Cedar Rapids Convention Complex -
Commercial
The Cedar Rapids Convention Complex is a state-of-the-art multi-use facility consisting of a new convention center and completely renovated U.S. Cellular Center Arena. Located in the heart of downtown Cedar Rapids, the facility is the cornerstone of the downtown revitalization movement and the crown jewel of Cedar Rapids. It is the second largest convention and events complex in the state, with over 470,000 square feet of space. Paulson Electric, as the prime electrical contractor for this complex project, controlled the complete electrical construction. In addition to working tirelessly with a diverse project team to complete the facility on time, Paulson Electric also worked closely with the City of Cedar Rapids to provide value alternates that helped the owner meet its budget constraints and construct a facility that exceeded expectations for quality.
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance -
Design/Build
Paulson Electric was proud to be selected as the electrical and low voltage designer and contractor for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance office building in downtown Cedar Rapids. This design-build project saw the conversion of a former IMAX Theater to 18,000 square feet of office space in a very short timeframe. The visually-stunning facility was designed and constructed to facilitate collaboration and serves as a showcase for the CRMEA to use in supporting business, economic and community development.
Paulson Electric-Cedar Rapids Solar PV Array -
Design/Build
Paulson Electric installed a 20.7kw solar photovoltaic array on the roof of its Cedar Rapids office, producting one-third of the company's annual energy usage.
The array consists of 90 solar panels attched to the roof using what is believed to be the only ballast-mount system in the state of Iowa.
The system leads to a net meter and the office's main electrical panel. The array is expected to produce better than a seven year return on investment after federal and state tax credits and bonus depreciation.
Paulson Electric provides solar photovoltaic design and installation services. This includes site assessment, design, installation, monitoring and maintenance. We have worked with not-for-profit and other entities securing financing to maximize return on investment. Paulson Electric also provides owner's representative and project manager services throughout the design and installation process.
Roshek Building Rehabilitation -
Design/Build
Paulson Electric was proud to be chosen as a partner in the design and construction of the Roshek Building Rehabilitation in Dubuque, Iowa. The Roshek Building Rehabilitation is the largest and most complex sustainable rehabilitation project ever to take place in the City of Dubuque. Paulson Electric had 25 years knowledge of the building, and the experience of our team ensured we met or beat all design and construction deadlines.
The building was also certified LEED Core and Shell Platinum, the only historic renovation project in Iowa to acheive the status.
The Roshek Building Rehabilitation was quick-paced and challenging with only five months separating the start of the project and IBM's occupation of the building. The project called for a complete overhaul of over 250,000 square feet including nine floors above grade, a lower level and a sub-basement. The Roshek Building's owner, Dubuque Initiatives Inc., and partners including the City of Dubuque, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, Gronen Restoration, architect Jeffrey Morton and the project management team worked closely to make this project a showcase for increasing sustainability in Dubuque.
ConAgra -
Industrial
This pudding plant had to be up and running on schedule. When opened it produced 430 million cups of pudding annually. Paulson Electric reacted to design information released as the plant was being constructed and successfully integrated the many systems involved to achieve ConAgra’s production schedule.
Laforge Systems -
Industrial
Paulson Electric completed design and construction of this industrial and commercial structure in early 2010. Located in Waterloo, Iowa, the finished structure includes a 15,000 square foot manufacturing floor with 3,100 square feet of attached office space. Paulson Electric's design and construction utilized energy efficient fixtures and material to lower the operating cost of the structure and extend its life.
Paulson Electric used high-efficient, eight-lamp T-5 fixtures with daylight sensors on the manufacturing floor. We included daylight sensors to shut off four lamps in each fixture during periods of adequate daylight, taking advantage of the natural light from windows in the manufacturing area. This design strategy minimizes energy consumed during the day and has been credited with energy savings of up to 40%.
Paulson Electric also incorporated scheduled lighting control throughout the manufacturing floor of the building. The system can be programmed to turn the lights on in the morning, off in the evening or any other combination of schedule to meet the needs of the space. Occupancy sensors were used in all areas not controlled by schedule, mainly the office. This strategy can produce energy savings of 25% to 40% depending on how often the space is vacant.
Grainger, Inc. Service Center -
Commercial
Paulson Electric provided design assistance and constructed Grainger, Inc.'s LEED Gold-certified service facility in Waterloo, Iowa. The Grainger project achieved LEED Gold certification for its commitment to sutainable design and construction. Paulson Electric played a key role in the project, including design of floor ductwork and other features. This feature allows Grainger the freedom to re-arrange its workstations to best serve its needs. Paulson Electric also assisted Grainger with selection of fixtures that had the desired aesthetic and performance criteria. Paulson Electric's construction expertise ensured the project finished on time and within the budget.
