MILWAUKEE – As Milwaukee County continues early design and planning efforts in an effort to replace the outdated, crumbling, nearly 100-year-old Public Safety Building, it has selected Gilbane | Cullen, a Joint Venture, to serve as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the project. This team will provide valuable expertise as the preconstruction and conceptual design efforts begin.
“As we look to the future of Milwaukee County’s Courthouse Complex, it’s clear that removing the Public Safety Building and investing in modern, sustainable facilities is essential for delivering positive outcomes for all who interact with our justice system,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Partnering with Gilbane | Cullen will allow Milwaukee County to develop a state-of-the-art facility that meets the needs of our community today while preparing for the next 100 years. I’m looking forward to this partnership creating construction jobs and delivering results for Milwaukee County residents.”
Gilbane Building and JP Cullen & Sons have served as the Construction Manager at Risk for several Milwaukee County projects, including the recently opened Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center, Milwaukee Public Zoo’s Penguin and Rhino Exhibits, and Milwaukee County Secure Residential Care Center for Children and Youth (SRCCCY). The Gilbane | Cullen team also includes five TBE firms in the initial preconstruction phase: Greenfire Management Services, Dairyland Electric, Belonger Corporation, Abaxent, LLC and P3 Development Group, LLC.
“Detailed evaluation in the preconstruction phase is absolutely crucial, as it sets the stage for the entire project’s success and identifies potential issues early on to ensure that plans are accurate, cost-effective, and aligned with the project’s vision,” said Alicia Dupies, Vice President and Milwaukee Business Leader, Gilbane Building. “Equally important is our commitment to fostering strong collaboration with all project stakeholders, creating a unified approach that not only mitigates risks but also drives innovative solutions tailored to Milwaukee County’s specific needs.”
Guided by Milwaukee County’s Vision and Strategic Focus Areas, Gilbane | Cullen will collaborate with Milwaukee County leaders, Investing in Justice: Courthouse Complex project design consultants AECOM, NORR and Continuum, and other stakeholders to balance community needs and project goals. With these groups partnering with Milwaukee County to complete more than 45 programming workshops and 40 initial stakeholder meetings, conceptual design efforts are now underway.
“Gilbane and Cullen are deeply rooted in Milwaukee County,” said Shannon Metoxen, Vice President and Division Manager, JP Cullen. “Whether our team grew up here or works in our local offices, each member has a personal connection to the community. They feel a personal responsibility for the success of this project and will be here long after its completion. Our team’s proven track record working with Milwaukee County provides a first-hand understanding of the County’s processes and expectations. We will bring this knowledge and experience to the Investing In Justice: Courthouse Complex project.”
Selecting its Construction Manager at Risk marks the latest step in the County’s long-term strategy to revitalize the Courthouse Complex, enhance public safety, and improve justice outcomes. Construction activities could start as early as 2027 and continue through 2031 or 2032.
ABOUT MILWAUKEE COUNTY’S INVESTING IN JUSTICE: COURTHOUSE COMPLEX PROJECT
Within the Courthouse Complex, the Public Safety Building is crumbling, inefficient, and poses risks to community safety and justice. It must be removed and replaced with a new building that will house all criminal courts and some other services. Due to the interconnected nature of the Courthouse Complex facilities, a new building necessitates renovations in the Historic Courthouse and Criminal Justice Facility as well.
Through the Investing in Justice: Courthouse Complex project, Milwaukee County seeks to improve outcomes for all impacted by the justice system, address significant safety and constitutional concerns tied to the facilities, preserve the continuity of court operations, and protect taxpayers and resources for critical services.
For more details, visit county.milwaukee.gov/InvestinginJustice
ABOUT GILBANE | CULLEN, A JOINT VENTURE:
Gilbane | Cullen is a joint venture partnership between Gilbane Building and J.P. Cullen, bringing together over two centuries of combined construction expertise. As fifth-generation, family-owned firms with deep roots in Milwaukee, both companies share a strong commitment to community, quality, and collaboration. Together, they bring national expertise and local insight to deliver thoughtful, high-impact solutions for the Milwaukee community. Gilbane | Cullen is proud to support the future of the Milwaukee County Courthouse Complex.
