Kohl’s Wellness Center

​With a desire to encourage wellness and maximize convenience for its employees, Kohl’s purchased a 28,000-square-foot building near its Menomonee Falls, Wis., corporate office to be used as a wellness center. Although the building had previously been used for a similar purpose, it needed to be updated to reflect the standards of Kohl’s and its service providers, Wisconsin Athletic Club and Columbia St. Mary’s.

Ensuring Success Through Collaboration

Kohl’s originally hired another contractor to manage construction on the wellness center. When they became concerned that the required completion date was in serious jeopardy, Kohl’s turned to Opus Design Build. The team quickly determined that the budget was wrong and the scope cloudy with no clear path to meeting the occupancy date.

Opus brought all parties together – Kohl’s, the Wisconsin Athletic Club, CVS, Columbia St. Mary’s and multiple subcontractors – to discuss the project scope and the budget, identify the critical tasks and create a viable schedule to achieve the desired occupancy. Opus committed to a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) early and a very tight schedule to turnaround the facility’s construction.

With a tight budget, it was important for the team to be able to actively manage the budget as the construction progressed. The client’s vision – the best wellness center possible on the budget – kept the team focused. To control costs, the team salvaged equipment, millwork, doors and more. As savings opportunities were uncovered, more of Kohl’s wish list items were incorporated into the project design. By waiting to make decisions on finishes, Kohl’s was able to make more informed decisions when more money became available. This approach not only saved construction time, it saved the client time.

Designing and Building for the Big Picture

The Opus model allowed the team to prioritize big picture decisions that would affect the initial demolition and salvaging operations in the clinic. By designing and releasing the work in stages – demolition, framing and rough-ins, and finishes – the team was able to move quickly.

The team was also able to adjust the project as needed – like when the team was able to salvage existing equipment and furnishings – saving Kohl’s more time and money.

With Sustainability in Mind

The facility incorporates long-wearing materials that can handle the impact they’ll endure. The fitness center features 1½-inch-thick rubber flooring in the workout area, Brazilian cherry flooring in the studios and men’s and women’s locker rooms for over 250 people.

The full-service clinic, run by Columbia St. Mary’s, has exam rooms, X-Ray rooms, physical therapy rooms and a full-service CVS Pharmacy. Existing spa massage and therapy rooms remained as part of the health clinic.

Opus worked closely with Kohl’s, keeping their team updated on project status, to deliver their vision on time and on budget and ensuring their satisfaction in this newly renovated building.