Category: Commercial News

3 Powerful Takeaways from 2023

Canterbury Kindergarten Tour

An excerpt from our Q4 Newsletter

Company Milestones

2023 has been a great year for Weigand Construction. We have experienced measured growth and currently have a healthy backlog going into 2024. Many of you know that we have been providing Construction Management as Constructor (CMc) services to our private clients since 1994. In 2017, the state allowed public projects, such as schools, jails, courthouses, and more to be delivered in this manner.

The Partner Advantage

Our public partners have enjoyed the benefits associated with this method, and because of that, a large portion of our growth is attributed to CMc. This wouldn’t be possible without strong preconstruction and estimating services to set the table and an operations team that executes on promises made during our interviews.

Thanks to You

It’s a rewarding feeling to have our clients reach out to their peers to share their experiences with our team. Thank you for all of your hard work and partnering mentality when it comes to supporting our clients. It matters! We will continue to work as an extension of our clients and be more than just their builder. It’s all a part of what it means to embody the Weigand Difference

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

CS

Chris Sosebee

Director of Business Development


Parkview Southwest, New Outpatient Center Arrives in Fort Wayne

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Cutting the Ribbon 

Midwest Healthcare

Waves of cheers and celebration reverberated through the halls of the new Parkview Southwest facility as Dr. Greg Johnson, Regional Market President at Parkview Health, Gail Altekruse, Vice President of Operations at Parkview Southwest, and Larry Weigand, CEO of Weigand Construction, cut the ribbon, officially opening the building. What first began as an idea in 2018 concluded after five years of inspiration, determination, and hard work

“The Parkview team is excited about the opportunity to serve and extend our services in our community to this campus and this beautiful facility…”

Dr. Greg Johnson, Regional Market President, Parkview Health 

Strengthening Another Community 

Indiana Healthcare Services

Serving the Southwest region of Fort Wayne, the new facility centralizes and brings additions to the existing Parkview services off of Glencarin Boulevard. Known as the Parkview Southwest Outpatient Center, the building gives patients access to a host of healthcare offerings such as: 

  • Sleep Medicine 
  • Cardiology 
  • Colon & Rectal Surgery 
  • Emergency Medicine 
  • General Surgery 
  • Gastroenterology 
  • Cancer 
  • Neurosciences 
  • Orthopedics 
  • Podiatry 

“Our biggest consideration for bringing this group of services and this group of specialists to the Southwest part of Allen County was because, frankly, we were getting requests from other people that are part of the Parkview family that already come to Parkview for their healthcare, and they wanted something closer to their home and so we responded to that need.”

Gail Altekruse, Vice President of Operations at Parkview Southwest, Parkview Health

Excellence is Key 

Patient Experience

Aware of how important this project would be for the community, Parkview leadership knew that they wanted to offer only the best for those coming to receive medical care at this campus. 

“Rick Henvey, our CEO… has challenged us throughout this project to make this an excellent experience for our patients.”

John Bowen, President, Parkview Regional Medical Center & Affiliates, Parkview Health 

We’re proud to partner once again with Parkview Health and bring this vision to life through the Outpatient Center addition! 


Parkview Health
Midwest Healthcare
Indiana Healthcare
Hospital Design
Chandelier
Midwest Hospital
Indiana Hospital
Midwest Healthcare Campus
Healthcare Technology
Medical Clinic Patient Rooms
Medical Clinic Layout

Another Downtown “Gem” Tops Out

From the Top 

The Pearl, a mixed-used development being constructed at 247 Pearl Street in downtown Fort Wayne, reached a significant milestone today with a festive steel topping out ceremony held at the construction site. The event marked the completion of the structural framework and symbolized the progress made on this exciting project. 

The crew building The Pearl

Weigand Construction and Surack Enterprises gathered to commemorate the placement of the final steel beam, which was signed by the construction crew as part of the ceremony. As the beam was lifted into place, adorned with an evergreen tree and an American flag, a sense of achievement and pride permeated the atmosphere. This moment marks a major milestone of the project, which has been in active construction since the spring of 2022. 

