GRAEF Projects Honored with ACEC Wisconsin Engineering Excellence Awards

GRAEF is proud to announce that two of its projects, the Ashwaubomay River Trail Bridge and the Baird Center Expansion, have been recognized as winners of the 2025 ACEC Wisconsin Engineering Excellence Awards. These awards celebrate innovative engineering solutions that enhance communities and push the boundaries of design and construction.

Ashwaubomay River Trail Bridge – A Vision Realized

For decades, the Village of Ashwaubenon sought to create a seamless connection across Ashwaubenon Creek, unlocking the full potential of its waterfront. The Ashwaubomay River Trail Bridge now stands as a testament to that vision, providing a safe, visually striking crossing to Ashwaubomay Park.

This project involved extensive public engagement, where community input shaped key design elements such as navigational clearance, scenic overlooks, and enhanced trail amenities. Funded through a unique public-private partnership, the bridge features ADA accessibility, bike stations, vibrant LED lighting, and ample seating. Completed in late 2023, it has already spurred increased trail use and further extensions, redefining the Fox River waterfront as a dynamic, multi-modal corridor.

Learn more about the Ashwaubomay River Trail Bridge Project

Baird Center Expansion – Engineering for the Future

Milwaukee’s Wisconsin Center, now the Baird Center, was long overdue for an expansion to accommodate larger conventions and entertainment events. With a hard deadline tied to the 2024 Republican National Convention, GRAEF led an accelerated design and construction process, integrating all project data into a unified system to streamline coordination and efficiency.

The expansion includes a 150-foot span ballroom atop a column-free exhibit hall, achieved using continuous steel trusses to ensure structural integrity while maximizing open space. The exhibit hall itself was expanded to 300,000 square feet, with a cantilevered north end to optimize footprint. The project is also pursuing Silver LEED certification through environmentally conscious design decisions.

Structural enhancements, seismic retrofitting, and intricate design elements now position the Baird Center as a premier venue, projected to increase event demand by 30-50%.

learn more about the Baird Center

These projects embody GRAEF’s dedication to engineering excellence and community impact,” said Pat Kressin, President of GRAEF. “We are honored to be recognized by ACEC Wisconsin and proud of our team’s commitment to delivering transformative solutions.”

The award-winning projects will be celebrated at the ACEC Wisconsin Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet in April 2025 at The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin.