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 [...]

Lockdown on opportunity
The state’s prison system needs beds and contractors need more work. But, as Caley Clinton finds out, the potential for new construction is limited by mandates with no money to support them.
Full Story >>
Left wondering
Many tradesmen became accustomed to being unemployed during stagflation in the late 1970s and early 1980s. But this is [...]

Flow of commerce
High gas prices and potential caps on the emissions of greenhouse gases could mean as well of new shipping activity rolling into Wisconsin ports. Dustin Block explores what that growth could mean for Wisconsin contractors.
Full Story >>
Constructing a network
Social-media Web sites might once have been thought of as frivolous ways to connect with [...]

The struggle for change
Despite numerous efforts, minority contractors continue to fail. Editor Lawrence Silver investigates the reasons why.
Full Story >>
Rebuilding the barn
There’s little reason for today’s modern farmer to repair a dilapidated barn. Most barns lost their usefulness. But contractors across the state are finding work rehabbing the rustic relics. Reporter Maggie Rossiter Peterman talks [...]