The Wisconsin State Building Commission has approved approximately $254 million in building projects across the state, including new student housing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, infrastructure improvements at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute and renovations at several University of Wisconsin campuses.
Gov. Tony Evers announced the approvals, which cover construction, facility modernization, maintenance and repairs at state-owned properties.
Among the largest projects is a public-private partnership to develop two residence halls at UW-Madison, providing approximately 1,690 student beds and a 400-seat dining facility.
The commission authorized construction of the privately owned development on state-owned land at an annual base lease cost of $29.7 million.
The project is intended to address student housing shortages, reduce the university’s reliance on temporary accommodations and provide additional housing for first-year and returning students. Occupancy is anticipated for fall 2029.
The commission also approved utility and service tunnel improvements at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. The project will replace or upgrade aging infrastructure to improve reliability and provide a more secure service tunnel connecting to the Wisconsin Resource Center.
Several projects will support Wisconsin National Guard facilities.
The commission authorized remodeling the Madison Readiness Center to improve its functionality and accommodate operational requirements.
It also approved the release of Building Trust Funds to complete design work for a new readiness center in Wisconsin Rapids. The proposed facility would replace the existing center and support administrative, operational and training activities for Wisconsin Army National Guard and field artillery units.
Higher education projects account for another significant portion of the approved work.
At UW-La Crosse, the commission authorized construction of elevator tower additions at residence halls to improve accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Five laboratory and lecture hall renovation projects were approved at UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee and UW-Parkside.
The projects are part of the 2025-27 Instructional Space Projects Program and will modernize outdated academic facilities, improve space utilization and upgrade building infrastructure.
The commission also authorized three projects through the 2025-27 Minor Facilities Renewal Program. Those improvements include roof replacements and heating plant boiler renovations at UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse and UW-Whitewater.
At UW-Madison, the commission approved demolition of the Extension Building, the final project under the 2023-25 Multi-Building Demolition Program.
The work will include hazardous material abatement, building removal and site preparation for potential future development.
Beyond the major construction projects, the commission approved 29 maintenance and repair projects across 15 counties.
Those projects involve facilities operated by the Wisconsin departments of Administration, Corrections, Health Services, Military Affairs, Natural Resources, Transportation and Veterans Affairs, along with the UW System.
Planned improvements include building exterior repairs, utility replacements and other work intended to extend the useful life and improve the reliability of state facilities.
The State Building Commission oversees state construction projects and capital investments. Evers chairs the commission, which includes state lawmakers and a citizen member.
Photo by Juan Mendez from Pexels
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