Overview: Historic Building Transformed Into Modern Headquarters
FTI was contracted by U.S. Venture, an energy distribution company, to help renovate a historic building in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin, into its new headquarters. The project included replacing end-of-life electrical infrastructure, including switchgear, generators, busways, feeders and distribution systems, while maintaining critical operations for a tenant’s healthcare data center and preserving the building’s status on the National Register of Historic Places.
Challenges: Historic Preservation and Critical Power Requirements
The primary challenge of this project was upgrading 70-year-old electrical systems while maintaining power to ThedaCare’s critical data center, which supports healthcare access across the Fox Valley region. Additionally, the renovation involved a historically significant property, requiring the team to carefully preserve historical features while integrating modern technology. An accelerated schedule and significant design revisions throughout the project further increased the complexity of the renovation.
Solutions: Phased Shutdown and Extensive Coordination
FTI developed a phased shutdown and cutover approach to transition from the old infrastructure to the new system while keeping the building online. Extensive coordination and planning efforts among the project partners, utility providers and subcontractors helped the team accommodate design revisions, maintain fire alarm coverage and preserve historical features throughout construction.
