Construction isn’t stopping for virus
Developers call work on malls, Starbucks ‘essential’
With a statewide order taking effect Wednesday that shuts down many businesses, dozens of Milwaukee-area commercial construction projects were still proceeding.
The developers of those projects consider them to be “essential” — citing the order’s language to continue working.
Construction firms say they’re taking precautions to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
But a spokeswoman for Gov. Tony Evers, whose administration issued the order, cautioned against an overly broad interpretation of what is an essential construction project.
“We do not encourage anyone to try to find loopholes or ways around this order,” said Deputy Chief of Staff Melissa Baldauff.
“People who are unsure should err on the side of staying home,” Baldauff said. “We all need to do our part, and that means taking this seriously and making safe decisions.”
Journal Sentinel checks of around 30 construction projects in the Milwaukee area found activity levels ranging from light to busy at all the work sites. None had shut down.
That includes some major projects, such as downtown Milwaukee’s conversion of the former Grand Avenue mall into The Avenue mixed-use development, and Foxconn Technology Group’s manufacturing site in Mount Pleasant, as well as small projects, including a new Starbucks in Glendale.
Evers’ “stay safe at home” order allows construction trades to continue operating.
But that doesn’t cover all construction projects.
One portion of the order allows construction of hospitals, long-term care and assisted living facilities, road and other public works, schools and housing.
The order also permits essential business and operations construction; construction necessary for essential governmental functions, and for “maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, Essential Governmental Functions, and Essential Businesses and Operations.”
It’s the last provision that the industry appears to be widely interpreting as a catch-all for allowing projects to proceed.
For example, work is continuing on redeveloping the former Bayshore mall, in Glendale.
That includes demolishing a portion of the former mall, converting a former Sports Authority into a Total Wine and More store, and renovating Bayshore’s public square.
“I think, and this is my opinion, that the (executive order) includes projects like Bayshore,” said Michael Fabishak, chief executive officer of Associated General Contractors of Greater Milwaukee, an industry trade group.
Also, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s new downtown performance hall, Bradley Symphony Center, remains under construction.
“The Bradley Symphony Center is integral to Milwaukee’s and Wisconsin Avenue’s renaissance and we remain committed to continue this important community project,” said Susan Loris, MSO executive vice president for institutional advancement
But, Baldauff said, “essential” is the key word for determining which projects should be allowed to continue.
“If construction is in support of an essential business it can continue,” Baldauff said.
“So construction of banks and restaurants is permitted. Same for stores — if they are essential, such as a grocery store, they can continue.
“Non-essential, a clothing store for example, would not continue. Construction of facilities for the symphony would not since the symphony is not an essential service,” Baldauff said.
Construction firms say their workers are using social distancing, along with a focus on hand washing, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
That’s what Gilbane Bui, the construction manager for the Foxconn project in Racine County, is doing.
Also, work sites are doing cleanings of handrails, door handles and other “high-touch” surfaces.
The BMO Tower office high-rise, in downtown Milwaukee, was shut down on Monday for a cleaning, said Mark Irgens, president of development firm Irgens Partners LLC.
Finally, workers are told to stay home if they don’t feel well.
The Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council, which represents 10,000 local union construction workers, has worked with contractors to develop practices to help prevent the spread of the pandemic, said President Dan Bukiewicz.
Social distancing at work sites isn’t difficult to achieve, he said.
“We typically don’t work on top of each other,” Bukiewicz said.
He also said it’s important to reinforce those practices from the top ranks of firms to entry-level workers.
The Journal Sentinel both talked to developers and made spot checks on construction sites to see if any have shut down in the wake of Evers’ order.
Of around 30 sites checked in Milwaukee and its suburbs, none have stopped working.
In some cases, however, work has slowed because of a suspension of operations by the Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services.
DNS Commissioner Erica Lewandowski and other city officials on Wednesday announced a plan to reestablish limited department operations.
That includes a drop-off location for the Milwaukee Permit and Development Center, use of live video inspection and photos in lieu of some on-site inspections, and new requirements for on-site inspections that significantly restrict person-toperson contact.
The state order is enforced by local law enforcement officials. Violations can result in a fine of up to $250, or 30 days imprisonment.
Ricardo Torres of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.