With a statewide order taking effect Wednesday that shuts down many businesses, dozens of Milwaukee-area commercial construction projects were still proceeding.

The developers of those projects consider them to be "essential" — citing the order`s language to continue working.

Construction firms say they`re taking precautions to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

But a spokeswoman for Gov. Tony Evers, whose administration issued the order, cautioned against an overly broad interpretation of what is an essential construction project.

"We do not encourage anyone to try to find loopholes or ways around this order," said Deputy Chief of Staff Melissa Baldauff....