MADISON, Wis. -- After five years of construction, the doors for the much-anticipated Overture Center opened, but only for the men and women who helped build Madison's new art district.
Marty Sandvik, a carpenter, even traded in his tool belt for a jacket and tie in honor of the special occasion.
"A slave to fashion, an absolute slave," said Sandvik.
More than 5,000 workers labored to construct the $200 million facility. Carpenters, ironworkers, and engravers all waited patiently on State Street to get a sneak peek inside the art center.
"We've just been working and we're ready for a little fun," said Dan La Couture, an engraver from Texas.
Many workers said they were excited to see the final product of their labor and how they contributed to the overall project.
"We took this thing out of the ground," Sandvick said.
"We've done the engraving on the walls and laying the lettering on the floor inside," said Rick Lindell, an engraver.
"This is their work; they've built this absolutely spectacular facility," said Michael Goldberg, Overture Foundation director.
Employees are still putting on the finishing touches, but phase one of construction is officially over. Phase two of building the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is already under way and officials said based on what they've seen so far, they are confident the project will be a success.
"I have been extremely impressed with the quality of work in construction. I'm absolutely delighted, first class," said Cesar Pelli, Overture architect.
Sandvik said his experience with Overture is something he would never forget, especially since he helped build a new piece of Madison's history.
"It's beautiful to see it's all done. It's really something. Three years out of my life we spent on this building," Sandvik said.
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