The Pearl will be another gem in our downtown.

Larry Weigand, CEO, Weigand Construction

The Tree and the Beam 

Larry gives some thoughts regarding the construction process

A time-honored tradition for hundreds of years, topping out ceremonies have been a staple of construction practiced by generations of builders across the globe. It is said that the pine tree, attached to the final beam, used to serve the purpose of signaling when wood frames were ready to cover, and symbolized. When the pine needles fell off the tree, it meant enough time passed for the timber to dry and cure. Though it is more symbolic than functional now, the pine tree is a special practice that binds its legacy to the builders that came before us. 

Down to the Numbers 

Throughout the course of the building phase, the construction crew at The Pearl has reached: 

The flag, banner, and tree getting lifted up with the beam
  • Over 11,000 yards of concrete poured to date. 
  • 50,000+ Weigand Construction man hours.
  • Over 100+ Field Staff on site and rising. 
  • 4000+ tons of rebar installed. 
  • Zero recordable accidents or safety incidents to date. 

By late summer in 2024, The Pearl will be completed, creating a new space for residents, employers, restaurants, and businesses to call home. It will feature: 

  • 76 Residential Apartments
  • 5 Live/Work Storefronts 
  • On-Site Residential Parking 
  • Mail and Delivery Hubspot 
  • On-Site Fitness Center 

“It’s going to be a further expansion of the downtown and particularly of The Landing.” – Chuck Surack, Founder and CEO, Surack Enterprises 

“Some of the tenants will take occupancy next year right around this time, and we are looking good as far as finishing up about a year from right now.” – Larry Weigand, CEO, Weigand Construction 

With the project’s slated completion date, we are eagerly anticipating the wonderful addition this will bring to the downtown skyline! 


Chuck Surack signing the beam
Chuck Surack, Lisa Surack, and Larry Weigand observe the beam
The banner signifying the union workers on the job
The final beam getting secured to the frame
Larry Weigand at the podium
The signal to raise the beam is given
The crew looks on as the ceremony commences
The final beam getting lowered
The crew listens during the ceremony

Princess City Fire Station Breaks Ground

Construction Kicks Off in Mishawaka

Weigand team and others breaking ground

Building is officially underway at the future site of Mishawaka Fire Station #2! Set to replace the current Fire Station #2, the upcoming facility will span 23,000 square feet. This expanded space will accommodate twice the number of crew members, feature a versatile training area that doubles as a public meeting space, provide ample room for future staff expansion, and will also be the first station in the region with separate living quarters for female firefighters.

Mayor Wood and Fire Chief Speaking

Additional Features:

  • 12 Individual Dorm Rooms
  • 6 Individual Restrooms
  • 5 Apparatus Bays
  • Occupancy for up to 36 Firefighters

This station holds the promise of enhancing fire crews’ living conditions, fostering greater community engagement, and amplifying the fire department’s capabilities and operational prowess in the region.

Standing in the Gap

The ability to reside in quarters that brings a more private atmosphere at the station creates opportunity for more time with family, which is the backbone of support for men and women serving on the force.

Mayor Wood and Mishawaka Fire Department breaking ground

“Your home family’s the big rock in your life and the most important thing ever. So, we want them to have their wives, kids, moms, dads, grandmas, and grandpas to come see our firefighters at work and be proud of what they do.” – Bryon Woodward, Chief, Mishawaka Fire Department

However, this endeavor will not only improve living conditions for fire teams and their families. It will also strengthen the ability to respond to emergencies throughout the region.

