Due to the building's large footprint, the construction has been divided into sections, which liken it to seven smaller buildings. The sections make it possible for the interior trades to begin earlier and progress faster because the structure and enclosure can be completed for one section before others are ready.

"On most projects, we are able to work on the entire floor. The segmented construction method requires a lot of coordination," said Jeff Kuhnke, project manager. "We are working closely with the general contractor and other trades to keep the tight construction sequence on schedule."

The 475,000-square-foot development is located in the Milwaukee County Research Park in Wauwatosa, Wis. The new building will consolidate approximately 1,400 GE Healthcare employees from Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee, and West Milwaukee. When completed at the end of the year, it will be the third-largest office building in the Milwaukee area.

Formerly known as GE Medical Systems, GE Healthcare is a $14 billion unit of General Electric Co.

Grunau designs, installs, and services mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and specialized electrical systems. Grunau Metals, a separate division of the company, offers specialty metal fabrication services.

Publication date: 03/14/2005