The Mayo Clinic’s Richard O. Jacobson Building is home to the country’s only Proton Beam Facility that allows a beam to be manipulated into different patterns depending on a cancer size and type. The work Egan’s Rochester team completed on this innovative facility was featured in Electrical Contractors Magazine.
Read more: Electrical Contractor Magazine
The University of Minnesota’s Athletes Village provides the campus a new multi-sports facility for Gopher student athletes. The brand new $166 million sports center will officially open in January 2018, housing facilities for men’s and women’s basketball and the football team.
In May 2017, the official Topping Off Ceremony took place, where the final steel beam was set. Egan’s InterClad team is providing the facilities’ curtainwall, translucent panels, and interior and exterior glass.
Check out this walking tour of the new facility
Shop, Dine, Stay – Galleria Edina is a testament to the trend for shopping malls in Minnesota. Many malls across the state have adopted a philosophy of creating a shopping destination, offering places for people to shop, eat, engage in recreational activities, and sleep.
The Galleria was initially developed in 1976 with Gabbert’s Furniture Store, and slowly stores were added and enclosed to create a mall similar to the Southdale Center. Since its initial 
construction, Egan Company has been involved with various expansions and developments of this luxury shopping mall.
In 2008, Galleria Edina was expanded and a new 18-story Westin facility – comprised of 225 hotel rooms and 82 high-end condominiums – was attached to provide the full destination experience. The building also includes a pool, bar/restaurant, meeting space, ballroom, and different parking options. Egan provided Design/Build electrical services and installation of the phone/data, access controls, and fire alarm. A security system and cameras were also installed in the facility’s parking ramp.
Since the construction of Westin Galleria, Egan has assisted with numerous projects, including cooling tower upgrades, owner upgrades to vacant spaces, and pump system replacements. The installation of the mechanical and electrical systems, required coordination of many trades including pipefitting, sheet metal, plumbing, electrical, and millwrights. In addition, Egan provides routine maintenance on retail locations within the mall and Westin Edina Galleria.
Currently, the mall has over 375,000 square feet of retail space, and a recent addition on the mall’s east side adds 20,000 more square feet. The expansion adds several restaurants, home furnishing stores, and apparel shops. Galleria Edina also features a new concept of a ‘restaurant-in-a-bookstore’ at the relocated Barnes & Noble.
Egan has brought many mechanical and electrical solutions to the Owner at all phases of the project, including suggested grease interceptor piping routes, water feature plumbing, and recommended rework to existing and new electrical panels for tenant requirements.
-David Kray, Kraus-Anderson Senior Project Manager
Project Team: Kraus-Anderson Construction, Hines Property Management
Egan Services Provided: Cooling tower upgrades, pump system replacement, mechanical system build-outs, millwright services, electrical infrastructure, fire alarm, phone/data, access controls, security system, and 24/7 maintenance
As a customer for nearly 10 years, Mound-Westonka Schools rely on Egan Company for a number of maintenance needs, including boiler tune-ups and electrical outages. In summer 2016, Mound-Westonka High School had suddenly lost power, and a member of the school’s facility management team noticed smoke in the building. As Egan regularly works on various schools in the District, Egan’s Service team was called to the site.
The Fire Department, utility company, and an Egan technician were all dispatched out to the high school to assess the situation. Before anyone could enter the building, the Fire Department needed to clear it of smoke and verify it was safe to enter. They then had to await the 
arrival of the utility company to disconnect the school from the utility grid so they could safely evaluate the problem.
“As we were standing outside the school, we could hear the electrical busbar underground shorting and failing in the underground tunnel,” said Darrell Blazevic, Egan Company Account Manager. The school’s main electrical supply failed in a tunnel underneath the school, so smoke needed to be evacuated from there as well before we could begin investigating.”
Once the Fire Department and utility company had completed their work, Jason Lindula, Egan Company Safety Coordinator, reviewed the site for any potential hazards. Because all the electrical work needed to be done in an underground tunnel, any employee on site was required to be trained on Confined Space and Air Monitoring Systems before entering the tunnel.
Major Disruptions
Although classes were not in session, this power outage caused major disruptions, not just to the high school, but to the entire Mound-Westonka School District.
The main power had a catastrophic failure, and power was completely cut off throughout the school. And since the District’s fiber-optic network and communication server is held at the high school, they also had lost access to all methods of communication.
In addition to the entire District losing access to the server, there were also numerous activities still happening at the high school. Temporary power needed to be set up in order for them to resume as soon as possible. Within one week, Egan electricians had set up temporary power with a 480 volt generator the size of a semi-trailer. Temporary fiber cabling was also put down to provide an immediate solution to the loss of the District’s server.
Egan Company acted quickly and made us feel like they had a good handle on the problem.