“The need for this investment is being driven by the significant increases in calls for service. The Mishawaka Fire Department reached a new yearly milestone in 2022 by responding to 10,686 calls for service (an overall 11% increase) that included 21,660 total apparatus responses in 2022. This means the department receives, on average, 1.2 calls for service every hour. The greatest number of calls for service continues to be for emergency medical service (EMS) responses. Our ambulances and fire trucks responded to 8,098 (10% increase) calls that required medical care. Mayor Wood indicated ‘This is a significant investment in Mishawaka that will provide increased capabilities for public safety for generations to come’.”

City of Mishawaka

We take immense pride in our partnership with Mishawaka, as our dedicated South Bend Team works diligently to breathe life into this remarkable project.


Mayor Wood and Fire Chief Speaking
Fire teams breaking ground
The groundbreaking site
Mishawaka Fire Station #2 team members
Mayor Dave Wood sharing his thoughts on the new fire station construction
The groundbreaking site with helmets and shovels

5 Features of the New Muncie YMCA

New Beginnings 

YMCA team breaking ground.

This July, Muncie residents, community leaders, and YMCA staff came together, tossing dirt in the air to signal the start of construction for their new YMCA Facility. For years, Muncie has had two YMCA sites. One is downtown and the other is in the northwest region. However, the groundbreaking doesn’t just mark a new beginning for the YMCA. It also means new opportunities for the McKinley neighborhood, where the jobsite is located. To strengthen support and resources in McKinley, the city is also drawing up plans to build new housing units and townhomes. 

Features 

The new structure will be 73,000 square feet when completed and will have amenities such as: 

  1.  A Community Health Clinic 
  1. An Aquatics Center with two pools to be shared with the local high school 
  1. Weight Room 
  1. Exercise Equipment 
  1. Gymnasium 
  1. And More! 

By the Numbers 

Currently, the cost of the new YMCA is set at $31M. Through generous funding from multiple beneficiaries and $1 donation matches, about $29.6M has been raised to push the project forward. The YMCA of Muncie is optimistic that they can pull together the remaining funding with the help of the community. 

Board VP - Keith O'Neil speaking about the new YMCA.

“We still have fundraising work to do, approximately $1.4M left to go to reach our goal, and we’re hopeful that our community will continue to rally around this effort and the transformational change that will happen because of it and support this financially to bring it across the finish line.” -Chad Zaucha, President and CEO, YMCA of Muncie 

Working as a Team 

Organizations like Muncie Community Schools, Muncie Career Center, IU Health, Open Door Health, and The Healthy Lifestyle Center of Ball State are uniting their efforts on this project. For this group, it’s not just about the construction, but also setting up the new YMCA to support community programming for years to come. 

Neil (Project Manager) and Kreighton (Project Engineer) carry a sign with a rendering of the YMCA of Muncie.

“Collaboration, of course, is the biggest deal. If we can work together, then the beneficiaries are the kids, the families, and the community.” – Keith O’Neal, Board VP, Muncie Community Schools 

There’s a bright future ahead for everyone here in Muncie, and we’re proud to play a part in bringing this facility to the city! 


YMCA President and CEO Chad Zaucha sharing some thoughts regarding the project.
Weigand crew with the shovels.
Larry Weigand giving a speech to event attendees.
Attendees posing with Weigand hardhats and shovels at the groundbreaking site.
A row of dirt with Weigand hardhats and shovels.
Ceremony tent.
Event attendees listening to the speakers.
Rendering of the YMCA when it's finished.
Bird's eye view of the tent.

5 Important Updates at Steuben County

Groundbreaking Speech.

The End of the Beginning

On Monday, April 10th, Weigand workers attached the final beams of the Steuben County Judicial Center’s frame, marking a new progress milestone for the project. When finished in 2024, the new facility will be over 56,000 square feet, making it the first new judicial system construction in over 150 years. The current Steuben County Annex, which was first built in 1867, has become increasingly outdated and unable to meet new municipal building accessibility requirements. After a period of putting together a plan that went between updating the Annex or creating an entirely new facility, community officials decided to move forward with starting from scratch with a new judicial center. 

