Top Projects of 2025: Urban Ecology Center – Washington Park

VJS Construction Services led the renovation and expansion of the Urban Ecology Center in Washington Park, a $13 million, 28,000-square-foot project completed alongside design partner Quorum Architects. The facility, a cornerstone of neighborhood revitalization since 2007, serves one of Milwaukee’s most densely populated urban communities.

The project delivered significant enhancements, including a new observation deck, an 850-square-foot land stewardship storage building, a 10,000-square-foot service yard and a redesigned 118-stall green parking lot. A standout feature was the installation of a full reclaimed tree in the main gathering space, supplied by WholeTrees Structures, requiring custom rigging, precise field adjustments and close coordination across design, engineering and fabrication teams.

The VJS team navigated several serious challenges, including discovery of unknown existing foundations not reflected in original plans, a four-week labor strike involving the Operators and Ironworkers Unions, and inadequate water pressure threatening fire protection system requirements. Each obstacle was resolved through proactive communication, creative problem-solving and collaboration with subcontractors and design partners.

Beyond construction, VJS partnered with the Urban Ecology Center to launch a paid, four-month internship program placing six Milwaukee Public Schools students with industry firms, expanding career pathways in construction and trades throughout the region.

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