Sitting on the western shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is the largest city in the state of Wisconsin. In 2018, Vogue named it the “Coolest City in the Midwest” and it has been growing consistently since a major construction boom in the 1960s. That expansion includes the creation of various important buildings and city additions such as the Milwaukee Riverwalk, the Wisconsin Center, and Miller Park.

Milwaukee also houses some of the state’s most recognizable retailers and malls: this list is a compilation of five of the best contractors behind some of these colorful projects. These firms were chosen based on their work, their experience, their history, and the awards they have won throughout their years in business.

 

Hunzinger Construction 

21100 Enterprise Ave., Brookfield, WI 53045

With over a hundred years of experience, Hunzinger Construction is a fourth-generation family and employee-owned company that offers a full and comprehensive range of services. It is composed of a group of professional construction managers, general contractors, and design-builders who ensure that each project receives the benefit of their experience and expertise. Together, these professionals have worked on some of Wisconsin’s most complex, interesting projects. They also make use of only the latest construction techniques and sustainability practices. Doing so ensures that the firm’s projects are highly energy-efficient. For its efforts, Hunzinger has been awarded multiple distinctions throughout its years in business. Some of its most notable accolades include the 2019 USGBC Leadership Award for Innovative Design. It is also proud to hold various rankings with magazines such as the Engineering News-Record and Business Journal Milwaukee.   

Located at One Brewers Way in Milwaukee, Team Store provides official Brewers’ merchandise and authentic game-used merchandise. Hunzinger worked as the project’s general contractor in collaboration with Uihlein Wilson Architects. It features accent carpeting with the Milwaukee Brewers’ logo as well as custom millwork and an open ceiling to showcase unique baseball-shaped light fixtures. The primary challenge with this project was its tight schedule and having to work around an escalator, all of which the firm was able to manage. 

VJS Construction Services

W 233 N2847 Roundy Circle, W Pewaukee, WI 53072

Formerly known as Voss Jorgensen Schueler, VJS has been in business since 1947. It is regarded as one of Wisconsin’s premier general contracting firms, housing some of the area’s most talented construction managers and design-builders. Aside from its retail work, VJS also specializes in education, senior living, housing, manufacturing, medical, corporate office, religious, and government projects. Its process emphasizes the importance of personal attention and tailor fits its methods to meet each of its clients’ needs. The firm’s team brings only the highest level of professionalism and assists throughout the entire process from pre-construction to construction administration. That process encompasses data gathering, analyses, development, and cost phasing. It is known for its excellent master planning work that is perfect for clients with multiple facilities and multiple sites that require a chief and a grand plan. It achieves that level of organization and efficiency through an integrated process that involves its best architects, engineers, and clients. 

The firm’s expertise is best showcased by the project for Braeger Ford. It cost $2.5M and entails a 15,600-square-foot addition and a 30,000-square-foot renovation. It includes a new showroom, a service bay, and a car drop-off as well as a new service bay, various administrative offices, and a reception area. This project was personally overseen by its president Craig Jorgensen. 

JCP Construction

1849 N MLK Dr. Suite #200, Milwaukee, WI 53212

JCP Construction has been extending its services in the area since 2008 and was founded by brothers James, Jalin, and Clifton Phelps. Prior to working on commercial and retail projects, the firm focused on multi-family home renovations. The company has since grown: for the past decade it has gradually become an expert in commercial and large residential projects. Its team offers clients over four decades of combined experience and a comprehensive range of pre-construction, general contracting, and construction management services. It also holds various certifications and has had the opportunity to be a part of some of the most recognized projects in Wisconsin, projects that include the Milwaukee Bucks Arena, Milwaukee Mitchell Airport, and Northwestern Mutual.

The firm is personally led by James Phelps, who brings over two decades of experience in both the field and the office. He oversees JCP’s construction and business development team and ensures that each of the firm’s projects receives the benefit of his experience. Phelps has taken on leadership roles in every aspect of construction and has also worked on a variety of residential and complex commercial structures. Some of his most noteworthy works include the Bader Philanthropies Headquarters, the Northwestern Mutual Tower & Commons, and the Milwaukee Bucks Arena.

Corporate Contractors, Inc. (CCI)

711 Wells St. Suite #120, Delafield, WI 53018

Operating out of its office in southern Wisconsin and an additional office in the Milwaukee area, Corporate Contractors, Inc. (CCI) offers decades of experience and an extensive range of services. Since its inception, the firm has completed thousands of projects both locally and nationally for a variety of markets—everything from designing industrial sites to constructing new community areas and renovating historic commercial buildings. Its team is well-versed in the bidding process and is noted for its accurate estimates, great scheduling, and for completing all of its projects on-time and within budget. 

The professionals at CCI employ a highly collaborative approach that has resulted in dynamic partnerships and relationships. They are passionate about providing thoughtful construction solutions and meticulously oversees each projects and coordinates their build teams efficiently and safely. The firm is capable of taking on and successfully completing projects regardless of scale and complexity.

You can learn more by visiting their website here.

Selzer-Ornst Construction

6222 W State St., Milwaukee, WI 53213

Selzer-Ornst Construction provides a comprehensive range of pre-construction, construction, post-occupancy, and value engineering services. It is also known for its sustainability efforts, rendering it experienced when it comes to crafting and designing LEED-certified projects. Its team analyzes cost-saving options, which enables it to avoid overspending throughout the duration of a project. It services Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin and has been doing so for over nine decades. The firm has secured a solid reputation for itself and has established relationships with various owners and some of the best architects, subcontractors, and vendors in the area. It is a family-owned enterprise that is now on its third generation of builders. At its helm is Matthew Tadisch, a Green Bay native with around 20 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry. 

Aside from the retail industry, the firm also specializes in projects from the commercial, financial, industrial, educational, civic, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. Its team employs the latest technology and techniques and makes sure that its projects address all of a clients’ long-term and short-term goals. Selzer-Ornst also proudly supports local schools, universities, and children’s individual fundraising efforts.