Case Study: The Mars Cheese Castle

When asked about Wisconsin, most people’s first thought is usually about cheese. However, true cheese addicts may also think about the Mars Cheese Castle. Started in 1947, the Mars Cheese Castle has served hungry travelers from around the area for over 70 years. When the Ventura and Wehrmeister families’ original building had to be demolished in order to make room for the I-94 freeway expansion, they contracted MSI General Corporation to help them design and build a new facility. Instead of a modest, castle-inspired building like the original design, the new structure would actually strive to replicate a Medieval façade. MSI General sought out a concrete masonry unit from County Materials’ Castle Rock. The concrete block featured a split face cut stone look, and was the primary material used for the building. At the base of the building, a white split face veneer masonry unit was used to give the castle a sense of scale. The original project was completed in 2011, and MSI was brought for a 21,042 square-foot addition. Effectively, this would double the size of the original castle. The anticipated completion date for the project was April 2017, with a Grand Re-Opening scheduled from May 25-30.
Words: Masonry Magazine Photos: Kim Skadahl
Fireside Foundations: Crafting Holiday Fireplaces That Last All Year
December 2025

The fireplace holds a special place in every home, especially during the holidays. It’s where families gather, stories are shared, and the flicker of firelight creates

Jeff Tew
Technical Talks
Read More
Manufactured Stone Veneer Trends for 2026: What’s Next in Stone & Masonry Aesthetics
December 2025

As design trends evolve, stone and masonry continue to stand at the intersection of artistry, performance, and innovation. For 2026, manufactured stone veneer (MSV) is emerging as one of the most dynamic materials in the exterior and interior design space

Sarah Lograsso
MAP Partner
Read More
Construction Robotics Upgrades to Gold in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program
December 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is delighted to share that Construction Robotics will upgrade their Silver partnership to a Gold partnership in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program.

Industry News
Read More
Building the Future of the Trades: STABILA’s International Social Media Day and Verified Social Channels Are Inspiring the Next Generation
December 2025

In an era when social media often shapes public perception more than traditional media, even the most time-honored trades are finding new ways to connect, educate, and inspire. STABILA, a global name synonymous with precision measurement tools is trusted

Elsa Bueno
MAP Partner
Read More