PEC Communications also played a role in the Grainger LEED Gold-certified project. PEC Communications designed and installed the fire alarm system. Paulson Electric and PEC Communications' partnership ensured schedule integration and lowered construction costs through operational efficiencies.
Mount Mercy University Center -
Educational
Paulson Electric is proud to have served as the electrical contractor for Mount Mercy University's new University Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The University Center was a challenging project with the building occupied during construction. This meant it was critical to keep the building systems up and running throughout the project. Paulson Electric installed a new service transformer, main panel, medium voltage terminations, several sub panels, site lighting and elevators. We also remodeled three floors of two connected buildings while the University Center expansion was underway.
Diamond Jo Casino -
Commercial
Paulson Electric was proud to be selected as the electrical contractor for this remarkable casino and entertainment complex in Dubuque, Iowa. This 195,000 square foot entertainment complex includes a modern theater, bowling alley, meeting rooms and several fine dining restaurants. Paulson Electric worked closely with the owner and general contractor keeping up with all the changes to complete the project on time and under budget.
Jonathan Swain, Peninsula Gaming Chief Operating Officer, said "Paulson Electric lit up this project! The Paulson Electric Team was constantly ahead of the project, keeping us on pace and helping our successful opening. You can't ask for a better partner in a project."
Neal Blodgett, electrical engineer with JBA Consulting Engineers, Inc., also had rave reviews for Paulson Electric. "Paulson Electric did an exceptional job in all areas of the Diamond Jo Casino project, from the smallest part to the large, complex areas of work. The Paulson Electric Team was always willing to help in any way they could while looking ahead for coordination issues that may arise. It was a great pleasure to work with Paulson Electric on this project," said Blodgett.
Prairie Point Middle School -
Government
Paulson Electric teamed with the College Community School district to construct a 230,000 square foot state-of-the-art educational facility. Prairie Point Middle School includes two gymnasiums, computer and science labs, industrial arts facilities, and adult living and general class rooms. Paulson Electric provided the latest in electrical construction techniques to ensure the facility met the owner's needs.
Mercy Medical Office Building -
Health Care
Paulson Electric and PEC Communications completed design and construction of the 72,000 square foot, four story Mercy Medical Office Building located in Downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa in late 2009. Paulson Electric and PEC Communications played an important role on the design/build project team. The Building's core and shell is anticipated to achieve LEED Silver certification. Paulson Electric and PEC Communications used the same principles for the cost-effective, energy-saving build out of tenant spaces. The first floor is currently occupied by OB GYN Associates. Cedar Rapids Heart is going to occupy the fourth floor with construction to begin this spring.
Paulson Electric and PEC Communications brought its expertise in energy-efficient design and construction to the project. Our design and construction kept the watts per square foot below industry standard, saving our client long term operating expense. We used motion sensors and timers to control lighting as two methods to reduce energy costs. The Medical Office Building also received LEED points for utilizing an existing building site and recycling over half of the salvaged material.
Sara Lee Bakery -
Industrial
Paulson Electric provides a wide variety of services to multiple Sara Lee bakeries in the region. Services provided include PLC programming, automation integration, control and machine process design, maintenance and troubleshooting. Paulson Electric consults with local plant engineers on machine process improvements and provides the expertise to execute improvement plans. Our machine automation provides Sara Lee a safer operator work environment, increases productivity and reduces waste. Paulson Electric, for example, provides variable recipe storing and operator error-proofing programming logic for multiple Sara Lee facilities.
Uelner Precision Tool & Die Company -
Industrial
Paulson Electric provides many services needed at this modern machine shop and stamping facility in Dubuque, Iowa. Services we provide include punch press troubleshooting, complete machine installation, repair of variable frequency drives, repair of servo drives, die protection setup and testing, programmable limit switch setup for parts ejectors, sequential motion transfer systems, and progressive feed length programming. Paulson Electric has repaired robot welders, spot welders, CNC machines, chiller systems and hydraulic presses. Paulson Electric is on call around the clock to keep this facility running smoothly.
