The 19,000-square-foot facility, scheduled for completion in fall 2025, serves as a modern habitat for the Zoo’s rhino population, enhancing animal care while elevating the visitor experience.

Building a State-of-the-Art Habitat

Designed by architect Holand Basam and managed by Gilbane Building Company, the project is owned by Milwaukee County and represents a major public investment in conservation and education. The new exhibit will feature advanced systems that provide ideal environmental conditions for the rhinos, while welcoming thousands of guests each year.

Led by Project Manager Joe Bellmann, Lee Mechanical is delivering the full scope of mechanical systems for the facility. This includes sheet metal installation for new RTUs, DOAS, exhaust fans, AHUs, and air curtains, along with boiler and heater venting and duct distribution.

On the piping side, Lee’s crews are installing new boilers, heating water pumps, and a heat exchanger and piping system to support a tempered pool water system designed specifically for the rhinos. Gas piping is also being run to support the RTUs, DOAS, and infrared heaters.

Low-voltage control work is being completed in partnership with JCI, while Lee’s design team has taken the lead in BIM coordination to ensure seamless integration among all trades. The total mechanical scope is valued at approximately $1.94 million.

Constructing a major facility in the middle of a busy, operational zoo presented a unique set of challenges. Crews navigated limited access points, constant public activity, and an evolving scope as existing conditions were uncovered. Lee’s team met these challenges with careful scheduling, clear communication, and the flexibility to adapt designs quickly without disrupting progress.

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Behind the project’s success is a team of more than 35 Lee professionals, including 15 fitters, 15 tinners, three low voltage specialists, and two designers. On site foremen include John McCourt, Joe Piskur, Adrian Martinez, and Mike Knapp, with design expertise provided by Brett Cadman. The camaraderie between the trades is unmatched, with everyone striving to deliver the highest quality work for the customer. That shared professionalism is driven by a team of seasoned system experts who take pride in their craft.

When complete, the new rhino exhibit will stand as both a state of the art animal habitat and a testament to the Zoo’s commitment to conservation. For Lee Mechanical, the project underscores the company’s ability to deliver complex, high profile work while navigating the unique demands of public, animal focused environments, and highlights the pride the team takes in being part of something exceptional.