Daniels Construction recognized for excellence in construction
Daniels Construction was recently recognized for excellence in construction by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin through its prestigious Projects of Distinction Awards program.
The Projects of Distinction Awards honor outstanding construction projects that demonstrate exceptional merit. Projects are evaluated by a panel of experienced construction professionals and judged on criteria including quality, owner satisfaction, unique challenges, and safety performance.
Daniels Construction is proud to announce that five (5) of our 2025 projects received a Projects of Distinction Award from ABC of Wisconsin. This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence demonstrated by our teams and project partners on each awarded project.
Read each project’s description below.
ABC Wisconsin Projects of Distinction Awards Banquet
Award Winners
central wisconsin center – building 6
General Contractor, Healthcare, Over $5 Million
Madison, WI
Owner: State of Wisconsin
Designer: Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Inc.
Daniels Construction led the renovation of Building 6 at Central Wisconsin Center, a 46,377 sq. ft. facility originally built in 1963. Designed to serve as a behavioral health hospital for long-term care and geriatric psychiatric patients, the project included full demolition and reconstruction of the first floor, selective basement remodeling, and major upgrades to life safety, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and security systems. The building envelope was modernized with new insulation and psychiatric-grade windows, while site work improved ADA access and added secure outdoor courtyards. With over 21,000 labor hours and a complex scope, this was the largest project in company history at the time. The project required precise coordination across disciplines to meet healthcare standards, I-2 occupancy requirements, and stringent safety codes. The result is a state-of-the-art facility that enhances care delivery while preserving the integrity of the campus.
Jack and Jenny’s Restaurant
The renovation of Jack & Jenny’s Restaurant at 15 Main Street in downtown Janesville demonstrates craftsmanship, innovation, and historic preservation. Originally constructed in 1866, the building presented challenges ranging from structural limitations to site constraints along the Rock River. Daniels Construction logged nearly 7,000 man-hours without a single safety incident while completing the project on a fast-track schedule. Demolition began in December 2024, with reconstruction starting by February and the grand opening held on July 3, 2025, delivered ahead of schedule and on budget.
The scope expanded significantly from a demolition-only contract to a full buildout. Highlights included fabricating custom bar and cabinetry in Daniels’ in-house shop, lowering the basement floor by four feet to increase headroom, and implementing flood protection measures due to the site’s riverfront location. Collaboration with the owners, including their representative Scott Truhel, ensured the final design honored the building’s history while meeting modern needs.
The result is a revitalized landmark that breathes new energy into Rock County’s downtown, blending grit, quality, and true craftsmanship. Jack & Jenny’s now stands as both a destination restaurant and a symbol of community renewal.
MATC – Truax North
Daniels Construction transformed Madison College’s Truax North building into a modern, trades-focused learning environment through a 34,500 sq. ft. renovation. The project involved demolition of outdated areas and construction of classrooms, workrooms, and support spaces tailored to skilled trades education. A signature feature was the integration of custom wall art fabricated in-house to reflect the crafts taught within the building.
Midway, significant structural deficiencies were discovered. Working closely with the design team, Daniels provided collaborative redesigns in steel, roofing, and demolition scope; delivered without impacting schedule or budget.
A major sustainability achievement came from repurposing four semi loads of salvaged 2” blue Styrofoam insulation, once used for freezer storage. This material was reused to reroof areas beyond the project scope, reducing landfill impact and providing substantial cost savings for the college.
With more than 13,500 labor hours performed without incident, the project exemplified safety, innovation, and value engineering. The result is a future-ready facility that advances Madison College’s mission while equipping the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
Ringling Brothers – Administration Building
The Ringling Brothers Business Office, originally built in the early 1900s as part of the Circus Campus, underwent a complete historical restoration. Over the years, the building had been repurposed with non-original modifications, including a residential conversion, added garage door, and a new roof system built directly over the deteriorating original. To preserve the building’s historical integrity, Daniels Construction removed these alterations and restored the structure to its authentic form using documents and photographs from the Wisconsin Historical Society.
The roof was returned to its original framing, with every rafter, header, and floor joist strengthened by sistered LVL members to meet modern structural demands while maintaining historic accuracy. The vault, once altered into a garage, was fully reconstructed with historically accurate brick, new steel plate linings, and a restored vault door. A 2,000-pound historical safe, sourced by the Historical Society, was installed as a centerpiece. Additional work included new lead-coated copper roofing, historically matched siding, masonry restoration, and the meticulous refurbishment of all original windows, doors, and hardware.
This restoration not only stabilized the building for future generations but also preserved an iconic piece of Wisconsin history with extraordinary attention to craftsmanship and detail.
PFAS Well 15
The Madison Well 15 PFAS Treatment Facility is a landmark infrastructure project addressing one of the state’s most pressing environmental and public health concerns. Daniels Construction, serving as general contractor, delivered the City of Madison’s first municipal PFAS remediation system, a dual-train process combining granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange (IX). The facility treats up to two million gallons of water daily, removing PFAS, PCE, and TCE contaminants to meet new EPA standards years ahead of the 2027 compliance deadline.
The project required extensive collaboration with Madison Water Utility, AECOM, and multiple trade partners to overcome significant design and construction challenges. Structural modifications included lowering the floor, raising the roof, and dividing the underground reservoir into four quadrants with new foundation walls to support four massive treatment vessels. Nearly 5,000 labor hours were completed incident-free, with crews working under a fast-track federal funding schedule. Sustainable features such as energy-efficient systems, stormwater controls, and NSF-certified components further enhanced long-term performance.
Completed on schedule, Well 15 not only restores safe drinking water for Madison’s northeast side but also establishes a model for municipal PFAS treatment and environmental stewardship statewide.