After a consolidation of the Pipefitter’s Unions, the organization was in need of a Midwest location that would be centrally located within the new boundaries. ARCON was involved with the process from the early stages by assisting the union is finding viable sites, followed by collaboratively exploring several design solutions, budgeting, 3D renderings, construction documents, and implementation.
This 23,000 SF facility features a two-story lobby with a roof structure that is fully supported by a radiating pipe truss. Many of the exterior concrete pads are fitted with radiant heat to keep the exterior training areas clear of snow in the winter months. On display in the main lobby is an adjacent mechanical room that showcases the level of detail Local 597 Pipefitters possess. Newer technologies such as electrochromic (electronically tinting) glazing, electronically frosted glazing for conference room privacy, and fire rated glass panels for clear views into the centrally located mechanical room are utilized.
The facility is broken up into three wings to service the different needs of the union: Administration, Health & Wellness, and Training. The Administration Wing houses offices, a conference room, and the main lobby. The Health & Wellness wing consists of several exam rooms, a consult room, a procedure room, and a private waiting area. The bulk of this facility is designated for the purposes of training the future generations of Pipefitters. The Training wing has a large open HVAC training area to instruct students on various units such as roof top units, condensers, chillers, and boilers. The welding area contains (26), state-of-the-art, welding booths with quality ventilations systems. The exterior training area has a three-story open air steel structure designed to replicate the conditions found in multi-story construction. Shared by all wings, is a multi-purpose room utilized for lunch or special events with a large projection screen for presentations. We are proud to have helped the Pipefitters Local 597 create a space that fosters The Union’s vision.
