Category: Weigand News

Noble County Wins Big at the APWA’s

Posted on June 19, 2023

We’ve got a Winner!

The Noble County Annex Project was recently awarded as the 2022 Project of the Year by the Indiana Chapter of the American Public Works Association! This building, which was assembled in the midst of Covid-19, opened its doors June 3rd of 2022. Congratulations to the Noble County and American Structurepoint for this well-deserved honor!

The Annex is part of a bigger whole that’s happening in Albion. The project created space for offices and departments in the existing, outdated courthouse. Now that the move is complete, the next step is updating the courthouse building. We look forward to the benefits our next Noble County job will bring to the community!

A special thanks to our project management team and our field operations crew. The successful construction of this facility would not have been possible without their expertise and dedication. Their commitment to the client, even when building during a pandemic, paved the way for all of us to accept this award.

From an Intern’s Perspective

Posted on June 19, 2023

An excerpt from our Q2 Newsletter

Meet Alexis Gregory!

The second quarter has arrived along with the Summer 2023 Interns! My name is Alexis Gregory, and I’m currently a senior at the University of Saint Francis majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Risk Management and Insurance. Here at Weigand Construction, the culture is unmatched, which has been evident since day one.

This summer, I get the pleasure of working with the Business Development Team as a Marketing Intern. As someone who came in knowing very little about this industry, the people here at Weigand are dedicated to one thing, and that is personal growth. Not only do they continue to build landmarks that impact the lives and communities they serve, but they also help others discover their purpose and set them up for success.

How do they do this? I’ve found in the last couple of weeks that, no matter the skill set or experience level, they never stop asking questions. There are always opportunities to learn more, and that mentality is what sets Weigand apart. Note taking, schedule organization, communication, and people skills are abilities that are remarkably demonstrated here. Every single employee is willing to lend a hand and help out in any way they can. The positive work environment also leaves little room for fear of making mistakes. The culture they’ve instilled encourages learning from your own mishaps and teaching others from your experience.

As an intern in a new industry, it can be overwhelming taking in so much information, and maybe even a little scary. That being said, Weigand Construction makes it their number one priority to instill trust in their employees and anyone they do business with. This assurance is a key value that makes me incredibly thankful that I have the opportunity to learn and grow here.

Alexis Gregory

Business Development and Marketing Intern

5 Important Updates at Steuben County

Posted on June 19, 2023

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.

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.

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!

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.

Two Eye-Opening Projects Score Wins at the BCA Awards

Posted on March 30, 2023

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 20^th 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 20^th.

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.

How to Set Vision for the New Year

Posted on March 30, 2023

It feels as though the year has just begun, and yet we’re just about to dip into the second quarter! This is a perfect time to check-in on yearly goals and see how they’re coming along.

For me, as I review both personal and team goals, my focus is always on the team first. For South Bend, my goal continues to be growing the Weigand “brand”. With not having a 116-year history like Fort Wayne, and not being as recognized regionally, I’m constantly looking for ways to increase awareness of our name. Some of these initiatives are strategic social media posts, community service days with a local not-for-profit, and using our new K-12 Scholarship Program in partnering with local school corporations.

On a personal level, I remind myself to look at the larger picture. Each Weigand team member is busy dealing with the day-to-day whirlwind that we all live in. I can often get sucked into daily tasks requiring my full attention, and before I know it, a month or two has gone by and I’ve lost perspective. It’s important that I step back from time to time and remember the bigger goal.

What about you? What’s important for you to keep in mind when you’re on the clock? Make time to gain context with your goals this year; it can help you reach them more consistently!

Mike Miller

Business Development Associate

Exciting Ministry Unleashes Hope for Community

Posted on March 21, 2023

Raising Shovels for Hope

Bridge of Grace leadership, donors, and committee members gleefully tossed soil with shovels in hand, officially breaking ground for the ministry’s new Early Childhood Development Center and Comprehensive Health Clinic this March. A piece to a bigger puzzle, the project is part of their “Hope Unleashed” Capital Campaign. The 30,000 square foot building will serve the Mount-Vernon Park and Pettit-Rudisill neighborhoods in Southeast Fort Wayne. Desiring to aide an overlooked section of Fort Wayne, groups from across the city joined forces and make this happen.

“We are just so excited. This is a monumental step to be able to have an early learning center provide quality of care for children; it’s just incredible. People here not only need these services, but also, they deserve it.”
Javier Mondragon, CEO and Founder of Bridge of Grace

First Step of Many

“Hope Unleashed” currently raises funds in multiple categories such as housing, opportunity, progress, and education. As a result of the tremendous support shown for the community, the campaign garnered over $13 million in funding with a goal to reach $15 million by the end. In addition to the new facility, the donations cover home ownership programs, local business growth, park renovations, and more.

Bright Future Ahead

Weigand is proud to partner with Bridge of Grace on this project. It’s an honor to be part of such an important job. Although this is just the beginning, we look forward to seeing the profound impact this has on Southeast Fort Wayne!

Ad Firm Finds New Home at EW

Posted on January 5, 2023

A Fresh New Look

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

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

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!

Concord Unveils New Trades Building

Posted on December 14, 2022

Larger Learning Environment

Planned in lieu of the rising influx of students enrolling in trade programs, Concord Community School’s employed Weigand’s Construction Management services to build a brand-new trade school facility. This $3.9 million, 10,400 square foot education center houses more students, more resources, and more space for each trade discipline offering.

The Structure

The complex features various spaces designed to support classes such as:

Civil Engineering
Architectural Engineering
Manufacturing
Robotics
Design and Innovation
Construction Trades

These subjects are enhanced through learning areas equipped with the latest technology and training instruments so that students can get a hands-on education with real-world applications.

For the Future

“We are proud to support this investment that will have a direct impact on our students and their ability to increase their industry-ready skills while still in high school…In conversations with local industry leaders, it is clear that having this facility in place to support student learning will set them on a path to success in whatever career path they choose.” – Dan Funston, Superintendent, Concord Community Schools

With the mounting need for people well-versed in trades of all types across the nation, the Engineering and Construction Center will not only benefit the individual careers of students that pass through its halls but will also create value for all kinds of industries that require the skill and expertise of well-educated workers. This will have a lasting impact on learners’ careers, the community, and the economy as a whole.

Concord Engineering and Construction Center

CARR Workplaces Opens at Electric Works

Posted on December 13, 2022

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

Posted on December 13, 2022

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!