Project Owners & Developers

Protecting Your Investment

Developers and project owners that partner with union contractors have confidence that they’re working with a professional team, qualified to meet the rigorous performance standards required by the scope of their individual project. Respected contractors not only deliver on reputation and expertise, but also avoid unnecessary risks by investing in their people, establishing trusted relationships and relying on industry partners.

PRODUCTIVITY

Union labor is 14% more productive than open shop labor

COST REDUCTION

Partnering with Union labor reduces the total cost of projects by an average of 4% versus when open shops are used

SKILLED LABOR

Projects are 40% less likely to experience a shortage of skilled workers when Union labor is sourced versus open shop labor

A recent study indicates that the combination of standardized training, reliable sourcing of skilled labor and better labor stability contribute to higher productivity and successful project outcomes. Union construction has a proven track record of on-time, on-budget project delivery. When you partner with signatory contractors, you’re investing in peace of mind, knowing your project will be built to the highest standards from the start.

Avoid unnecessary costs by choosing the right contractor for the job. One that appreciates the value of investing in its people. One that demands communication and collaboration from everyone who sets foot on the jobsite. One who demands that your job be done right, the first time.

Partner with Local Union Pensions to Fund Your Next Project

Utilizing Building Advantage’s partners’ union pension money to fund real estate development projects is an untapped capital resource in the Milwaukee area market. Union pension funds invest in both equity and/or debt depending on the project.

Untapped Capital Resource for Development in Milwaukee

Utilizing Building Advantage’s partners’ union pension money to fund real estate development projects is an untapped capital resource in the Milwaukee area market. Union pension funds invest in both equity and/or debt depending on the project.

Project Financing Connections

Building Advantage has connections to numerous local and national financial institutions with union pension funds invested in real estate that can help you with your project’s capital stack. Groups like the AFL-CIO HIT and Ullico are currently funding projects, and many more funds are interested in Milwaukee market projects.

Union Pensions Fund Largest Local Projects

Union pension funds invested in Milwaukee area real estate projects are funding the biggest projects in town. Several Milwaukee area projects including the Couture, Moderne, Hines Tower and others have utilized our partners’ union pension funds to bring their projects to reality. Union pension money is helping developers change the literal landscape of the city. Similar funds are investing in industrial, retail, storage, office, and multi-family development projects throughout the country.

Strong Advocacy Partner

Building Advantage is a valued partner with our strong advocacy and connections with elected and governmental officials. We can help you gain support for your project with the community, help to secure government financing, and work with government officials to help ensure important zoning and building approvals needed for your project. Involving our network of local community partners, Building Advantage is a key ally that can help you throughout the planning process while working with the community and local elected or governmental staff.

AFL-CIO HIT | Ullico | ODCE | Labor Friendly Funded Local Projects

The HIT specializes in the development and rehabilitation of rental housing, particularly affordable housing. The HIT has a long history of working closely with developers, housing agencies, members of the mortgage banking community, labor unions, HUD, government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) and others to identify and structure the financing needed for their real estate developments.

HIT offers:

  • Construction financing
  • Permanent financing
  • Forward commitments
  • Bridge loans

The HIT offers both credit enhanced executions as well as direct construction and bridge lending. The HIT structures its financing with credit enhancements provided by a variety of sources, including the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Ginnie Mae, government sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and state and local agencies.

Below are several projects in Southeast Wisconsin that are partially funded by labor friendly AFL-CIO and Ullico funds.

Hines Tower

Milwaukee, WI

Hines Tower

$109,000,000 Ullico Investment

Mixed Use Project | 333 Units

The Couture

Milwaukee, WI

The Couture

$104,745,000 HIT Investment

Mixed Use Project | 322 Units

The Moderne

Milwaukee, WI

The Moderne

$42,357,800 HIT Investment

Multi-Family Project | 203 Units

New Hampton Gardens

Milwaukee, WI

New Hampton Gardens

$18,000,000 Laborers’ Pension Fund Investment

Healthcare/Multi-Family Project | 229 Units

Brookfield Reserve

Brookfield, WI

Brookfield Reserve

$15,000,000 Bailard Investment

Multi-Family Project | 194 Units

Laurel Oaks

Glendale, WI

Laurel Oaks

$8,492,000 HIT Investment

Healthcare/Multi-Family Project | 156 Units

University Club Tower

Milwaukee, WI

University Club Tower

$8,300,000 National Real Estate Advisors Investment

Multi-Family Project | 55 Condo Units

Concord

Greendale, WI

Concord

$8,492,000 HIT Investment

Healthcare/Multi-Family Project | 144 Units

Care-Age Nursing Home

Brookfield, WI

Care-Age Nursing Home

$5,208,200 HIT Investment

Healthcare/Multi-Family Project | 110 Units

Heritage Place

Brookfield, WI

Heritage Place

$4,718,884 HIT Investment

Healthcare/Multi-Family Project | 90 Units

Laurel Oaks II

Glendale, WI

Laurel Oaks II

$2,696,400 HIT Investment

Multi-Family Project | 55 Units

Westmoreland Manor

Waukesha, WI

Westmoreland Manor

$501,800 HIT Investment

Healthcare/Multi-Family Project | 16 Units

The Union Advantage

Risk Mitigation

Union general and specialty contractors deliver on technical expertise, safety programs, past performance, and ability to address unusual complexity, aggressive schedules and new and changing environmental and governmental compliance standards.

Efficiency Through Collaboration Across All Team Members

Communication and coordination are crucial to maintaining a project schedule without incurring additional costs. Hiring union contractors and subcontractors ensures that every worker who sets foot on the jobsite has received the same rigorous training, and appreciates the risks associated with challenging or sensitive worksites.

High Productivity

Union contractors and their workforce dedicate years of their lives honing their craft before they earn the right to be called Journeyman. This investment is reflected in the speed and efficiency displayed when a true craftsperson is on their game.

Capacity for Advanced Education & Training

Industry investment in continued safety education and training equip union tradespeople and their affiliated contractors with the capacity to respond to new safety challenges, such as COVID-19.

Chris Mambu Rasch

Executive Director

Learn More about Building Advantage

Chris Mambu Rasch

Executive Director

Learn More about Building Advantage