As the year draws to a close, we look back on an impactful 2024 for Wisconsin’s Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) and commercial printing sectors. This year has been marked by progress, innovation, and resilience, with several milestones and projects that have left their mark on the state’s built and printed environments.
Let’s dive into the most noteworthy developments that have shaped Wisconsin’s A/E/C and printing industries this year.
Architectural Spotlights
The Couture, Milwaukee: Standing tall at 537 feet and 44 stories, The Couture is now Wisconsin’s tallest residential building. Designed by RINKA and built by Findorff, it offers 322 luxury apartments, 50,000 square feet of retail, and a transit hub connecting The Hop streetcar and CONNECT 1. With residents moving in since April, this architectural marvel has reshaped Milwaukee’s skyline and urban experience.
Lake Monona Waterfront Redevelopment, Madison: Sasaki’s master plan, approved in April, reimagines Madison’s lakeshore as a vibrant public space with walkways, green areas, and gathering spots. Focused on sustainability and connectivity, the first phase, the Community Causeway, is in design development with construction set to begin in 2027.
WIS 130 Bridges, Lone Rock: Nearing completion on as of November ’24, these modern bridges replaced aging structures, enhancing safety and traffic flow while respecting the natural beauty of the Wisconsin River. This $40 million project realigned key intersections and added advanced safety features, marking a win for infrastructure and community.
Engineering and Infrastructure Development
- I-94 East-West Freeway Corridor: In March 2024, the Federal Highway Administration approved the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s plan to reconstruct and expand a 3.5-mile segment of I-94 in Milwaukee County. This project includes adding lanes, implementing eco-friendly noise barriers, and integrating advanced traffic management systems to enhance capacity and safety. Construction is slated to begin in late 2025.
- Green Bay – Smart Infrastructure: Green Bay is setting a new standard for smart city innovation, focusing on enhancing urban living through sustainable ad interconnected technologies. By integrating data-driven systems and advanced infrastructure, the city has significantly improved efficiency and resilience across various sectors including: Traffic Optimization, Energy Conservation, Flood Prevention and Water Management, & Environmental Monitoring.
- Badger Hollow Solar Park: In December 2023, the second phase of the Badger Hollow Solar Park began powering homes and businesses, bringing the facility to its full 300-megawatt capacity. Located in Iowa County, this renewable energy facility features 830,000 solar panels and now generates enough electricity to power approximately 90,000 homes, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Construction: Advancing with Technology
- Embracing Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Collaborative Efficiency: In 2024, Wisconsin construction firms continued to lead the way in adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM). Companies like Miron Construction and Findorff integrated BIM technology to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and reduce costly errors. By using 3D modeling to visualize entire projects before breaking ground, teams improved accuracy in planning and execution, ensuring projects stayed on schedule and within budget.
- Drones for Safer and Faster Site Inspections:
Drones took center stage this year in Wisconsin’s construction industry. Firms such as J.H. Findorff & Son deployed drones for real-time site monitoring and aerial inspections, providing high-resolution data and enhancing safety. By reducing the need for manual inspections in hazardous areas, drones saved time and increased worker safety, making them an indispensable tool on large-scale projects across the state. - AI-Powered Project Management for Streamlined Operations:
Artificial Intelligence made significant strides in Wisconsin construction projects in 2024. Tools powered by AI, such as predictive scheduling and automated risk assessments, helped companies like The Boldt Company optimize resource allocation and anticipate potential project delays. AI-driven insights improved decision-making, minimized disruptions, and kept projects running smoothly from start to finish.
Commercial Printing: A Year of Growth and Evolution
Advanced Digital Printing Technology: In 2024, digital printing in Wisconsin reached new levels of speed, precision, and versatility. High-speed presses with 2400 x 1200 dpi resolution delivered faster turnarounds, sharper prints, and reliable color accuracy. With support for diverse substrates like labels, packaging, and specialty materials, print providers offered cost-effective, high-quality solutions for a wide range of projects.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Printing: Sustainability took center stage with increased use of FSC-certified paper, plant-based inks, and energy-efficient equipment. Wisconsin print providers adopted waste reduction practices like digital proofing and short-run printing to minimize excess. These green initiatives aligned with businesses’ environmental goals, making eco-friendly printing a competitive advantage in 2024.
Personalization and Short-Run Printing: The rise of Variable Data Printing (VDP) allowed for highly customized marketing materials and packaging. Short-run digital printing enabled businesses to create personalized campaigns and on-demand prints with minimal waste. This flexibility helped brands connect directly with their audiences, enhancing engagement and ROI.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
- Public-Private Partnerships: Fiber Network Expansion – AT&T and the town of Sevastopol in Door County entered into a $7.4 million public-private partnership to expand fiber network services to over 2,000 residential and business locations. This collaboration aims to enhance connectivity, bridging the digital divide and supporting economic development in the region.
- Education & Workforce Development: Youth Apprenticeship Programs in Architecture and Construction Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship (YA) programs continued to provide high school students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the architecture and construction fields. These programs bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers for the A/E/C industry.
- Sustainability Through Community Action:
The 2024 Sustainability Plan includes 24 goals organized into eight elements of a sustainable city: Quality, Affordable Housing; Resilient City Design & Infrastructure; Renewable Energy and Decarbonization; Sustainable Transportation; Clean, Abundant Water; Zero Waste; Healthy Ecosystems; and a Vibrant, Green Economy. Each goal is accompanied by a set of actions and metrics to help track progress. The plan also highlights many of the Madison’s current initiatives related to sustainability and climate action.
As we reflect on Wisconsin’s remarkable progress in 2024 — from advancements in technology and construction to collaborative community initiatives — one thing is clear: innovation, dedication, and connection continue to shape our state. At BPI Color, we’re proud to support these industries and communities with the tools, expertise, and services that help bring ideas to life.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Here’s to building, creating, and collaborating for an even brighter 2025!
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