Paul StinsonThe Wisconsin State Building Commission has approved $388.7 million for more than 20 construction projects that will go up for bid in 2024.
One of the largest projects will be a history museum with an estimated cost of $160 million. Bidding on the 114,500-square-foot, five-story Wisconsin History Center will open January 2024. Construction will start in April of that year. The facility is set for completion in March 2028.
The facility’s design features a large, open lobby and communal mezzanine. It also features classrooms, lunchrooms and multipurpose spaces for students and community groups. Site preparation will include exhibit relocation and the demolition of existing structures, including the current museum.
The Winnebago Mental Health Institute will undergo a $25 million renovation that will include additional program spaces and a two-story patient wing that will house 12 patient rooms. The bidding process will open August 2024, and construction will commence January 2025.
Another $27.6 million will be allocated to build additions to the parking garage and police building at the Center for the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Bidding will open in December 2023 to construct an above-ground, 550-stall concrete parking garage. In addition to the parking garage, the project includes expanding the Police Services building with an incident command center, training room, police squad room and building storage. Construction is slated for April 2024.
Other projects include improving security at Taycheedah Correctional Institution, constructing a motor vehicle storage building at the Waupaca Readiness Center and renovating or constructing restroom and shower facilities at various state parks.
