GEF-1 fire repairs continue, employees could return by August

Fire closes state office building downtown since May 16

MADISON, Wis. — Some employees at the GEF-1 state office building could be back to work in the downtown building by early August, according to a State Department of Administration release.

GEF-1 has been closed since a May 16 fire on the fourth floor caused damage to multiple floors.

The fourth floor was turned back over to the DOA on June 12, and crews are now able to get into the area and start estimating the extent and cost of the damage, needed repairs and a possible timeline for reoccupying the building, according to the release.

The Department of Workforce Development and the Department of Children and Families offices, which are housed in the GEF-1 building, have continued to operate from alternate locations.

“It appears that some employees may be able to reoccupy the building towards early August,” the release said. “It is likely the vast majority of employees will be able to be relocated back into GEF-1 by the end of August, although some areas of the fourth floor will likely be delayed as repairs are completed.”

DOA officials are assessing the damage done to the fourth floor, which may lead to changes in the tentative timeline, officials said. Another delay could come from fixing the ventilation system, which needs to be completed before employees return.