The Alliant Energy Center (AEC) in Madison, Wisconsin, is well-known as a premier multi-building event space, hosting over 500 events annually. However, the 30,000-square-foot Pavilion Plaza, located between the New Holland Pavilion and the Arena/Coliseum, including the East Expo Mall, had become outdated and lacked modern amenities. Recognizing the need for revitalization, General Engineering Company (GEC) eagerly stepped in to support AEC’s efforts to modernize the Pavilion Plaza.

GEC provided a range of essential services, including site plan design, construction inspection, structural design, and topographical analysis. One significant aspect of GEC’s work was redesigning the sewer and water connections to better accommodate food trucks, enhancing the pavilion space as a central gathering area on the AEC campus. Additionally, GEC designed a new retaining wall that doubles as a sitting area for guests.

These crucial improvements were made possible by a $3.2 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Tourism Grant from the State of Wisconsin, awarded in 2022. The grant aimed to support agricultural activities and enhance the facilities within the Alliant Energy Center’s multi-building spaces.

The revitalized Pavilion Plaza now features modern amenities that elevate the visitor experience, transforming it into a vibrant hub for various events, including the World Dairy Expo, Midwest Horse Fair, CrossFit Games, and more. With its enhanced infrastructure, the Pavilion Plaza can seamlessly host events ranging from food truck festivals to large-scale agricultural exhibitions.

The AEC Pavilion Plaza project exemplifies innovative engineering solutions that transform community spaces. The updated Pavilion Plaza not only enriches the AEC campus but also ensures that AEC remains a premier event destination.

The Alliant Energy Pavilion Plaza before the renovations:

During construction:

Completed project, and ribbon-cutting:

General Engineering Company (GEC) had the pleasure of assisting the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI, with a creative and unique project: the Aquavia Lumina, an enchanted night walk through a natural canyon of wonders. GEC has partnered with the Wilderness Resort since 1996, and this project marked another successful collaboration, utilizing our expertise in civil and structural engineering, including surveying.

The illuminated night walk offered many challenges and introduced unique concepts to the plans and designs. One constant throughout the project was the commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area. The Wisconsin Dells area is renowned for its natural sandstone features with the way the land curves and cuts into the landscape. Leveraging the natural beauty was a simple choice, guiding the path that would lead night-walk goers through the canyon. This is where GEC’s services were called upon, and our team got to work.

Our survey team began by staking spots along the proposed pathway identified by the Wilderness crew. Each location was surveyed, determining approximate positions for bridges and structures. After receiving approval from the Wilderness crew, a detailed tree survey was conducted, mapping the location, size, and species of each tree along the path and surrounding areas. Additionally, our survey team conducted wetland delineations, ensuring markings for our civil and structural teams to design the pathway.

Once the path components were established, our civil team focused on securing permits for the project. Working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), we obtained permits for waterway crossings, wetland disturbances, and erosion control, essential due to the terrain’s natural spring system. To address the WDNR’s concerns about vegetation, they proposed a special seed mix to help the vegetation thrive in the deep canyon areas. Our structural team demonstrated creativity in designing bridge structures over wetland areas. In certain locations, rock formations required the bridge columns and abutments to be pinned to the rocks, rather than blasting and disturbing the wetland landscape.

Gabion baskets, which are large chicken wire baskets filled with rocks, were used to prevent erosion, and keep the stream beds stabilized. Our civil team performed extensive field fitting due to the tree coverage and natural environment, making it impossible to survey every point. Afterward, a walkthrough was performed with our team and the local fire department to review and ensure emergency access areas along the path, and that structures were designed large enough to accommodate utility vehicles, ensuring they could pass through the pathway.

The constructability of the project was unique and challenging since materials and equipment had to be transported into the canyon. Due to the terrain and trees, nothing larger than 24 feet could be designed, as the maximum beam size was limited to 24 feet. The conditions prevented dropping materials and equipment into the canyon. Additionally, a 10×10 box culvert, created out of concrete, was constructed for the pathway tunnel, adding to the complexity of the project.

Another unique aspect of this project was the utilization and cost-saving measure of Structure 9, which involved relocating an existing 100-foot-long bridge towards the final section of the walkway path. This relocation not only preserved resources but also ends the illuminated walk through an amazing final feature.

Drawing on our longstanding partnership with the Wilderness Resort, our team referenced past GEC designs from the 1990s and early 2000s, replicating the design for the present bridge abutment structures. Additionally, the stormwater pond designs at the pathway’s start and end locations, originally created in the early 2000s, were allowed to remain unchanged for this project, showcasing our client familiarity, expertise, and quality of past work.

The Aquavia Lumina project is a testament to GEC’s dedication to innovation and the preservation of natural beauty. Our collaborative efforts with the Wilderness Resort resulted in a magical night walk experience, blending engineering excellence with the stunning landscapes of the Wisconsin Dells.

