University of Wisconsin – Parkside is taking advantage of local talent and expertise by hiring Lee Mechanical and other Kenosha businesses for the new Wyllie Hall renovation project. This project began in 2020.

“We are thrilled that companies in our region, with employees in our region, were chosen to lead this important update to one of our original learning centers,” stated Dr. Debbie Ford, UW-Parkside chancellor.

This $36 million project, under the guidance of general contractor Camosy Construction, will bring the historic 47 year-old-building up to date in one of the most significant construction capital projects on the University of Wisconsin-Parkside campus in years.

Wyllie Hall is named in honor of the university’s founding chancellor, Dr. Irvin G. Wyllie, who served UW-Parkside until 1974. The updated design for the building will include more open and user-friendly spaces for student services, along with extensive renovation to the infrastructure and accessibility for students and staff with physical disabilities.

Lee Mechanical’s team of expert technicians will be responsible for extensive work involved in renovating the 198,600 sq. ft. building. In addition, Lee’s team will manage projects related to:

• Replacing obsolete life safety systems
• Installation of an accessible lift
• Replacing and renovating the building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure 
• Replacing and renovating all of the vertical risers throughout the building and horizontal distribution on several levels of the building
• Replacing existing drain lines

To help minimize disruption to building operations during construction, Lee Mechanical technicians work closely with other contractors and University staff to isolate each floor or building quadrant work. The team is also assisting in the creation of Wyllie Hall’s new Learning Commons and the reorganization of the building to improve student services operations, accessibilities, and efficiency.