In 2010, Wiscraft devoted nearly 2,000 hours of training time. This training included job-specific instruction as well as marketable skills that can transfer to other employment opportunities. To continue to fulfill the Wiscraft mission and to expand its reach, Wiscraft must make several capital improvements.
Wiscraft currently leases two buildings from the state of Wisconsin. One, a 36,000 square foot, two story structure at 5316 West State Street and the other, a 6,000 square foot, two story facility at 5504 West State Street. Both were originally constructed in 1931. (Both buildings have been leased from the state for more than 25 years). Wiscraft is responsible for all maintenance, insurance and operating expenses.
While the buildings have good bones, their age and the reasonable wear and tear of use requires considerable routine maintenance and upgrading to continue to fulfill the Wiscraft mission.
To help defray the costs of the capital improvements and facility expansion needs, Wiscraft is launching a brand new capital campaign. Branded as the Visionaries Capital Campaign, Wiscraft needs to raise nearly $800,000 to continue and expand its mission of providing meaningful employment for people who are blind or severely visually impaired. This money will be used to defray the costs of replacing the roofs on both buildings, replacing nearly 1,500 windows, installing up-to-date fire protection and security systems, upgrading the lighting, completely renovating the 5504 West State street facility and launching a comprehensive marketing initiative complete with new signage.
Wiscraft Visionaries Capital Campaign – Goal $758,160
Raised Thus Far – $164,700
Balance To Go – $593,460
Roof Replacement – The roofs for both the 5316 and 5504 buildings needed replacement in 2010. The roofs on both buildings were more than 25 years old with dozens of leaks seriously jeopardizing the safety and security of the buildings and employees. Repairs were no longer viable; total replacement was the only answer. Competitive bids were received from three sources. A .45 permaseal silver membrane with two inches of insulation for increased energy efficiency was chosen. The roofs come with a 15 year warranty and are expected to last for at least 25 years.
Window Replacement – Wiscraft has approximately 3,300 square feet of single pane windows, for a total of 1,500 windows. Most of the panes have been tinted which reduces the penetration of natural light. (Abundant natural light is critical for the visually impaired.)
Through the years vandals have broken a significant number of windows and they have been replaced with a variety of materials, that coupled with inferior caulking and installation techniques resulting in an increased energy burden. Vandalism creates a serious security risk exacerbated by the sight limitations of our employees.
Wiscraft needs to replace the windows with a polycarbonate window that allows for the full spectrum of sunlight critical to those with limited sight and strong enough to withstand the blight of vandalism. This polycarbonate upgrade will reduce the annual impact on energy expenses by nearly $10,000. The polycarbonate windows are also extremely strong and can withstand up to 70 pounds of impact, meaning even a baseball bat or rock won’t break the windows.
Lighting System Changes – Wiscraft has a significant number of outdated 4’-T12 fixtures. Because of the age of the building there are many fixtures in the wrong places so a new lighting layout was required before replacement. The thoughtful layout of work stations and engineering of the workflow through the production areas reduced the number of fixtures needed by 30% while improving the light levels for workers. Wiscraft’s average electric bill is about $2,000 per month which includes about 33% for lighting. The lighting needs for the 5316 building include retrofitting 460 light fixtures with 2 F32/T8/850 lamps and 1 B2321UNVL-A electronic ballast. There are 26 light fixtures in the 5504 building needing replacement as well. Retrofitting is $40 per fixture.
Security System Needs – In 2006 (most recent year of FBI crime statistics available), the city of Milwaukee experienced 33,602 robberies, burglaries and/or thefts. The special needs of Wiscraft employees, and the urban environment where Wiscraft is located, requires up-to-date security measures. Currently, Wiscraft’s security consists of an ADT system with door and motion censers only. If a door or motion is censored after hours, an alarm sounds and a Wiscraft employee is notified before the police are contacted and dispatched.
After a careful review and tour of the facility and accommodations for Wiscraft employees’ special needs, security experts recommend access control at key entry points for staff safety and building security. Because of limited sight capabilities, Wiscraft also needs an alarm notification if a door is “propped open.” A closed caption television system (monitored by sighted-employees) is recommended to provide a video audit trail for employee productivity and to complement the burglar alarm system. Cameras should be placed outside of the building along 54th Street to monitor street parking and windows. The closed caption television system should also be integrated with the access control.
Fire notification appliances must be added throughout the facility. Smoke/heat detectors and horn strobes can provide “spot” protection and pull stations should be placed at all exits and stairwells. For cost control, wireless solutions are recommended in lieu of hardwiring.
Fire Protection System Replacement – Wiscraft engaged two fire sprinkler system providers to assess the fire protection needs for both the 5316 West State Street location and its annex at 5504 West State Street.
- Sprinklers installed to cover 43,000 square feet at 5316 location and 5,300 square feet at 5504 location
- Systems based on NFPA 13 light hazard criteria utilizing white or chrome finish quick response horizontal sidewall type sprinklers
- Hydraulically sized to deliver 20 gpm/sq. ft over 2,000 sq. ft allowing 500 gpm for hose streams
- No fire hose stations, fire department hose valves or stand pipers are required
- New sprinkler supply manifold assembly equipped with a new double check valve backflow preventer
- New 6’ combination fire and domestic underground water service laterals connecting to the city main
- Trench work, road cutting and patching of pavement required
Annex Renovation/Expansion – Currently the 5504 West State Street is not being used because of necessary improvements needed before it can be safely and conveniently occupied. While we recently replaced its roof, the 6,000 two-story building also needs electrical, security, fire protection, windows and lighting upgrades to be fully functional. These repairs will enable Wiscraft to generate more work in its machining and assembly divisions. Once fully renovated the Wiscraft Call Center and government products administration may move to that building.
Marketing Initiatives – The above renovations and expansions will enable Wiscraft to at least double its workforce and create more sustainable employment for people who are blind or severely visually impaired. And while there is a 70% unemployment rate for this constituency, Wiscraft needs to expand its awareness even more among them. Marketing initiatives are needed for both business and employment development. A comprehensive website, social media presence, annual report and other printed materials are needed for the business development marketing needs. Wiscraft also wants to broaden its reach among organizations serving the blind and visually impaired.
All donations of $5,000 or more will be permanently recognized within the Visionaries multi-media presentation to be located prominently within the Wiscraft facility.
For more information about the Visionaries Capital Campaign please contact Nick Czaplewski at nczaplewski@beyond-vision.org.