The Iowa Event Center Hotel is a 10-story, 330-room Hilton flagship hotel for which Waldinger is the plumbing and mechanical design-build contractor. The $100+ million project is scheduled for completion in March of 2018. Due to the short construction schedule and a unique financing situation, we were tasked to explore cost-effective options that would accelerate installation.

All parties participated in this project’s 3D virtual design and construction, during which detailing drilled down to the rebar and cables. This is the first time we have seen this level of detailing.

We also shifted from conventional waste and vent plumbing to an alternate engineered solution that eliminates traditional piping in the guest towers. We fully detailed and assembled these prefabricated systems in our shop. For the first time, we are using Aquatherm piping for the large piping systems, which means there are no mechanical joints buried in the walls. This will help ensure no leaks on enclosed pipes. 

Perhaps the most unique innovation on this project is the use of prefabricated bathroom units. These are referred to as PODs (pictured below) and are complete guestroom bathrooms that are built in a factory setting. They come to the site complete with finished walls, flooring, plumbing fixtures and electrical components. The PODs arrive on pallets; we then connect them to the plumbing and mechanical systems installed prior to their arrival.

All of this adds up to significant labor savings, as well as material savings from reducing waste that is common in typical field layout and installation. We will carry many of these innovations and improvements over to future jobs. How can we help on your next project? Email me here or call me at 515-323-8741.

-Monty Muller, Project Manager

How long have you been with us? 10 years

What roles have you held? I have worked in many different roles which include apprentice, journeyman, foreman, general foreman and superintendent.

How is your role evolving? I started out as a helper and worked my way up the ranks to a general foreman. I left Waldinger to work at Local 33 in the training center and returned back to Waldinger as the mechanical superintendent.

Name an event that particularly stands out in your career. I’d have to say when I was elected as President of the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 33.

What has been your favorite project and why? My favorite project was supervising the fabrication for the Iowa Events Center.

Where did you go to high school and trade school/college? I graduated high school from Bondurant Farrar; I then completed the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 33 Apprenticeship Program followed by obtaining my Associates Degree from Washtenaw Community College.

What are your hobbies and personal passions? I enjoy fishing and riding my motorcycle.

Tell us about your family. I have a 15 year-old son named Logan.

Where are we likely to find you in your off hours? Attending my son’s sporting events or messing around in the garage.