Milwaukee Tool picks Mortenson for build-out of downtown Milwaukee office

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Milwaukee Tool has picked Mortenson Construction as the general contractor for a build-out of a downtown Milwaukee office building where at least 1,200 employees are expected to work.

The Brookfield-based manufacturer is planning a $30 million renovation of a vacant building on the west side of Milwaukee’s downtown, 501 W. Michigan St. The company recently inked a deal with the city of Milwaukee that could provide the company with $20 million in incentives if it ultimately brings 2,000 employees to the site

Heather McGee, a Milwaukee Tool spokeswoman, said Mortenson will oversaw the construction of the office. Stephen Perry Smith designed the overhauled office. Work is expected to begin this month.

A Milwaukee Tool affiliate closed on the purchase of the property in late May, paying nearly $8 million. The property previously belonged to the developer Scott Lauie, of F Street Group, who bought it in 2019 for $4 million.

The first phase of Milwaukee Tool’s project would renovate the 350,000-square-foot building to accommodate 1,200 workers. A second phase of the project could add three stories to the building to make room for as many as 2,000 workers at the site. Follow @natebeck9