-Phil Smith, Director of Facilities at Mound-Westonka Schools.
Digging in to Find a Permanent Solution
Knowing that the permanent power needed to be replaced as soon as possible, Egan’s team worked methodically and safely to get the District back on the grid. The main problem was the service entrance feeder had failed and heated up the electric busbar, causing the failure in the electrical feeder and fiber optic.
Earth excavation outside the school opened up a wall below grade to gain access to the tunnel and repair the damage from the failure. The utility company’s transformer, service entrance power 
supply, fiber optic cabling, and all the wiring in the tunnel had to be repaired. With a new transformer, more than 6,400 feet of cable was installed to reconnect the service entrance conductors to the main electrical switchgear. New fiber optic cabling was installed to regain access to the District server.
In less than two weeks, the entire school was back on permanent power and operating as normal.
“There were multiple things going on at once, and if we had taken time to contract it all out ourselves, the whole process would have taken way longer,” Smith said. “We were very satisfied with the way Egan took the bull by the horns and kept everyone in the loop, including the School Board.”
After a recent renovation and expansion, Park Nicollet’s Prairie Center Clinic is now running on a more efficient electrical system. Egan electrician’s converted the existing 208 volt service to 800 ampere, 277/480 volt, 3PH/4W service. In order to maintain daily operations, utility power shut down service was completed during clinic off hours.
The equipment needed to be small enough to move through the existing building corridors and doorways, and then fit into the limited space of the existing service location. To reduce shutdown time, Egan designed, fabricated, and assembled a service panel, feeders, and transformer mounting frame assembly to fit the building’s restricted space requirements.
This utilization of prefabricated components provided added cost savings for the customer and resulted in a reduced project timeline.
Learn more about Egan’s electrical services
The Ramsey County Library system just opened its newest renovated branch in Shoreview, Minn. This new 38,000-square-foot building increases space from the previous location by 10,000 square feet, and gives library-goers a new experience with interactive displays, 3D printers, and additional computers and seating.
Egan’s InterClad team installed 5,300 square feet of 
curtainwall and 300 square feet of aluminum panels on the exterior of the building. Interior glass, sliding glass doors, mirrors, and one all-glass interior wall add to the overall modern-feel of the Library. Sound performance glass was also installed between the children and adult areas for sound control.
Interestingly from our perspective, InterClad installed the curtainwall before the bricks were laid which is not standard due to some risks associated with installing before. However, we successfully installed out of sequence.
Find out more about the new library on its website.
Construction projects involve great collaboration. Engineers, designers, general contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers – all must work together. But it’s not often that these relationships evolve from vendor to customer.
When Viracon, a national manufacturer of architectural glass for the commercial building market, announced they were expanding their flagship manufacturing facility in Owatonna, Minn., Egan Company’s Southern Minnesota team jumped at the chance to bid the project. With this project, Egan’s partnership with Viracon developed from major supplier to customer.
“Viracon has been one of our major vendors since InterClad was established in 1998,” said Egan Company Senior Vice President Tim Woolworth. “They are the leading innovative producer of glass coatings and products. In addition, their culture and values align closely with ours. They have been a great partner.”
Viracon has provided glass for numerous InterClad projects, including U.S. Bank Stadium, Target North Campus, Stonebridge Lofts, and Hennepin County Medical Center. With four plants spanning the U.S. and into Brazil, it is relied upon by over 2,500 architects and designers to provide glass fabrication.
“Viracon is investing in the expansion of its Owatonna facility to meet growing demand from architects for larger expanses of glass in exterior façades,” said Garret Henson, Viracon Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “By adding larger size capabilities to our comprehensive portfolio of architectural glass products, we are able to offer InterClad the full spectrum of product solutions that support the unique design requirements of their customers.”
The new expansion to their Owatonna facility adds over 360,000 square feet to the existing 1.2 million square feet facility. Egan’s Southern Minnesota team is providing electrical services to this new space, including general lighting and power.
Although this is new construction, the project is being treated more like a retrofit because power needs to be attached to the existing facility to get power out to the expansion. The work is all being completed while glass manufacturing is still happening, requiring creative scheduling.
In total, Egan will install more than 1,000 LED lights, including 4,000 feet of cable tray, 60,000 feet of conduit, and 250,000 feet of wire. The expansion was completed in January 2017.
The new facility will house the latest glass manufacturing technology and fabrication equipment to increase Viracon’s maximum finished product size capability and provide higher levels of automation for increased efficiencies.
This expansion is a very significant project, it is the next step in a long range program to ensure we remain at the forefront of architectural glass technology and continue to be a valued partner on distinctive buildings, large or small.
Kelly Schuller, Viracon President
Upon completion, Viracon will increase its maximum fabrication size from 13 feet 9 inches per plate of glass to 16 feet per plate of glass. The larger the plate of glass, the more visually appealing as there are fewer seams once installed. It offers bigger, unobstructed views with better daylight and energy management.
