CG Schmidt earns Build WI Award for Summerfest North End Development
MILWAUKEE, WI – CG Schmidt was honored by the Association of General Contractors’ Wisconsin Chapter at an awards banquet on Thursday, October 17th for the renovation of several iconic projects on the world-famous Summerfest grounds as part of their “North End Development.” Projects included the North Gate and Community Plaza; the US Cellular Stage; and the new Klement’s Sausage and Beer Garden.
The North Entry Gate and Community Plaza project includes a new, unique signature design with a striking loft and steel canopy – called the swoosh – a new box office and a First Aid Station. Additionally, the Community Plaza project includes a public space that’s available to the community visiting lakefront attractions, accessible benches and seating areas, interactive play structures themed around music and musical instruments, bike parking, and eco-friendly landscaping as well as interactive lighting effects. Immediately upon approaching the North Gate, festival-goers will be welcomed by large concrete planters, self-performed by CG Schmidt, with tall, open-ended pipes that act like drums in which kids and festival-goers alike can channel their inner musician. This new project, sponsored by American Family Insurance, will not only bring festival-goers a more efficient way to enter the festival, but they’ll create music and have fun before they even pass through the gates.
Along with the work completed at the North End Development projects, CG Schmidt was also the Construction Manager for the new U.S. Cellular Connection Stage. This new stage replaced the existing stage and features many new amenities including a backstage loft VIP hospitality area, a 25-foot LED video screen, mobile device charging stations, benches with charging ports along the lakefront and a redesigned bar area. Additionally, the stage includes a larger performance area, enhanced production capabilities and improved artist amenities that accommodate for larger acts. The new stage can seat approximately 9,000 spectators!
Furthermore, CG Schmidt also completed construction on the new Klement’s Sausage and Beer Garden stage. Deepening its ties with Milwaukee, Klement’s signed a 10-year deal with Summerfest and was named the sponsor of the new stage area. The beer garden and stage area has a “backyard” picnic-style area, seated lounge area, picnic tables and grills, as well as locations to purchase Klement’s products. This laid-back stage features acoustic music from 2 p.m until 8 p.m. daily during the festival.
