Tag: Commercial Contractor

Another Downtown “Gem” Tops Out

Posted on September 18, 2023

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

New Expansion – The Huntington County Jail

Posted on August 2, 2022

Leed Banner Indiana University Spruce Hall

“The group at Weigand have been fantastic to work with, I couldn’t imagine working with a different provider.”

Chris Newton (Huntington County Sheriff)

More Space to Serve

The Huntington County Jail is now equipped to better impact inmates, families, and the community at large through the completion of its new expansion and renovation! With Weigand operating as the general contractor on this project, the county sheriff commissioned development of the prison to fulfill the need for more space.

The 30,000 square foot expansion includes:

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  • Enough rooms and bunks to host 233 people.
  • Sleeping and communal areas.
  • A tower for monitoring security with efficiency.
  • A vehicle port to improve transportation and processing.
  • A kitchen overhaul to account for the influx of staff and inmates.
  • Classrooms for rehabilitation programming.
  • Space for indoor and outdoor recreation.

With these additions to the jail, the sheriff’s department will be able to move forward with several different initiatives:

Huntington County Jail
  • Provide a safer environment for inmates and staff.
  • Implement GED programming.
  • Facilitate rehabilitation care.
  • Host Church gatherings.
  • Teach spiritual classes.

The objective is to create an atmosphere that fosters growth in learning, skills, and overall welfare. In this way, the jail can set up inmates for success in the real-world, making their first offense their last offense.

Everything in its Right Place

Because this project involved renovation and expansion, we helped with rearranging some of the equipment in the old and new spaces. As a result, it took some extra planning and teamwork with the Sheriff’s Department to make sure everything got placed in the right spots. By doing this, we were able to keep on track with our project schedule!

We were honored to work alongside the Sheriff’s Department and help give a new lease on life to their facility!

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New Build – The Henry County Jail

Posted on June 17, 2022

“When…building a new jail, the first thing that comes to mind is how in the world am I going to be able to oversee this and make this work? And I can tell you, Weigand took care of that for me.”

Ric McCorkle (Henry County Sheriff)

A New Location with More Room

The Henry County Jail functions as an expanded space that facilitates rehabilitation for inmates in the surrounding region. With Weigand serving as construction manager for this project, the team went to great lengths to create a facility that could fully house the operating staff, inmates, and administrative team all in one structure. Part of a relocation effort, the jail was moved from its original spot off North 12th Street in New Castle. As a result, it now shares its campus with the New Castle Correctional Facility.

Check out the Detention Center Here!

The jail now includes additions such as:

Henry County Jail
  • Space for 246 inmates
  • ADA cells
  • Interview rooms
  • Refitted kitchen
  • Laundry facilities
  • Weight room
  • Armory
  • Expanded garage space
  • Special security observation deck
  • Brand-new educational section

In the teaching area, instructors host classes on substance abuse. This is part of a new program that was requested and backed by many of the residents in Henry County.

This updated build brings with it some considerable enhancements. All of them intend to improve the quality of life for everyone in the facility. Hence, officers, healthcare workers, and office staff can effectively perform their work. Not only that, but it also strengthens communication within internal channels between the staff. The sheriff’s department at Henry County Jail is well-equipped to impact its community for the better. By focusing their resources on in-house development, they can help inmates reclaim their lives through security, education, and recovery.

Barnes & Thornburg Earthwork

Posted on June 17, 2019

We’ve got to go down ⬇️ before we can go up! ⬆️

The earthwork has officially started at the Barnes & Thornburg building site in downtown South Bend. The basement level of the building can accommodate 21 cars and even includes a vehicle elevator, a unique feature that helps conserve that precious square footage.

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Sweetwater Expansion Project Award

Posted on October 3, 2018


It’s been a big week for announcements here at Weigand Construction! We’ve already got the ball (drum?) rolling on the latest Sweetwater headquarters expansion. ?

The 350,000sf warehousing/office space along with a 35,000sf conference center will be the perfect addition to their ever growing campus. Onward and upward, Fort Wayne!

#BuildingSuccess #ClientsForLife #CommunityImpact

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