McGraw Hill Regional Headquarters -
Design/Build
Paulson Electric teamed to design and build McGraw Hill Company's newest office complex in Dubuque, Iowa, completing the project in 2007. Paulson Electric led the electrical design team whose work earned the multi-story office building LEED Silver certification. The Paulson Electric-led team suggested numerous energy-saving measures. Installing metering equipment on lighting and mechanical equipment to measure energy usage and changing heat pumps for boilers were two examples of energy-saving measures. The McGraw Hill building also utilizes lighting controls, adding to the energy savings. These green measures decrease the building's long-term cost and impact on the environment.
PEC Communications (PEC) was also an integral part of the design and construction team, installing nearly 100 miles of cable, 3,000 data connections and 600 fiber optic connectors. Teaming with both McGraw Hill and the general contractor, PEC utilized leading-edge technologies to provide a complete turn-key project, including data, voice, sound, fire protection and video cabling in a timely and safe manner. Partnering with manufacturers, PEC coordinated the complex logistics of the fast-paced project, rose to meet daily challenges and provided a certified warranty to protect McGraw Hill’s investment for 25 years.
Loras College Wellness Center -
Educational
The Loras Wellness Center is a great example of Paulson Electric’s expertise in energy efficient systems and project management. Included in the construction of the building were state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems and a lighting system that optimizes natural light and is energy efficient. Paulson Electric worked directly with the owner to help keep the project within budget and on time.
Accelerated Commercial Products -
Industrial
Paulson Electric teamed with Accelerated Commercial Products (ACP) to design and construct its newest commercial microwave manufacturing facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Paulson Electric's participation in the facility's design allowed us to work closely with ACP on specific power requirements for manufacturing lines and testing stations. Paulson Electric used its expertise to resolve potential hurdles before construction, saving ACP valuable time and financial resources.
Paulson Electric also has expertise with manufacturing controls and processes out of our Dubuque office. We have experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC's), drives and motor control centers, human machine interfaces (HMI's) and other controls and sensors. Paulson Electric services this type of equipment and control software for clients such as John Deere, Nordstrom, BP Amoco and Woodward Communications.
Loras College Rock Bowl -
Educational
This was a complete makeover of the football and track facility including new Musco lighting that can be controlled remotely from the stadium and new press box and concessions facility.
Paulson Electric & PEC Communications Cedar Rapids Office -
Design/Build
Paulson Electric & PEC Communications recently moved to a new office and warehouse in Cedar Rapids. The office and warehouse were constructed using green building techniques and incorporated many LEED characteristics. The result is an office complex that decreases energy consumption and increases the life of the structure.
Paulson Electric & PEC Communications installed high-efficiency fluorescent lighting in their warehouse. High-efficiency fluorescent lighting provides significant energy savings over traditional fluorescent lighting. Tax credits are often available for retrofitting traditional lighting. Warehouse lighting is also connected to occupancy sensors by zones, reducing energy consumption by only lighting occupied areas.
Paulson Electric and PEC Communications also installed occupancy sensors to control interior office lighting. Sensors in each room are programmed to turn off the lights if it remains unoccupied for five minutes. Automatic shut-off reduces the amount of energy consumed and removes the possibility of an occupant forgetting to turn off lights when leaving the office for the day. Industry information shows energy savings of 30%, reducing building operating costs by 10% or more.
Paulson Electric and PEC Communications chose geothermal heating and cooling and a white roof for their new office/warehouse complex. Both investments show return through decreased energy consumption. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates energy usage to coll a building can be cut in half by installing a white roof. The new office also has an electric car charging station, so make sure to stop by if you need to fill up!
Dubuque Retirement Center -
Health Care
Dubuque’s premier living facilities, where independence and dignity are respected. Paulson Electric was proud to work on this 225,000 sq. foot building built on approximately 10 acres. It contains 185 upscale one and two bedroom apartments and includes an indoor pool, community room and underground parking.
Iowa Theater Building-Theatre Cedar Rapids -
Design/Build
Paulson Electric and PEC Communications were proud to be part of the design/build team for the renovation of the 81 year old Iowa Theater Building, home to Theatre Cedar Rapids, in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Iowa Theater Building was destroyed by flood waters in the summer of 2008. Paulson Electric and PEC Communications designed and constructed electrical and data systems for the auditorium, three floors of office space, lounge, concession, dressing room, rehearsal space and all public areas. Paulson Electric and PEC Communications worked closely with the design team to develop the system for each space that achieved the level of performance required by Theatre Cedar Rapids. Paulson Electric installed color wash kinetics LED fixtures in the lounge that wash the walls with programmable colored light. We also worked closely with the theatrical and sound designers to provide the necessary infrastructure for their equipment.