Caterpillar Heritage Building

The expansion and renovation of the Caterpillarexisting facility in South Milwaukee was completed over a three year period covering 234,000 square feet.

GRAEF completed a Master Plan/Study for Caterpillar’s Heritage Building and provided all professional design and construction services, including specialized façade services. This fast-track project was phased to allow design and construction to proceed simultaneously. All construction occurred concurrent with active manufacturing operations.

Mechanical engineers designed new air handling systems for the building’s first floor remodeled areas including the Caterpillar Museum. Central hot and chilled water piping systems were provided. Power and lighting were provided to remodeled areas with specialty museum lighting for art displays.

GRAEF structural engineers faced significant structural challenges to increase the load capacity of the floors. The strengthening work involved underpinning the existing foundations, strengthening the floor systems by creating a steel truss system in the attic space to hang the lower floors. New elevator and stair systems were also placed within the existing structure.