ETC Brightens their Future with Award-Winning Expansion Project
InBusiness Magazine 2020 Project of the Decade I InBusiness Magazine 2019 Project of the Year, Best New Development-Office, Most Innovative Features
As a global leader in the manufacture of lighting and rigging technology, ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls) has called
Middleton, Wisconsin, home since 1976. In 2016, this growing organization needed to create more room for their research and development department by adding to their existing 328,000 square feet of office, manufacturing, and warehouse space. Snyder & Associates partnered with the project’s architect and general contractor to design several facets
of the expansion completed in 2018.
Parking Lot Site Presented Design Challenges
The addition, located on the north end of the existing building, consists of a 74,500 square foot, multistory structure with an expansive open atrium. The first challenge for the design team was ensuring that the company’s operations could continue throughout the entirety of the project. To make this possible, our team designed a new, 300-stall parking lot for employees so the new building addition could be constructed on an existing parking lot location.
The expanded ETC facility creates a wonderful environment for employees and the surrounding community.
The parking lot site presented additional challenges stemming from
poor soil conditions, a high groundwater table, and the proximity to wetlands and Pheasant Branch Creek. Extensive permitting coordination at the city and state level was necessary to adhere to the rules and regulations surrounding construction near waters of the U.S. (WOTUS).
Our designers also minimized on-site water and sanitary sewer needs through careful attention to grading design and elevation. Additionally, these
grading and erosion control efforts were needed to protect the
sensitive environmental areas located just north of the site. The creation of several wet ponds and infiltration basins satisfied the stormwater management requirements for the location.
Site Design that Fosters Creativity
The unique and artistic design of the ETC building expansion was designed to foster a creative spirit among its employees and expand the success of the company. The contributions made by the Snyder & Associates team helped to accomplish the fundamental goal of building a facility that blends with its natural environment and reflects the personality of the organization that operates inside.
