By Sarah Maio
The Wisconsin Center District (WCD) and its construction firm partners Gilbane Building Company and C.D. Smith Construction are taking the first physical step towards construction of the multi-million dollar Wisconsin Center expansion. Fencing has been erected around the perimeter of the former parking lot north of the Wisconsin Center in preparation for early site work, with groundbreaking still planned for later this year.
“It’s incredible to see physical progress being made on the expansion,” said Marty Brooks, president and 
CEO of the WCD. “We’ve spent the past several years laying the groundwork behind the scenes for this project. Countless hours have been spent seeking feedback and thoughtfully sketching the expansion project on paper. It’s extraordinary to see the team’s hard work beginning to come to life in real time.”
As part of the expansion project, which will double the size of the convention center, the WCD has committed to contracting with at least 25 percent of minority-owned businesses, five percent of women-owned businesses and one percent of disabled veteran-owned businesses. The organization has also pledged that at least 40 percent of on-site construction labor hours will be performed by trade workers residing in the city and/or certified through the city as part of its Residential Preference Program (RPP). The expansion is expected to create 1,150 new on-site construction jobs and 1,150 off-site construction jobs during the build, plus 2,300 FTE jobs upon completion. Once finished, the expansion will allow the WCD to host multiple events simultaneously and offer flexible space arrangements to meet various clients’ needs.
The expansion is expected to be completed and open for business in Q1 of 2024.
Sarah Maio is Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Wisconsin Center District.
