Hunzinger Construction Company recently completed Johnson Controls expansion project located at 801 South 60th Street in West Allis, WI. Hunzinger Construction Company was the Construction Manager for this 130,000 square foot interior build out project completed in just 5 months. Eppstein Uhen Architects, Milwaukee, were the project designers.
This new office will house employees from a number of different administrative functions within JCI, who will all be working towards bringing greater administrative efficiencies to their company. The two-level project includes a functional reception area, state-of-the-art work stations, and multiple conference rooms including smaller focus (one person) rooms, team rooms (accommodating 8-10 people) and larger conference rooms and workshops for 40+ people or more. The project also includes a modern kitchen and multiple “recharge” break room areas with microwaves, a coffee bistro area, multiple restroom facilities and storage.
This was an extremely fast-tracked project. Hunzinger mobilized on the site in the middle of May, bringing on subcontractors almost immediately. Initial demolition was completed by working two shifts but within weeks, the crews had transitioned to their regular 6 days a week, 10-12 hours a day schedule which continued until the project’s completion on October 17th . By the end of May, Uihlein Electric was installing underfloor electrical and Bart Wellenstein Construction, Inc. was installing the access flooring that was provided by Haworth.
On July 1st, framing began and JM Brennan began the HVAC and plumbing work. The pace was fast and our project management team was highly effective and efficient because they maintained particularly close coordination with Eppstein Uhen Architects who had an architect on site a few days a week to address questions and adjust the plans. The design team was very fluid and easy to work with. They remained flexible and cooperative throughout the project.
In August, drywall and taping began as Wall-tech, Inc. fully committed to providing enough manpower to get the job done given the looming worker shortage in certain construction trades. They did an amazing job ensuring that the aggressive schedule was met, staying ahead of where the project needed to be on a daily basis. Metal Buildings completed the structural steel modifications and miscellaneous metals by placing the railings and decorative details throughout to add feature elements to the open-concept, industrial design.
September and October were very busy with TA Mason installing the carpeting and resilient flooring, Wall-tech continuing drywall work and painting, and Hunzinger forces completing the finish carpentry. In fact, throughout the last 6 weeks, over 100 tradespeople were on the project daily representing all subcontractors. The height of the project saw 120 people attending one of our monthly safety lunches.
Johnson Controls, is a leader in utilizing diverse suppliers and their local construction projects carry a 20% diversity utilization goal. Hunzinger is proud to say that we once again surpassed the goal by utilizing local minority and women owned subcontractors and suppliers for this project. Arteaga Construction, Rams Contracting, Thomas A Mason, JCP Construction, Hiram Power Electric, and B & D Contractors all worked on the project. Price and Sons, Inc., Affirmative Supply and HVA Products all supplied materials for the project.
When reflecting on this large, complex project with an incredibly short schedule, both our Field Superintendent and Senior Project Manager agree that all the subcontractors on this project were outstanding and the primary reason for meeting the schedule and making this project such a huge success was their unparalleled teamwork. They say that all the workers got along and worked very well together in a true collaborative effort. Every person took great pride in their work, brought a positive attitude to the job and were team players above all else. It’s a huge plus and it makes a big difference when everyone is on board and we are all working together, seamlessly. This job got done because we had a fantastic team, working around the clock to ensure this job was completed on-time and within the schedule’s parameters.
Hunzinger self-performed demolition, concrete and rough and finish carpentry.