The Intercity State Bank building project is being recognized as one of the most impressive and unique construction projects completed by a Wisconsin contractor in 2024. Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin will be honoring Keller, Inc. with a GOLD Projects of Distinction Excellence in Construction Award for the ground-up bank located in Weston, Wisconsin.
It all started with what Keller calls “Discovery”. Discovery is an architectural programming step that Keller, Inc. (Keller) entered with the leadership team at Intercity State Bank. Because of the in-depth nature of the Discovery process, it required several interview style meetings. This is an innovative program that is centered around the clients needs instead of the Architect making all of the decisions for the client. The Keller Interior Designer used the same Discovery process, again keeping the client at the center of the design focus.
Intercity State Bank wanted a combination of new contemporary styling along with some matching of their corporate headquarters. An innovative steel lattice framework was used at the main, and the employee entrances. Natural stone was used as an accent and highlighted parts of the façade, and then the same stone was repeated throughout the building.
Keller used value engineering during the design and pricing phase to allow the client to decide the value of certain elements of the design. Keller starts its scheduling process with an interactive tool called a “Calendar of Events”. This tool kept Intercity State Bank completely aware of the design schedule and ultimate construction completion. Once the construction contract was signed a more elaborate electronic schedule with milestone events implemented.
Because Keller is a design/build self-performing general contractor, we were able to overcome supply chain and weather-related issues. Using ABC subcontractors helped us with productivity. Revit, Procore and Tremble were just some of the technologies incorporated into the project delivery.
The Projects of Distinction Awards recognizes construction projects that are built on merit and are judged by a panel of construction experts based on several criteria, including quality, owner satisfaction, unusual challenges, and safety. The awards will be presented at a January banquet in Wisconsin Dells.
Projects are recognized in a number of different types and sizes of general construction and specialty trades. Projects are all completed between October 2023 and September 2024.
“Projects of Distinction demonstrate the excellence in construction services by ABC of Wisconsin members,” said Kelly Tourdot, president of ABC of Wisconsin. “These unique projects are evaluated by a panel of experts in the field, including architects, engineers and educators in the construction industry and allow Wisconsin’s merit contractors to demonstrate their professionalism, craftsmanship and safety.”
A list of the award winners can be found at abcwi.org/POD.