Stuff Blown Up: Milwaukee convention center expansion

2023 STUFF SE

A $456 million construction project is doubling the size of the downtown Milwaukee convention center, which was recently renamed the Baird Center under a naming rights sponsorship by the Milwaukee-based investment and financial services company. When the expansion project is complete in May of 2024, the Baird Center will have 52 meeting rooms, a 300,000-square-foot exhibit hall (that’s larger than five football fields), 22 loading docks, a 400-stall indoor parking garage and a spectacular new rooftop ballroom with outdoor terraces offering sweeping views of the city skyline. This construction project began in October of 2021. There are numerous workers and companies that have worked on the project and each offers their own unique career opportunities. Take a closer look at some of the jobs and companies making the expansion of the Baird Center a reality.

Contractors

Providence, Rhode Island-based Gilbane Building Co. and Fond du Lac-based C.D. Smith, both of which have operations in Milwaukee, are partnering to serve as general contractor to lead construction for the Baird Center expansion project. To complete a project, general contractors usually work with several subcontractors, each specializing in a specific area, giving them expertise to make sure the job is done right and on budget. Here are some of the companies that are working on the Baird Center project:

  • JP Cullen | Janesville, Madison, Milwaukee: Structural steel
  • JCP Construction | Milwaukee: Structural steel, structural steel labor, carpentry, concrete
  • CG Schmidt | Milwaukee: Carpentry
  • Klein Dickert | Pewaukee, Madison: Exterior aluminum and glass work, interior glass
  • Kapur | Glendale, Milwaukee, Madison, Burlington, Appleton, Rothschild: Deep foundations
  • KMI Construction | New Berlin: Masonry
  • CornerStone One | Brookfield: Plumbing work, underground plumbing
  • Lee Mechanical | Franklin: HVAC work
  • Staff Electric | Menomonee Falls, Monona, Sturtevant: Electrical, low voltage
  • Michels | Brownsville, Milwaukee, Franksville, Green Bay, Madison, Neenah, Lomira, Wausau: Deep foundations
  • Rams Contracting | Lannon: Excavation and site preparation work
  • Langer Roofing & Sheet Metal | West Allis: Roofing work
  • Hetzel Tile & Marble | Menomonee Falls: Hard flooring
  • Thomas A. Mason Co. | Milwaukee: Soft flooring
  • Duwe Metal Products | Menomonee Falls: Miscellaneous metals – stairs

Occupations

It takes people with many different specialties to bring a construction project like the Baird Center to completion. Here are some of the jobs involved in the project along with a brief description and average yearly salary for the position in the Milwaukee area according to O*Net:

Construction Laborers: This position performs physical labor on a construction site, including operating power tools and other equipment, preparing sites, digging trenches or setting braces, erecting scaffolding and cleaning up rubble and debris. You’ll work with others, spend time outside in the elements and often be on your feet. It is a job that requires communication, knowledge of construction, dexterity and strength, dependability and attention to detail.

WAGES IN METRO MILWAUKEE: Low  $47,410 | Middle  $60,630 | High  $88,750

Bricklayers: This job is responsible for using mortar and other substances in building and repairing walls, partitions and other structures with materials like brick, structural tile or blocks. It is a job that requires both independence and cooperation along with attention to detail and integrity. You will need core strength, hand steadiness and the ability to see details at close range, plus construction and design knowledge.

WAGES IN METRO MILWAUKEE: Low  $47,410 | Middle  $60,630 | High  $88,750

Carpenters: Workers in this trade build, install and repair structures made from wood and other materials. Think of things like the framework of a building, stairways, window and door frames and floors. They may also install cabinets, siding or drywall. It is a job that requires measuring, cutting and fastening materials. You’ll need to get information, work with others and pay attention to details.

WAGES IN METRO MILWAUKEE: Low  $37,890 | Middle  $52,950 | High  $81,880

Iron Workers:  This job is responsible for raising, placing and connecting steel and iron to form the basis of structures. It is a job that requires reading blueprints to determine locations and materials to use, connecting parts with rivets, bolts or welding and working with other trades to move materials into place. You’ll need to inspect materials, deal with potentially distracting noises and be comfortable working in high places.

WAGES IN METRO MILWAUKEE: Low  $54,080 | Middle  $82,730 | High  $107,590

Operating Engineers: Responsible for operating equipment like graders, bulldozers, tractors, shovels and front-end loaders, this job excavates, moves and grades dirt, erects structures and pours concrete or other hard surface pavements. You’ll operate big pieces of machinery, coordinate actions with others and understand the consequences of a mistake could be extremely serious. In addition to operating equipment, you’ll also need mechanical and equipment maintenance knowledge.

WAGES IN METRO MILWAUKEE: Low  $52,080 | Middle $73,650 | High  $93,930