Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) recognized the need to improve security at this substation and power plant containing critical infrastructure for the capital city’s power grid. Partnering with a planning and design firm, we provided civil and structural design services for the Blount Substation and Blount Generating Station Security Wall Project. The new concrete and architectural metal perimeter walls provide increased protection for MGE’s electrical infrastructure. In addition, the architectural design enhances the aesthetics of this urban substation and power plant located in a burgeoning entertainment district and neighborhood that has seen significant redevelopment in recent years.

Working with MGE to understand security needs for different areas of the facility, we designed several unique wall types to address the range of security levels required for each area of the site. The design architect developed a series of five unique wall designs using red brick and architectural metals to complement the architecture of the historic industrial buildings around the site. Architectural lighting and interpretive graphic panels were designed to add architectural interest to the otherwise imposing 15-foot tall security wall around the substation.