Steuben Top Out

Bringing Officials Together

The 3 Story + Partial Basement structure brings several amenities and more space: 

  • 3 Courtrooms in the upper levels  
  • Offices 
  • Support Spaces 
  • Storage Areas 
  • Holding Cells 
  • Mechanical Spaces 

With a significant increase in square footage, Steuben County’s justice system will be able to bring most of its public offices into one single building. All but the Sheriff’s Department will transfer to the new building, including some additional offices like the Clerk of Courts, Probation Department, and the Steuben County Prosecuting Attorney’s office. 

Steuben Top Out

Project Dedication

Despite the challenges that come with construction during the winter months, our team has completed 210 consistent days of project operations, putting us one-third of the way through the schedule. Steel erection was completed in just 2.5 weeks, paving the way for preparations on the first-floor slab deck like stairs, decking, detailing, and welding.  

Starting from Rock Bottom 

The success of completing the steel topping would not have been possible without the expert work of Weigand’s concrete crew, however. Beginning the job in the basement, crews spent weeks safely excavating soil and creating the bottom level of the structure. This part of the project was finalized with a well-executed, 9,700 square foot concrete slab pour. From here, crews began work setting the foundation for the building’s first floor. These individual milestones created a base for pillars and steel framing to go up, allowing us to see the “skeleton” of the facility for the first time! 

Steuben Top Out

Homegrown Investment 

Students from Hendry Park Elementary School attended the topping out ceremony, and many locals have voiced in favor of this project. There was debate initially on whether the original judicial building should be a renovation project instead of an entirely new structure, but once a decision had been made, the community rallied behind the conclusion and saw this construction as an important next step for the region. The Steuben County Government, RQAW Architecture, and the City of Angola have also demonstrated their show of support, partnering with Weigand in this venture. However, this is not just a municipal project for the county. It’s also an opportunity for Weigand staff to invest directly in the places they call home. Five employees from our firm reside in Steuben, including the Project Manager and the Superintendent assigned to the job.  


Steuben Top Out
Steuben Top Out
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Steuben Top Out
Steuben Top Out

Two Eye-Opening Projects Score Wins at the BCA Awards

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Two Award-Winning Projects 

The results are in! We have two projects that have been awarded by the Building Contractors Assocation of Northeast Indiana. After careful consideration and reviewing the square footage, pricing, building process, functionality, and overall features of our jobs, the BCA has selected us as winners in two different categories: 

  • Electric Works took the “Over $12 Million” Division. 
  • Parkview Physicians Group Electric Works Clinic was chosen in the “$1 Million to $5 Million” Division. 

This marks the 20th year that the BCA Annual Awards Program has highlighted standout construction projects in the Northeast Indiana Region. Electric Works, PPG Electric Works Clinic, Project Owners, and Weigand will be officially recognized during the Spring Membership Dinner & Awards Banquet on April 20th

A Team Effort         

We’re proud of what our team has accomplished across all our projects in 2022. It’s the dedication to quality, doing what we say we’re going to do, and our commitment to the client that guides us in each and every job we take on. That being said, those values mean little in the grand scheme if they’re not upheld by individuals, crews, and project teams that believe in their significance too. We’re lucky to have a group that’s devoted to integrity at every level of leadership. From workers to project executives, it’s our mentality to go there together that has helped us succeed time and again throughout the years.  


Ad Firm Finds New Home at EW

A Fresh New Look 

Ferguson Advertising

Ferguson is enjoying their second-story view from Building 20! The marketing firm moved their central operations from their old location on West Berry Street to Electric Works at the beginning of 2023. As with the rest of campus, Weigand was responsible for the renovations needed to prepare the Ferguson’s space for a new era of innovation and forward thinking. After experiencing sizeable growth, which has led to three times the staff size, and serving the team at Electric Works as a client, the leadership at Ferguson made the decision to relocate. They’re at the center of all the exciting things happening in The Fort with some extra legroom to boot!  

