Baird Center expansion reaches substantial completion Four years ago, the Baird Center expansion was nothing more than a parking lot and a pipe dream. Now, the construction of the $456 million project has reached substantial completion, meaning the building is fit for its intended use. Employees can enter the building without protective equipment as it…
C.D. Smith Labor Journeywoman After finishing two degrees, Ashley Szweda decided to explore a career in construction after a friend encouraged her to do so. “One of my girlfriends was a sheet metal worker. I had just moved back here from Texas, and she’s like ‘Ashley, go take the test! Just be a laborer, go…
Reclaimed urban wood on the Baird Center’s collaborative stairs is promoting conservation and connection Nearly 20 years ago, the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that kills ash trees, was discovered in the United States. The insect, native to Asia, was devastating ash trees across the Midwest, especially in urban areas and along roadsides. Despite…
Curated pieces were selected by a diverse panel of Milwaukee arts professionals MILWAUKEE– (January 22, 2024) – As part of the $456 million Baird Center expansion, 21 artists, many of whom are local, were selected to create artwork to display in the expanded Baird Center north building and existing south building. The majority of artists…
Keeping momentum and morale high for nearly 500 craftspeople working on the Baird Center expansion is a top priority for Wisconsin Center District leadership. On December 18, a special break with cookies, hot cocoa and coffee was provided, but what the labor force didn’t know was that a special guest would be serving up the…
Baird Center expansion to be certified as a Sensory Inclusive™ venue Attending a sporting event, concert or expo can be truly exhilarating. Some people love to walk into a live events venue and be greeted with flashing lights, loud music and thousands of people milling about. Nevertheless, a fun and exciting atmosphere to some can…
How Levy Restaurants is leading the charge in its composting and food waste reduction efforts Levy Restaurants, the Baird Center’s exclusive food and beverage provider, is known for creating exceptional cuisine for every type of event. From specialty salads to decadent desserts, Levy serves flavorful meals to thousands of guests at Baird Center, Miller High…
The Baird Center was awarded a bronze medal in the “Best Convention Center-Midwest” category in the 2023 Northstar Stella Awards, presented by Northstar Meetings Group. The awards recognize organizations across the globe that consistently deliver sensational service in the meetings and events industry. Northstar combines public planner voting and third-party objective planner voting to determine…
In the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsin Center District (WCD) President and CEO Marty Brooks acknowledged the importance of constructing a building with the future in mind. Brooks committed to making the expanded Baird Center a model of sustainability for event and entertainment venues. By integrating cutting-edge features like an underground stormwater retention system…
Dozens of people from the Greater Milwaukee area gathered at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena on Saturday, August 19 in the hopes of starting a new career or finding a fun part-time job. With the Baird Center expansion just a few months away, the Wisconsin Center District (WCD) held an all-venue hiring event to start gearing…