MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs marked the completion of its Minuteman Plaza renovation during a ribbon cutting ceremony Nov. 5 at Joint Force Headquarters.

Discussions about the renovation project for the facility’s main entrance began in 2021, with plans to repurpose the space.

According to the department’s deputy construction and facility management officer, Nathan Olson, the area was underutilized and difficult to maintain before the renovation.

A final design was approved in 2025, with construction beginning the following year. The project was coordinated by the organization’s construction and facilities management office in collaboration with external contractors, including KPH Construction, Strang Inc. and JSD Professional Services Inc.

“The CFMO team was consistently a pleasure to work with,” said Max Bade, a project manager with KPH Construction. “Working with project owners that care about their facility, and the people that use it daily, makes my job enjoyable.”

As the operations center for the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, the JFHQ facility serves as the primary location for various events, including promotion and retirement ceremonies, special commemorations, and visits from national military leaders and state officials.

The renovation encompassed the creation of a ceremonial space that accommodates a podium and seating for sixty people, a dedicated 9/11 memorial area, replacement of the Minuteman statue, and relocation of the flagpole.

“The completed project now provides a fitting setting for ceremonies and official functions while ensuring the 9/11 memorial and our national and state flags are displayed in locations that appropriately honor their significance,” said Olson. “The renovated space enhances the image of the organization, improves the experience of visitors and employees, and better reflects the pride, professionalism and values of the Department of Military Affairs.”

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Maj. Gen. Matthew Strub, Wisconsin’s adjutant general, highlighted the significance of the Minuteman Plaza to the facility and the people it serves.

“This effort supports the Department of Military Affairs’ broader goal of creating a welcoming appearance at all its facilities, an initiative CFMO is advancing statewide,” said Strub. “This is just another way to showcase who we are and that we’re a modern, professional organization.”