PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI – As the landscape of Pleasant Prairie continues to evolve, A.W. Oakes & Son is proud to be at the forefront of one of the area’s most ambitious residential developments: Inspire Prairie Springs.
This multi-phase apartment community is set to redefine modern living in the region, eventually featuring 710 units across eight sleek, contemporary buildings. But before the luxury clubhouses, pickleball courts, and resort-style pools can take shape, the ground must be perfectly prepared—a task that falls to the expert team at A.W. Oakes & Son.
Engineering the Future
A project of this magnitude requires more than just heavy machinery; it requires intricate planning and technical expertise. Mike Newholm, who bid the earthwork side of the project, notes that the scale of Inspire Prairie Springs presents unique challenges.
"It’s a large project with a large pond and buildings featuring underground parking," says Newholm. "That made the excavation portion a little more challenging than some of our more standard projects. We aren't just moving dirt; we are precision-carving the footprint for a massive community."
A.W. Oakes & Son is providing a comprehensive suite of services for the site, including:
- Mass Earthwork: Excavating the site ponds and leveling the terrain.
- Structural Preparation: Digging building footings to support phase one’s 3 multi-story structures.
- Site Utilities: Installation of critical infrastructure, including sanitary, water, and storm sewer systems.
- Paving Base: Placing the base aggregates to ensure long-lasting, durable pavement across the massive site.
High-Tech on the Job Site
While A.W. Oakes & Son has decades of experience, they are utilizing 21st-century technology to ensure the Inspire project stays on a razor-sharp schedule. Gone are the days of manual surveying for every minor change; today, the team utilizes GPS equipment controls and drone technology.
"The GPS and drones are incredibly helpful compared to how we worked 10 or 15 years ago," Newholm explains. "We use them to track progress and ensure the 'cuts and fills' of the overall site stay exactly on track. It allows for a level of accuracy and efficiency that was previously impossible."
A Vision of Connection
The development, branded as Inspire Prairie Springs, is designed to foster a connection between nature and community. With walking paths and outdoor recreation integrated into the design, the groundwork laid by A.W. Oakes & Son is the first step in bringing that "nature-forward" vision to life.
Looking Ahead
While the site is currently a hive of activity with yellow iron and utility installation, the finish line is in sight. A.W. Oakes & Son expects to wrap up their final phases of phase 1—including topsoiling and site finishing—later in 2026.
As the project moves from the earthmoving phase to vertical construction, future residents can look forward to a community that balances modern amenities with the calm of the Wisconsin landscape—all built on a foundation of excellence by A.W. Oakes & Son.
