about how your school or business can get involved with the R.O.C.K. Program at Envision Greater Fond du Lac’s website: envisiongreaterfdl(dot)com/fdlrock! #buildingcommunity #constructioncareers #jobshadowing #mentorship #Wisconsin

???? On February 24th, a Wisconsin Center District Press Release announced the Baird Center expansion earned LEED? Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). BACKSTORY??: Building for a Better Tomorrow The $456 million Baird Center expansion, which opened in May 2024, wasn't just about increasing space to 1.3 million square feet. From day one, the goal was to raise the bar for sustainable practices in the convention and events industry. Every decision, from material selection to operational design, was made with environmental responsibility in mind. LEED? GOLD SUSTAINABILITY SUMMARY??: Go Deeper The Baird Center's LEED Gold Certification reflects specific green initiatives and here are some key highlights that showcase the team's commitment to sustainability: ??Solar roof:?Avoids the consumption of 98,130 kilowatt hours. ??Stormwater detention system:?The 320,000-gallon system helps prevent flooding. ??Bird-friendly glass:?Reduces bird collisions and supports biodiversity. ??ORCA food digester:?Can divert 438 tons of food waste annually from landfills. ??Recycled steel:?90% of the total 6,000 tons of steel used in construction was recycled. ??Reclaimed urban wood:?Repurposes wood that would have gone to landfills. WHY IT MATTERS??: Investing in Our Community's Future LEED Gold certification is a rigorous process that evaluates a building's performance across several key areas. It’s a globally recognized symbol of sustainability leadership, ensuring that the Baird Center operates at the highest level of environmental efficiency and responsibility. By achieving this, the Wisconsin Center District is contributing to a healthier, more sustainable Milwaukee for generations to come. Learn more and check out related project news at cdsmith(dot)com/bairdcenter#LEED-Gold. #BuildingMore #BairdCenter #GreenBuildingCertified #GreenBuilding #MilwaukeeWisconsin #LeedGold #milwaukeewi #Wisconsin #SustainableConstruction #BuildingTheFuture #sustainablecommunity U.S. Green Building Council . . . . . . Baird Center Wisconsin Center District Gilbane Building Company C.D. Smith Construction Cross Management Services, Inc. EUA TVS Prism Technical Management & Marketing Services, LLC CAA ICON GRAEF Henderson Building Solutions Kapur & Associates

It never gets old—the commanding presence of cranes hundreds of feet above the ground. COUNTING CRANES??| These mechanical giants effortlessly hoist tons of materials to dizzying heights, shaping our skyline. MODERN BUILDING: PRECISION??+ POWER??| ? Cranes symbolize progress, resilience, and the efficiency of mechanized labor. They execute tasks with precision and strength, replacing the need for what would otherwise require many hands. ? As architectural ambitions soar, cranes become indispensable. From placing prefabricated elements to maneuvering stone, equipment, and materials, cranes and their operators ensure timely, efficient, and safe delivery of essential components. THE HUMAN FACTOR: SKILLED OPERATORS??♂???| Crane operators are highly skilled professionals with years of training, hands-on experience, and attention to safety. They adhere to schedules, monitor weather conditions, and work seamlessly as part of a team. Using direct communication channels and a series of learned hand signals, they lift and lower loads with unwavering precision. INNOVATION IN ACTION: 300-TON CRANE ???| A Link-Belt 348 Series 2 crane was recently added to our heavy equipment fleet. With a 300-ton lifting capacity and an array of customizable features, this crane represents a paradigm shift in construction methodology. With its versatile boom configurations, ranging from 70 to 300 feet, and adaptable jib options, the crane epitomizes versatility and adaptability. Furthermore, its robust safety features and ergonomic design underscore a commitment to the well-being of workers and the integrity of operations. THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION | ?? Cranes are catalysts for modern construction, where technological innovation and human expertise meet. As structures reach greater heights and efficiency demands escalate, crane operators remain an essential part of the team on every jobsite. Discover more about our self-perform capabilities and their role in building safety and efficiency in every project at cdsmith(dot)com/blog or cdsmith(dot)com/self-perform. #ConstructionLife #CraneOperator #ConstructionCrane #BuildingtheFuture #CDSmith #ModernConstruction #ConstructionInnovation #SkilledTrades #GeneralContracting #ConstructionManagement #Wisconsin Link-Belt Cranes

?? Thank you, Baird Center, for celebrating and promoting the role of women in the construction industry - on the expansion project and beyond! As shown in these inspiring photos, a shared commitment to ambitious diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals carries over to this year's WIC Week? theme, 'Together We Rise.' #WomenInConstruction #WICWeek #SkilledTrades #ConstructionCareers #Wisconsin #SkilledTrades #BuildingCareers #Construction Wisconsin Center District National Association of Women in Construction

???? Neutral's Edison project is officially registered to pursue the Living Building Challenge (LBC) 4.0. Core certification - the world's most rigorous performance standard for buildings, pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and construction. WHAT IT IS ?? | Achieving the Living Building Challenge is no small feat. Pursuing LBC registration demonstrates a deep commitment to sustainability by creating positive environmental and social impacts. The 31-story mass timber high-rise project will meet criteria across seven performance categories, or "Petals," including Place, Water, Energy, Health + Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty. WHY IT MATTERS ? | The Living Building Challenge (LBC) registration is significant for several reasons: ? Pioneering Scale: Neutral.Edison will be among the world's tallest mass timber residential buildings and one of the largest LBC-certified residential developments. ? Sustainability Standards: LBC 4.0 Core certification is the world's most stringent performance standard for buildings, requiring projects to meet demanding criteria across seven Petals. Here's how it helped shape Neutral.Edison's design approach: ?? Materials Petal: Ensures responsible sourcing and transparency in material selection, particularly for mass timber and FSC-certified wood. ?? Energy Petal: Aims for net-positive energy by minimizing consumption and integrating renewables. This aligns with Neutral.Edison's pursuit of Passive House (PHIUS Core 2021) principles showcasing how high-rise buildings can be both sustainable and financially viable. ?? Place Petal: Enhances surroundings through a 100-year lease for adjacent land, restoring the Milwaukee riverfront's native landscape. THE BOTTOM LINE ?? | Neutral.Edison's commitment to LBC certification represents a significant step towards redefining high-rise residential design. It combines sustainability, innovation, and community benefits, demonstrating how large-scale projects can create positive environmental and social impacts. You can learn more about The Edison project at cdsmith(dot)com/the-edison. #SustainableBuilding #MassTimber #GreenBuilding #RealEstateDevelopment #PassiveHouse #UrbanRenewal #InnovationInConstruction #CDSmith #Milwaukee #Wisconsin Neutral Living Future Phius