MADISON, Wis.—Oct. 30, 2020—WPS Health Solutions is embarking on the first phase of a Facility Master Plan for its Madison campus, which includes construction of a new Support Center and the potential sale of the Nordby Building, adjacent parking ramp, and excess land available for development along the Yahara River.
Some components of the plan are driven by the desire to vacate two off-campus facilities before leases expire. The Support Center, proposed to be built near the Koenig Building, will consolidate operations from Todd Drive and the Veridian Building. The Support Center will house print and mailing operations, a distribution center (warehouse), and technology support services.
“WPS continually works on long-term planning to anticipate changing business needs, with a strategy for competitiveness, growth, modernization of facilities and technology, and enhanced data security,” said President and CEO Mike Hamerlik.
“The Facility Master Plan has been in development for over a year and is not a direct reaction to COVID-19, although the company expects a number of employees temporarily working at home because of COVID-19 will ask to become permanent remote workers when the pandemic subsides,” he said.
With the transition to more remote workers over the last several years, WPS has experienced a need for less office space on the Madison campus. The Broadway Building, which currently has minimal occupancy, will absorb some of the employees moving from Nordby. Corporate Center and the Koenig Building also will accommodate some of the employees from the Nordby Building. A specific timetable for the moves has not been determined.
The Facility Master Plan also includes the potential to construct two more buildings on the Madison campus. Phase 2 proposes to construct a hub attached to the west end of Corporate Center. It would feature a new main entrance and lobby for the campus. Phase 3 proposes to add a building to the hub if additional space is necessary.
The Facility Operations team, led by Ken Roseth and Andrew McCready, is coordinating the project. Their goal is to modernize the campus and build facilities that can accommodate WPS for many years ahead.
“Moving forward on this long-term master plan will modernize WPS facilities and shows the company’s commitment to the Madison area,” Roseth said.
The Nordby property is listed through Andrew Jensen of Cushman & Wakefield Boerke.
Schematic design of the Support Center, next to Koenig, is subject to change.
Exterior schematic view of the Support Center, subject to change.
