If WisDOT were to build a building--similar to say Milwaukee's US Bank building--using the Hoan Bridge as a model, what would their building look like? Let's imagine a conversation with a spokesperson from WisDOT:

How tall is your building?   "Same as the US Bank tower, 42 stories."

How much did it cost?   "$800 million."

How many elevators does it have?   "Six."

How many floors are leased now?   "Only 30, but that's just for an hour or two in the morning and evening."

Hmm, an entire floor for an hour.... Anyway, at present, how many floors are generally used throughout the day?   "18, if we're lucky."

Are the tenants happy?   "Our tenants are completely comfortable. Absolutely no sacrifices are expected of them."

Do you ever expect to lease more than 30 floors?   "We project that by 2035 there may be a demand for 36 stories, but again that would be for only an hour or two in the morning and evening."

Would there ever be a need for more than 36 stories?   "Not in my lifetime."

If you only expect to ever lease 36 floors, why did you build a 42-story tower?   "You got me? That was before I started here."

Will you ever finish it?   "Why?"

Aren't you concerned about the money already spent for those top 6 floors--you know that's $114 million? Don't you want to try and capture some return on an investment already made?   "No. We can just write all that off. Anyway, it's not our money. I suppose we could put some Christmas lights in the windows, so it doesn't look so dark. Maybe I'll mention that to the boss."