Spring is in the air

The central hallway is now mostly framed in; soon walls will be up and it will start to become a real building!

As we advanced our clocks ahead this past weekend, I know that spring is just around the corner. The only problem is that it sure doesn't feel or look much like spring right now. From the pictures I’ve added you can see some progress, but the real progress is in what you can’t see. First off, all the plumbing is in place and the electrical work will begin this week. The heating and cooling is going in as evidenced by all the duct work throughout the building as well. We now have a completed roof, and even the garage and flight enclosure are being finished up. Soon we will be knocking down the wall between the existing building and the new facility. This portion was waited on so that we could ensure the least amount of heat-loss possible. The good news; we are still targeting a mid May completion date. This will mean that we are planning our move for the first part of June. As long as the weather holds, and barring any unforeseen set-backs we should be able to stay on schedule. The next big step; walls!!!!

The front office will have space for all of our office staff as well as a reception and volunteer area.

The flight area is getting its roof! The area will be flexible allowing us the ability to split it into smaller areas for less flighted or smaller birds or open up all the areas for one long flight corridor.

The other good news is that we are nearing completion of our capital campaign goal! If you can help we would love to count you as part of our "flock." Visit our website or contact the Center for more information.

A New Year Begins

View from the west- you can just see the footings for the garage that will be built on this side of the building in the coming spring. It will serve as a utility storage area as well as a tool shop for various projects.

 As the January cold sets in we are making good progress on the building.  We are on schedule and things are beginning to look quite impressive.  As you can see by the latest pictures, the walls are being completed and the roof is almost fully installed.  Once we can “button up” the building we can start to work on the interior and then our future will really begin to take shape.  Everyone involved in the project has been working hard on making this dream a reality and I am grateful for it.  

View from the east- the Gertrude Sherman building (on right) will see some changes too when the buildings are joined together later this winter.

The capital campaign continues to be successful, and we are now starting work on a long-term relationship with UW-Waukesha and the UW System.  The program planning for the new facility has begun and the level of enthusiasm and excitement just continues to grow.  With the collaboration between UWW and WINC taking shape, the full impact of what we have been able to create using the new facility as our catalyst is very exciting. 



Capital Campaign Donor, John Peterson and Executive Director, Michael Guzniczak stand in the area which will become the new Board Meeting Room.

Thank you all for your well wishes and continuing support, we wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. M.G.

On December 20th the Staff, Board, supporters and builders from the Wildlife In Need Center and UW-Waukesha gathered for what is known as a "Topping Out" Ceremony. This signifies a milestone because it is when the topmost portions of the buildings framing is put into place.

Although the weather outside... isn't balmy, everyone was willing to tolerate it long enough for the celebration!

Even some of the canine invites helped us send good wishes into the rafters of our new facility!

Alterra Coffee and Hot Chocolate from Black Canyon Coffee, paired with some delicious cookies made it even better!

Wayne Grandy, the Vice President of the WINC Board and also the Committe Chair for the Capital Campaign Committee as well as John Rodell, the Board President for WINC, have had a big hand in making this project a reality. Thank You!