TEE Time

Acuity team slices its schedule for event

Acuity Insurance Corporate Headquarters

By Brendan O'Brien

Photo by Hedrich Blessing, Jeff Millies

M.A. Mortenson Co. had golf on its mind when it renovated and expanded the Acuity Insurance corporate headquarters in Sheboygan.

"The owner came to us sometime in the early to middle part of the project and said it really wanted to see what it would take to get it ready in time for the PGA event," said Brad Folkert, Mortenson construction executive.

Mortenson responded, finishing the project five months ahead of schedule to let the insurance company showcase its new campus during the Professional Golfers' Association Championship at nearby Whistling Straits. It worked out well, considering that Acuity was a major sponsor of the event.

"They wanted to put the building in a position where it could be used and have their vendors and agents participate in a grand opening gala at the same time as the PGA," Folkert said.

Mortenson didn't cut corners to meet the tee time. Instead, it examined the order in which the building was being constructed.

"We had to restructure the logic of how the building was being put together," Folkert said. "There were times, for several months, that there was activity going on in the building for up to 20 hours a day."

	Project Name: Acuity Insurance Corporate Headquarters Location: Sheboygan Submitting Company: M. A. Mortenson Co., Brookfield General Contractor: M. A. Mortenson Co. Architect: Eppstein Uhen Architects Inc., Milwaukee Engineers: Ring & DuChateau Inc., Milwaukee, plumbing and mechanical engineer; Dolan & Dustin Inc., Wauwatosa, electrical engineer; Arnold & O'Sheridan Inc., Brookfield and Madison, structural engineer Owner: Acuity Insurance, Sheboygan Project Cost: $39 million Start Date: April 2003 Completion Date: October 2004

The finished product is a 262,000-square-foot addition to the facility and about 20,000 square feet of renovated space. The campus now features executive office areas, a fitness center and a commercial kitchen with a dining area for Acuity's 3,000 employees.

"Acuity has a certain concept of what its business operation and business model looks like," Folkert said. "They want their employees to enjoy coming to work and to have services beyond what they would have if they were working in a different environment."

Biesanz limestone, Vermont slate and Jerusalem stone were used for floors, while oak, cherry and African mahogany were used for the custom millwork throughout the structure. This unique blend was brought together with steel and glass.

"The original building was nice," Folkert said. "It had the natural elements of the stone and the wood — just some beautiful natural products. The architects took that to another level."

The focal point of the building is its 87-foot center atrium, which is highlighted by blown glass and a 42-foot-by-24-foot water wall. The interior theme matches the exterior landscaping, which includes ponds and waterfalls throughout the 97-acre lot.

"It is such a warm building," Folkert said. "When you walk into it, you feel and hear and see the water, and you see the natural stone. It is just so inviting."