| Alternative Energy Center |  |
Southeastern, MN
Project Profile
This multi-use building in rural southeastern Minnesota is a mechanical marvel with 3 operational heat sources and a 4th on its way. The building automation system (BAS) monitors and controls the mechanical systems which reduces the energy and maintenance costs; it is remotely accessible and sends alerts if fuels are low or if a piece of equipment needs attention.
The BAS is sequenced to utilize the heat from the solar-thermal panels on the roof first, and then run the 5 heat pumps that utilize 33 geothermal wells, and the third source of heat, the biodiesel boiler, fires if additional BTU's are needed to meet the demand.
The biodiesel boiler can burn many types of liquid fuels. A biomass boiler will be installed in the near future which will act as the fourth heat source; it will be fueled by dry pelletized goods dispensed from a feeder bin.
In addition to the mechanical spaces, the building has a heated horse stable with kiln-dried oak walls, meeting area, office, caretaker's apartment, storage area, and garage.
The Energy Center provides heating and electricity to these spaces and a nearby farm house, pool house, and outdoor pool. The geothermal system also takes care of the cooling load of the buildings and assists with regulating the humidity during the heating season.
The BAS monitors the power that is generated from the two 90 KW wind turbines located across the road. A 150 KW diesel generator and back-up UPS provide temporary power for the buildings without disruption in case of an outage.
Company Principal
John Hill
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Current Projects
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St. Mary of the Lake Elevator Replacement
RCTC Anatomy and Physiology Lab
Fastenal Truck Bay Infill |
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Begin Early to Control Your Costs
No matter what size your project is your main concern is cost. Determining the delivery method - competitively bid or negotiated - that fits your project is critical to getting the best value for your money. At Schwab LLC, we can help you decide early on what delivery method will provide you with the greatest advantages.
If you are thinking about listing your project to be competitively bid there are some important areas you should consider. An ideal candidate for a hard bid project is one where the project drawings are very precise, leaving little room for unforeseen circumstances. In cases where too much information is omitted or assumed, the potential for multiple changes to the project after the bid process increases as does cost. The savings you may have anticipated from having the project hard bid can start to disappear, and change orders can cause you to go over budget quickly.
Evaluating the benefits of negotiated work could provide you with a better value for your project in the long run. When Schwab LLC works with clients on negotiated projects our goal is to give the owner cost-saving opportunities from the start. This begins by asking important programming questions and assisting the design team while working towards your desired outcome, including cost. A fully developed understanding of your objectives is essential to a successful project. We work with appropriately-sized and trusted subcontractors, and competitively price out the specific items of work to bring you the best price. Working with Schwab LLC on a negotiated project can also save you time and cost by getting your project started more efficiently and keeping it on course. After all, you have things to attend to. You can have confidence that Schwab LLC will protect your interests.
One of the most important things we like our clients to walk away with is confidence in our process. We can help you understand your risk before the project begins. We want all of our clients to have complete confidence in us and know that the options we provide are designed to make each project successful for them. At Schwab LLC, we build client confidence through our thoughtful, detailed approach that gets our customers the results they are seeking.
So whether you are considering competitively bid or negotiated delivery method for your next project, call Schwab LLC to discuss what option works best for your building.
President
Schwab LLC |
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Inside Schwab LLC
Name: Tim Matthees 
Title/Responsibilities: Project Supervisor, 17 years
I am responsible for all of the subcontractors on the job and that involves making sure they stay on schedule and do the work according to the plan and specifications. In addition to my daily duties, I am in charge of checking submittals with the specifications, sending it on to the architect for approval and then sending the approved submittal back to the subcontractors. I log any changes to the plan so the owner has a correct - as built - set of plans at the end of the project. I also help put together the owner's manual for each client at the end of the project.
Currently Working On: The Callista Court Assisted Living Facility Addition in Winona
What is a memorable project you've worked on? Hal Leonard was a memorable job for me, not only being the largest project I have done, at 165,000 sq ft., but also watching over the subcontractors that were installing the conveying system and high bay racking that nearly filled the building.
What is the most fulfilling thing you take away from your job? The most fulfilling thing I take away from each project is knowing the owner is happy with the finished product and I was a part of getting the project done on time and in a safe manner. |
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Construction Resources
For your convenience, we have compiled a short list of recent industry articles that may be of interest to you or someone in your organization. In each issue, we will try to bring you relevant information important to construction users and facility managers. Please let us know if there is a topic of particular interest to you.
Building Design + Construction
Building Operating Management |
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Local Offices
ROCHESTER l 1530 Greenview Drive SW l Ste. 109 l Rochester, MN l 55902 l 507-206-5007
WINONA l 74 Kansas Street l Winona, MN l 55987 l 507-454-5000
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Feedback
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Need Help?
With decades of experience in building construction, we have the expertise to help you with preliminary planning, project scheduling and realistic budgeting. Call or write us today to help get your project off on the right foot.
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