Peer Review

Bradley Tech: A building built for builders

Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School Milwaukee

By Candace Doyle

The architect, engineers and contractors involved in the Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School had added motivation to build the signature project:

The eyes of the construction industry were on them.

And why not? The $50 million Milwaukee Public Schools building, which got its start with a $20 million gift from the late Milwaukee philanthropist Jane Bradley Pettit, was being built, in large part, for the construction industry.

"That was a great motivator of us to do a good job and to show the excellence of the tradespeople we have in Milwaukee," said John Anderson, project manager with Hunzinger Construction Co. of Brookfield, which teamed up with Clark Construction Group of Bethesda, Md., to serve as construction manager for the job.

One of the goals of the school is to train the future construction industry work force, and Anderson said that was ever present on the minds of those building it.

"We went out of our way to demonstrate to our students that this is the way it ought to be done," he said. "For me and for all the tradesmen there, it was a good motivator to go the extra yard."

Under the spotlight

The design of the 280,000-square-foot building for ninth- to 12th-graders also attracted attention. Jim Shields of Hammel, Green & Abrahamson, Milwaukee, was the lead designer, and he called the project a "building for the next century" when the plans were unveiled.

"This was the most watched project in a couple of years," Shields said. "I think we definitely had a spotlight condition here."

Project Name: Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School Location: Milwaukee Submitting Companies: Hammel, Green & Abrahamson Inc., Milwaukee, and Hunzinger Construction Co., Brookfield General Contractor/Construction Manager: Hunzinger/Clark Joint Venture Architect: Hammel, Green & Abrahamson Inc., Milwaukee Engineer: Hammel, Green & Abrahamson Inc., Milwaukee (Structural and Electrical); Edwards & Associates Inc., Milwaukee (Civil); IBC Engineering Services Inc., Waukesha (Mechanical) Owner: Milwaukee Public Schools Project Cost: $50 million Start Date: March 2001 Completion Date: August 2002

Anderson said the design was more daring and kept the public involved and interested.

"It stands out because it's so different," he said. "The design that HGA came up with is just outstanding.

"For Hunzinger, we have well over 300 educational facilities," he said. "I think everyone agrees this one stands out with its very interesting design."

Shields said the design was challenging, largely because of the tight space he had to work with.

"Most schools that are built out today are built in suburban areas," he said, which means they may have acres of land to work with. "This is built on three city blocks — incredibly tight conditions. I think every square foot of the site is occupied."

And Anderson said the workspace was not the only thing that was tight — so was the project's schedule and budget.

"We were proud to work with the owner to bring it in on time and budget," he said.

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