For more information, contact:
Michael Wallace
Berghammer Construction Corporation
September 28, 2010, Butler, WI – Berghammer Construction Corporation (GC) along with Uihlein Wilson Architects, is in the design and development stage of the third branch of the Urban Ecology Center in collaboration with Menomonee Valley Partners, Inc.
The 6,000 square-foot project began taking shape when students from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) worked together to create the original design. Over the next few months the team will hold a series of design workshops. The plan is to involve students during the project so that they will be able to learn from the process.
The new wood frame structure will match the existing building but will have thicker walls for increased thermal performance and an exterior staircase that will double as a lookout. It will be located alongside the Hank Aaron State Trail. The goal is to use reclaimed materials wherever possible to enable the Urban Ecology Center to continue as a leading example of green, sustainable design.
The Community Center will allow the Urban Ecology Center to bring its innovative programming to the Menomonee Valley and to serve the south side neighborhood and schools. Like the UEC’s site model established at branches at Riverside and Washington Parks, the Menomonee Valley facility will be open to the public with a wide range of opportunities for kids, adults and families to get involved. The new Urban Ecology Center building will include classrooms, administrative space, and conference rooms. A unique feature will be the addition of an “animal room”- a large open space with fish tanks and reptiles native to Wisconsin. These spaces help to increase the ability to teach our youth about science and to connect them to nature in their neighborhood.
Located in Butler, Wisconsin, Berghammer Construction Corporation provides construction management services and builds diversified projects throughout southeastern Wisconsin, with core competencies in construction for commercial office, healthcare, education, hospitality, industrial, institutional and senior living markets.