What’s There 

Ferguson Advertising

This 10,777 square foot restoration job features a sprawling, comfy space including: 

  • Open Office Layout 
  • Cubicles 
  • Convertible Meeting Room with Garage-Style Door 
  • Open Seating/Collaborative Spaces 
  • Separate Rooms with Additional Offices and Meeting Areas 
  • Warmly lit, industrial look paired with a touch of modern design. 

Making a New Home 

Ferguson Advertising

Our crews dedicated a balance of preservation and restoration with this project. Because Electric Works is on the national registry of historical places, particular elements of the structure had to stay the same as they were when the original building was put together. Some ways our team approached this were by installing the exact same windows that were used when General Electric was operating decades ago and keeping the warehouse overhead cranes. All the old materials were stripped out of the structure besides the supports, brickwork, and masonry. From here, any damaged or worn-down sections of the building were repaired, outfitted with new lighting, new access points, updated casework, and utilities. These processes created a new home for Ferguson Advertising to continue working with their clients for years to come! 


Ferguson Advertising
Ferguson Advertising
Ferguson Advertising
Ferguson Advertising
Ferguson Advertising
Ferguson Advertising
Ferguson Advertising
Ferguson Advertising
Ferguson Advertising

CARR Workplaces Opens at Electric Works

Srwc South Entrance Exterior

Grow your business at your own pace with coworking spaces, executive suites, and conference spaces featuring a flexible lease concept

Just Arrived 

With locations represented in major cities across the country like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, D.C., San Fransico, and more, CARR Workplaces has now touched down in Fort Wayne! They’ve brought their innovative office spaces to Electric Works, with Weigand acting as the construction manager for renovations! They provide a plethora of affordable, flexible options that meet the needs of business individuals on the go!  

From Old to New 

Our construction teams worked around the clock to remove old material from the structure. They installed new metal paneling, drywall, interior and exterior storefronts, polished concrete floors, and a fresh coat of overhead paint to restore the space to its former glory! This once dilapidated building is ready to host visitors and locals alike for decades to come! 

The Office Perks 

At Electric Works, CARR maintains 32,000 square feet, 85 offices, and 3 meeting rooms. These rooms share the main floor and basement of The Forum. You will notice them as you walk through the entrance to access the rest of the campus. It is the perfect spot for any remote worker or self-starter who is looking for a change of scenery! 

Visit the campus and see for yourself!  


A Year-Round Street Market Comes to Downtown Fort Wayne

Fresh Market Goods 

The Union Street Market is the spot for fresh, local food and more at Electric Works! With Weigand heading up restorations in this building, there are dozens of different merchants to choose from and plenty of options to try and love. Located in Buildings 20, 20A, and 22, Union Street Market is also the new home of the Fort Wayne Farmer’s Market. You can enjoy artisan meals during the week and get fresh picks of produce on the weekends! Vendors are being added all the time, so be sure to visit and see what’s new! 

Looking Back 

Long before they were the site of the street market, Buildings 20, 20A, and 22 were the headquarters for maintenance, the phone department, the carpenter shop, and 10,000 IEUA transformer production. Each of these structures houses decades of history: 

  • Building 20 was raised in 1907 
  • Building 20A came in 1941 
  • Building 22 first opened in 1917 

This combination of shops, assembly lines, and storage space adds together a total of 44,328 square feet! That’s bigger than nine basketball courts grouped together!  

How it all Came Together 

Our construction teams took special care to ensure that everything was ready for opening day. Here are a few of the restorations that they made: 

  • Installed new flights of stairs 
  • Secured corrugated metal paneling 
  • Built out restrooms and other amenities 
  • Poured and polished new concrete flooring 
  • Assembled new kitchens, storefronts, and countertops 

By taking these steps, our crews completed renovation of the three buildings right on schedule! They took a section of structures over one hundred years old and turned it into a new place for the community to gather and thrive!