MADISON – Governor Doyle today presented the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Design and Construction Services to five firms and one individual. The 17th annual awards highlight exemplary design and construction on state building projects that invest in the state’s infrastructure and help to grow the economy.
“In Wisconsin we are working hard to build the finest research and educational space in the country and serve our citizens with high quality facilities,” Governor Doyle said. “Excellence in design and construction in the state building program is the result of professional skill and teamwork put forth by architects, engineers, contractors and state staff. I am pleased to recognize those achievements with the Governor’s Awards.”
The 2007 winners of the Governor’s Awards for Outstanding Design and Construction Services are:
- Excellence in Sustainable Design and Construction – Workshop Architects of Milwaukee
Workshop Architects were recognized for their work on the New Student Union at UW-River Falls. The new Student Center was designed and constructed to Silver Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) standards. Daylight standards were implemented with the building plan structured to provide natural day lighting to all rooms, resulting in light performance that is 30 percent higher than code. In addition, storm water collected from the building’s roof is captured and stored for use in flushing plumbing fixtures and mitigating harmful storm water surges into the nearby Kinnickinnick River.
- Excellence in Architectural Design – Plunkett-Raysich Architects of Madison
Plunkett-Raysich Architects were recognized for their work on the Microbial Science Project on the UW-Madison Campus. This project brought UW Madison’s core Microbiology, Bacteriology, Food Microbiology & Toxicology and Medical Microbiology and Immunology together to increase collaboration for cutting-edge scientific discovery. The building’s unique site offered many challenges that the firm successfully overcame.
- Excellence in Engineering Design – JJR, LLC of Madison
JJR was recognized for their work on the Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee. JJR incorporated sustainability methods including reusing the deep tunnel rock fill from the existing island in constructing the breakwater, in order to maintain cost feasibility. In addition, JJR provided creative design solutions balancing agency needs and available funding for the maritime basin, harbor island expansion, public access lake walk and signature bridge.
- Excellence in Construction – Habermehl Electric Inc. of Franklin
Habermehl Electric Inc. was recognized for their work on the Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee. Habermehl provided effective engineering options to improve serviceability of installation at the breakwater and state park power distribution. This firm had no lost time, injuries and complied with all safety and contract requirements.
- Excellence in Construction – Luhr Brothers, Inc. of Columbia, IL.
Luhr Brothers, Inc was recognized for their work on the Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee. Luhr Brothers coordinated and directed the work in a difficult construction site that required respect to maintaining water quality, protection of fish and wildlife and accommodating festival during construction.
- Excellence in Service – Sanjay Olson of the Department of Natural Resources
Sanjay Olson has provided leadership and nurturing of architectural and engineering firms especially new and small firms that have not previously worked with the state. He is proactive in providing opportunities for such firms. His review of firm’s credentials, follow up and professional commitment to DNR project is thorough. Olson serves as a mentor to firms unfamiliar with the state policies and practices.
Governor Doyle presented the awards at a meeting of the State Building Commission in Madison.
All firms and individuals involved in state building construction projects are eligible for the awards. Winners are selected by a panel of professionals, assembled by the Department of Administration’s Division of State Facilities, who reviews all projects nominated for the honor. Winners receive plaques recognizing their achievements from Governor Doyle.
