Company History Wall

Wood, Bauer & Raether was founded in 1970, marking the start of what would grow into a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and quality construction. From humble beginnings, the founders combined their skills, vision, and dedication to build a company focused on delivering exceptional work and fostering strong relationships with clients and the community. This was the foundation of a company culture that values integrity, skill, and attention to detail — principles that continue to guide Bauer Builders today.

In 1980, we opened our own in-house cabinet shop, marking a major step in the growth of our company. Bringing this work under our own roof allowed us to ensure the highest quality craftsmanship, better control over schedules, and more flexibility to meet our clients’ needs. Over the years, the cabinet shop became an essential part of our operations, producing custom cabinetry and millwork that reflected the same attention to detail and pride that define all of our projects.

In 1981, we moved into our first office, located on Femrite Drive in Madison, WI. This step provided a dedicated space for our growing team and laid the foundation for the company’s future expansion.

We had the great honor of serving as the general contractor for another piece of Madison history — The Soap Opera. This unique and beloved shop has been a fixture in the community for decades, known for its charm and character. We take pride in knowing our work helped shape a local landmark that continues to thrive in the same location today — a lasting part of Madison’s story.

1994 marked a major turning point in the company’s history as we broke ground on our new Tradewinds office. Building an office from the ground up to serve as our corporate headquarters — while also providing space for other businesses — was a milestone that many small companies only dream of achieving. This project represented our growth, stability, and long-term vision, laying the foundation for the next chapter of the company’s journey.

Bauer Builders had the privilege of serving as the general contractor for the construction of the Sleep Inn. This project marked a significant step in expanding our portfolio into the hospitality sector, demonstrating our ability to deliver high-quality spaces designed to welcome travelers from near and far. It highlighted our versatility and commitment to excellence across a variety of project types.

Bauer Builders was honored to serve as the general contractor for Compeer Financial, formerly Badgerland Financial. This project highlighted our expertise in creating functional and professional spaces that support the important work of the financial sector in our community.

Bauer Builders was honored to serve as the general contractor for the Hawks Quindel Law Office. This project showcased our ability to deliver professional, functional spaces tailored to the unique needs of legal professionals, reinforcing our reputation for quality and precision in commercial construction.

Founding member Dennis Bauer proudly assumed the role of sole remaining owner of Bauer Builders Inc., carrying forward the legacy of the company he helped build over decades of dedication, growth, and excellence.

Bauer Builders was proud to serve as the general contractor for the remodel of General Beverage in Madison, WI. This project allowed us to enhance and modernize an existing space, demonstrating our expertise in delivering efficient, high-quality renovations for commercial clients.

After years of renting following the sale of our Tradewinds office building, we were finally ready to find the right space to call our own. When this great building in Sun Prairie, the company’s hometown, came on the market, owner Brad Bauer took the plunge. He spent months renovating it into a beautiful, functional space for our management team—a new home that reflects both our growth and our roots in the community.