Southeast Wisconsin’s Landmark Union Built Projects

On-time, on-budget is the union construction industry’s motto, and we have the experience to back up that claim. The following are some of the projects built in Milwaukee by quality, union-affiliated contractors and local, experienced tradespeople.

333 Water

Milwaukee, WI

333 Water sits at the gateway of Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. The 31-story luxury apartment tower includes resort style amenities, tenant space on the ground floor and a 210-foot extension of the public river walk system. Hines, the project’s developer, secured a $109 million Ullico construction loan with union pension fund dollars. The union pension fund dollars also mean that the project is built by 100% union labor. W.E. O’Neil Construction is the general contractor for the project with Solomon Cordwell Buenz as the architect.

The Couture

Milwaukee, WI

Overlooking Lake Michigan, the Couture is a 44-story skyscraper designed to serve as a key thoroughfare connecting lakefront and cultural amenities within downtown Milwaukee. The building will bring in 600 new downtown residents, high-end retail and restaurants. The Couture will help generate both income through tax revenue and thousands of jobs for the city, helping Milwaukee continue to thrive. Findorff expects the project to be completed in early 2024.

Wisconsin Center Expansion

Milwaukee, WI

The $456 million Wisconsin Center expansion will add 300,000 square feet; 24 new meeting rooms; 400 indoor parking spaces; 6 loading docks; an executive kitchen; and feature a fourth-floor ballroom. The anticipated opening is scheduled for May 2024. The expansion project includes a comprehensive economic inclusion plan by committing to 25% minority-owned businesses, 5% women-owned businesses, 1% disabled veteran-owned businesses, a residents-preferred program of 40%, meaning at least $40 million of the $100 million in anticipated construction wages will be earned by residents of the City of Milwaukee. Upon opening, the expanded Wisconsin Center is projected to support 2,300 full-time equivalent jobs throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Komatsu South Harbor Campus

Milwaukee, WI

Komatsu’s new headquarters in Milwaukee’s Harbor District sits on 57-acres and includes a 180,000 sq-ft office and experience center and a 650-car parking structure. The project achieved a LEED V4 Gold Certification by reducing energy consumption by 75% and reducing water consumption by 80%. Hunzinger Construction was the Construction Manager/General Contractor and they partnered with Milwaukee’s union subcontractors and trades to complete the project.

The Trade Hotel

Milwaukee, WI

Located within the Deer District, the Marriott Autograph Collection property has 207 rooms and suites with a rooftop restaurant and lounge and a 2-story VIP suite. There is also 9,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor meeting spaces for groups up to 300. Middleton-based North Central Group is developing the project with Findorff is serving as the general contractor and design from Gary Brink & Associates.

Fiserv Forum

Milwaukee, WI

Fiserv Forum and the surrounding Deer District is a cultural landmark in Wisconsin. During the preconstruction phase, Mortenson Construction worked with the project’s architects and engineers to maximize design while limiting costs. The construction was completed by 100% union tradespeople who have the experience and expertise necessary to efficiently complete a project of this magnitude. These factors resulted in the project completing four weeks early and $2 million under budget.

Milwaukee Tool

Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee tool redeveloped a five-story, 370,000-square-foot building at 501 W. Michigan St. to accommodate additional employees. The city of Milwaukee provided up to $20 million to the Brookfield-based company to reach 2,000 jobs at the property. The company’s subsidy agreement with the City of Milwaukee calls for it to invest $30 million in the property for the facade, roof and interior build-out. Mortenson Construction lead the general contracting with Stephen Perry Smith Architects handling the project’s design.

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Renovation

Milwaukee, WI

First constructed in 1991 with several expansions and renovations since, Potawatomi Hotel and Casino will now be renovating their third floor to accommodate new gaming, food and entertainment experiences.

American Family Field

Milwaukee, WI

Completed in 2001, American Family Field (formerly Miller Park), is a 1.2 million square foot state-of-the-art ballpark that features a retractable roof. The total project cost was $400 million with $310 million coming from public funding.

Hallmarks of Union Construction

  • Guaranteed On-Time Delivery

  • Elimination of Unnecessary Cost Increases

  • Mitigating All Unnecessary Liability Issues

  • Prioritizing Safe Job Sites

  • Guaranteed Top Performance

  • Experience & Past Performance

  • Honesty, Integrity & Reputation

  • Seamless Workflow

  • Effective Team Communication

  • Readily Available Skilled Workforce

  • Excellent Craftsmanship

  • Delivery on All Specifications

  • Investment in the Industry

  • Championing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  • Commitment to the Community

Let’s Chat!

No matter what stage of the building process you’re in, Building Advantage is here to help. With a network of industry and government contacts, we have the means to assist with lobbying, financing, workforce, bids and other project needs.

Chris Mambu Rasch

Executive Director