Menomonee Valley Projects
Pragmatic
Construction is currently working with architect Joel Agacki on two
unique projects in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley. We are excited to be
part of the brownfield redevelopment of this historical river valley in
the heart of Milwaukee.
The site of both of the projects is Chimney Park.
Two tall chimney smoke stacks in Chimney Park
are remnants of the days when the valley housed one of
the nation's
largest rail yards. Each of these chimneys has a large opening over
which we will be installing a creative porous barrier. In addition, we
will illuminate the inside of the chimneys using solar lighting to
create a glowing effect from within. Solar lighting consultation
and materials has been provided by Randix,
Inc. of Whitewater, WI.
The second project is the design and installation of a boardwalk and
footpath connecting a portion of the Hank Aaron
State Trail with the playing fields in Chimney Park.
The proposed project designs integrate conceptual elements connecting
historical and current land uses of the Valley.
For both projects, we are engaging local businesses and are
working to utilize local, reclaimed, and/or recycled materials. Please
come check out these projects!
Images of
the Chimneys
Design pending:
PART 1: THE BOARDWALK
The gabions (metal cages) have been filled with crushed
recycled concrete, a layer of 1" stone has been put on top and the
framing and first layer of insdustrial landscape fabric are in place.
Chris Riser of Midwest Modified Cement is giving us a hand on the
project.
Charlie and Andrew tack strips to the outside edge to keep the 2 layers
of landscape fabric nice and tight.
Traffic bond is spread on the surface to make a base
for the Substiwood pavers.
IMAGE PENDING
The pavers have been set. These pavers are Substiwood, a
high-fly ash content material made locally in Milwaukee.
Substiwood is used for wheel stops, landscaping materials, planters,
even deck railings! You can check out their operation just off National
Ave. These pavers contain carpet fibers from a home
deconstruction we did in Port Washington.
IMAGE PENDING
We have made some benches with the gabions by filling them
with reclaimed granite pavers from the Pabst brewery takedown. The
bench toppers are made from Substiwood.
IMAGE PENDING
The curb/wheel-stop has been lagged to the frame and a final
layer of polymer sand has been applied and wet down to form durable
joints. The boardwalk is open for the public!
