Protection or progress
Wetland concerns killed a runway expansion project in West Bend that could have brought economic expansion to the area. Now, similar concerns threaten a Waukesha bypass project. Where are the lines drawn between protection and progress? Can we better balance the needs of the natural and built environments? Melissa Rigney Baxter investigates.
Coming [...]

Decades after the machine-gun rattle of jackhammers fades from a construction site, the echoes of the energy and fuel consumption remain. Preservationists argue the tally of consumed energy, called embodied energy, is a key consideration for the green building movement. Yet, the leading green building rating system does little to acknowledge this. Caley Clinton investigates.

Wisconsin Builder showcases 31 projects that stood out in 2009.

Working on the edge
Although unusual in Wisconsin, dam inspections that require engineers strap on safety gear and climb onto the dams in search of cracks and other damage can be unforgettable experiences for the men and women involved. And under a new state law, more consultants may soon find themselves doing these inspections. Caley Clinton [...]

Arbor Gate, Madison
Full Story >>

Arrowhead-Weston Line, Wausau to Duluth, Minn.
Full Story >>
Danisco Glacier project, Madison
Full Story >>
First Unitarian Society Meeting House Addition, Madison
Full Story >>
Forward Wind Farm, Fond du Lac and Dodge counties
Full Story >>
Fratellos Waterfront Restaurant, Milwaukee
Full Story >>
Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin ClinicalCancer Center, Milwaukee
Full Story [...]

Newsmakers of the Year
This year’s awards mark the largest collection of Newsmakers yet: 21 awards recognizing a variety of standout industry members. Four new awards selected in cooperation with WasteCap Resource Solutions Inc. celebrate achievements in recycling and green innovations. Traditional award categories such as Developer of the Year and Architect of the Year [...]

The ins and outs of cap and trade
As the Senate prepares to take up controversial legislation that would limit greenhouse-gasemissions, organizations and businesses nationwide are taking sides in the battle over cap and trade. Caley Clinton looks at some of the possible benefits and downfalls of the most comprehensive climate change legislation in U.S. history.
Full [...]

The waiting game
While organizations, municipalities and others wait for stimulus money to be doled out, a number of projects are dead in the water. Melissa Rigney Baxter looks at some of the many projects affected by this stimulus hold-up and what it could mean for the industry going forward.
Full Story >>
On the road
Traveling for work [...]

TIF troubles costing communities
As property values tank and developer financing dries up, the odds that a municipality will be left paying debt on tax-incremental financing districts that don’t pan out are much higher. Sean Ryan looks at two areas that are struggling with faltering TIFs and the statewide effects of the problem.
Full Story >>
Keeping it [...]

Highway 41’s growing pains
Businesses and people around Highway 41 in Oshkosh are finally seeing the results of 20 years worth of work trying to get the highway upgraded and expanded. MaryBeth Matzek checks in with those people as the Wisconsin Department of Transportation kicks off an estimated seven-year, $980 million Highway 41 transformation.
Full Text >>
Thriving [...]