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Milwaukee, WI

Northwestern Mutual Van Buren Office Building

How do you renovate an 87-year-old building into a workplace of the future?

The Northwestern Mutual Van Buren Office Building project included the complete remodel of a seven-story, 162,087 SF existing office building. The interior of the building was completely demolished to keep only the structure and enclosure. New mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, windows, insulation, and interiors were constructed.

The new office includes 650 workstations designed for the 21st-century work environment. Private offices, open collaborative spaces, enclaves and conference rooms, copy/mail room, amenities room, and modernized restrooms are located on each floor. In addition, the building houses the Mutual Health Center with seven exam rooms, a procedure room, physical therapy, and a themed children’s health care exam room. The project is LEED Gold certified.

 

  • Point Cloud Mapping identified the existing building was 14 inches trapezoidally out of square; Design and construction team accommodated to avoid redesign and rework with potential conflicts of MEPFP systems and furniture layout

  • 2,500 hours saved with prefabrication of plumbing and piping in the shop versus field

  • Prefabrication drastically reduced installation time for fitters – 640 hours versus 3,140 hours

  • Less than 1 % of material wasted with prefabrication

  • Built 10% faster and saved $20,000 with prefabrication in the shop

Awards

Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Award: Delivery Process Innovation Honorable Mention – AIA, 2014

Real Estate Project Award – Best Office Renovation Honorable Mention – Milwaukee Business Journal, 2014

Top Project – The Daily Reporter – Milwaukee, 2014

Build Wisconsin Award (General Contractor) – AGC of Wisconsin, 2014

Showcase Award: Impact Achievement Award – WCREW, 2014

SE2 Leadership Award Focus on Energy Award of Excellence – Wisconsin Green Building Association, 2014