Additional Notes About the Project:

• Throughout this project, GEC collaborated closely with Moment Factory, Creative Works, Inc., and Architectural Design Consultants, Inc. (ADCI). Moment Factory is a multimedia company specializing in immersive environments. Creative Works, Inc. is a full-service firm that designs, fabricates and installs immersive experiences. ADCI, headquartered in the Wisconsin Dells, focuses on architectural design, interiors, and construction administration. These partnerships were integral in merging the creative and engineering aspects of the night walk, ensuring a seamless and captivating experience for visitors.
• The total path length of the project was 4,500 feet, stretching from the pavilion and back, covering a total space of 2 acres.

During Construction Images

The Aquavia Lumina

Wisconsin is known for its stunning natural beauty, with many of its most remarkable landscapes shaped by water. For locals and visitors alike, the state’s waterways offer endless opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and more. Portage, WI, is ideally situated between the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers, making it a perfect spot for water enthusiasts. However, not everyone can easily access these waterways and enjoy the paddling adventures that others take for granted.

To address this, the Portage community came together for an inspiring project: creating an accessible canoe and kayak launch at the city’s Hwy 33 Wayside Landing, near the historic Fort Winnebago site on the Fox River. This launch location is particularly unique as it sits near the historic surgeon quarters of Fort Winnebago, where U.S. Army surgeons once resided.

The launch was designed to be accessible to everyone, providing a safe and easy way for those with mobility challenges to enjoy the river. Our talented team at General Engineering Company (GEC), including Kory Anderson and Scott Richardson, generously donated over 15 hours of their time to this project. They meticulously developed the site plan for the 155-foot sidewalk, ensuring it met ADA compliance while providing direct access to the canoe/kayak launch. Kory, our Vice President, also played a role in coordinating with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Portage Park and Recreation Director Toby Monogue to confirm the surrounding wetland locations and assisted with the project’s construction coordination.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication placed into this project, many people can now experience the Fox River in an inclusive and accessible way, highlighting what a community can achieve when it comes together to solve a problem.

Project Notes:

• Community project in partnership with the Portage Park and Recreation, the Portage Service Club Association, and the Portage Chamber of Commerce.
• A grant was obtained to help support the project.

GEC Services Provided Include:

• Civil site design

General Engineering Company (GEC) participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Manufacturing Residence Hall (MRH)-Portage housing project in Portage, WI on Tuesday, March 19. Collaborating with the City of Portage, Manufacturing Resident Hall (MRH), and Holtz Builders, GEC is enthusiastic about its involvement in this Affordable Workforce Housing initiative. While accessible to all, the project primarily aims to address the housing needs of manufacturing employees in the area.

The project comprises multiple phases. The first phase involves the construction of three 3-story multifamily dormitory-style buildings, providing a total of 81 units. Each unit will accommodate two residents and feature a full bathroom, microwave, and fridge. Additionally, each floor will offer a communal kitchen space. The buildings will be equipped with 24-hour on-site management, ensuring security around the clock.

Future phases will consist of up to two more dormitory buildings along with five traditional-style apartment buildings. Each apartment building will comprise of 16 units, with one- and two-bedroom units.

The MRH-Portage housing project marks the 6th collaboration between GEC, IRH/MRH, and Holtz Builders. Other notable locations where GEC has contributed its services include Dollywood in Pigeon Falls, TN, Silver Dollar City in Branson West, MO, Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, MO, Foley, AL (adjacent to Gulf Shores), and Myrtle Beach, SC.

The natural beauty of Wisconsin is truly remarkable, but the Wisconsin Dells landscape stands out as a must-see experience. When the Makowski brothers acquired over 100 acres near the Wisconsin River, they saw the opportunity to create a natural escape within the City of Wisconsin Dells. They named this haven “Land of Natura,” drawing from the Polish word “natura,” which means “nature.”

General Engineering Company (GEC) was entrusted with assisting the Makowski’s on this multi-phase project. The initial phase, encompassing approximately 40 acres, focused on creating Lake Wisconsin Dells. A notable aspect of Phase I was the excavation of a 4-acre lake. To manage the excess dirt and rock, a “mountain” structure, known as Mt. Natura, was constructed, reaching over 60 feet in height. During the summer months, Mt. Natura serves as a platform for slides, adding to the recreational appeal of the area.

Lake Wisconsin Dells is distinguished by its natural filtration system. Water is pumped up through the bottom of the filter pond, passing through milk crate-like structures filled with rock, before returning to the lake, effectively naturally filtering the water.

Visitors to the Land of Natura can indulge in various natural attractions, including Lake Wisconsin Dells. The lake hosts the world’s largest inflatable Wibit course, provided by a company specializing in floating water parks. Additionally, the Aquatica Region features north and south sand beaches, the picturesque Crystal Cascades waterfall, Fish Hook island, a snorkeling cavern, a cafeteria-style restaurant and bar, and numerous shoreline courts for sand volleyball and other recreational activities. Additionally, guests can explore other areas of the property including sandstone rock outcroppings, a 1,000-foot-long treetop walkway, and over 2,000 feet of private beach along the Wisconsin River.

As subsequent phases unfold, GEC remains dedicated to providing ongoing support and services throughout the development process.