Egan’s InterClad team already has plans to utilize Viracon’s new capacity, including the new skyway at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport that connects the new Intercontinental Hotel to the A-G Concourse.
“We look forward to future projects with Viracon, especially with these new capabilities,” Woolworth said. “When we work with Viracon, we know a project will be a success. Its technical abilities are the benchmark for the industry.”
Project Team: AB Systems, Viracon
Services Provided: General lighting and power
The recently renovated Beverly & John Lord Knight Performance Hall in the University of Northwestern’s Totino Fine Arts Center recently opened. This renovated facility seats up to 1,390.
Egan’s mechanical team provided additional warmth for the atrium with the installation of two large fireplaces and in-floor heating. Our electrical team also installed energy-efficient LED’s that change color to compliment and accent events in the performance hall.
Public transit in the Twin Cities has been evolving over the past decade with the addition of light rail to the sprawling Metro Transit bus system. This summer, a new kind of bus service started along the busy Snelling Avenue corridor, combining the best of both methods of transportation.
The first of its kind in Minnesota, the A-Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) uses buses in tandem with unique, multi-component stations – installed by Egan Company – to provide a more train-like experience for riders. Fast and frequent, the route runs from Rosedale Mall to the 46th Street Station in Minneapolis, and connects to both Blue and Green Light Rail transit lines.
Modeled after the light rail stations, the bus stops feature security cameras, emergency phones, LED lighting, and heaters. Other added conveniences include real-time NexTrip LCD displays, providing current bus route information and bus tracking, along with pylons for paying fare. To connect and power all of these systems, Egan installed the fiber optic and copper backbone, and new electrical and communication service cabinets.
Installing the stations required crews to dig in areas surrounded by traffic and existing utilities, so careful planning was critical. The two-year project was coordinated with Metro Transit to keep disruption to drivers, bus traffic, pedestrians, and businesses to a minimum.
More BRT lines are being planned, branching out into different areas of the metro, including North Minneapolis, and South Minneapolis to the Mall of America.
“This project was the first of its kind in Minnesota,” said Steve Nelson, Egan Company Project Manager. “It was an enjoyable challenge learning to tie all the systems together. BRTs are a great addition to Metro Transit’s transportation options.”
Project Team: Metro Transit, Global Specialties
Services Provided: Outdoor Electrical, Low Voltage, Fiber Optics, Cabling
The summer of 2016 saw one Egan Company crew, consisting of all mechanical trades, working closely with M.A. Mortenson to perform complete renovations within two University of Minnesota buildings.
The Mechanical Engineering building needed new laboratory equipment connected. At the same time, Mariucci Arena needed locker room renovations; Egan’s mechanical team began work in April 2016.
Schedules were coordinated so Egan’s crew of plumbing, sheet metal, and pipefitting Field Leaders could move between both jobsites and complete work on time.
“Strong field leaders helped keep things focused and organized, making both jobs run smoothly,” said Pipefitter Field Leader John Greeninger.
Updating Aging InfrastuctureEstablished in 1851, the University of Minnesota spans across Minneapolis and St. Paul. Roughly 40% of the buildings on campus are more than 50 years old, and the work on these two campus staples are part of upgrades needed to remain competitive in top academic and athletic programs.
Over the past two years, Egan has worked to upgrade the 64-year-old Mechanical Engineering building infrastructure, providing new plumbing and HVAC systems including a roof penthouse to house the mechanical equipment and protect it from the elements. In 2016, new owner-supplied lab equipment was ready to be connected to the new systems – while the upgrades to locker rooms at Mariucci were also scheduled to begin.
Built over 20 years ago, the University of Minnesota’s Golden Gophers men’s hockey team calls Mariucci Arena home. Since its construction, the Arena received minimal upgrades. And, in order to stay competitive with other top hockey programs across the country, Mariucci’s dated look needed a face-lift and modern amenities.
In April, with just four short months to complete the work, the team installed an all-new plumbing system throughout the locker room. A brand new hydrotherapy room featured two hydrotherapy tubs – one hot and one cold – and a dehumidification unit.
In May, the team began an upgrade to the Mechanical Engineering labs by installing the sinks, fume hoods, chilled water, compressed air, and other lab fit-outs and connect them to the previously installed mechanical systems.
Meanwhile, at Mariucci, the locker rooms were getting a much needed amenity upgrade. As you can imagine, a locker room has the potential to be a smelly and damp place. To alleviate some of this, the dehumidification units exhaust more air than usual into the room. It also offers a unique feature for the Gophers’ players: each locker has an exhaust fan that helps dry out equipment kept in the lockers.
Egan also installed an energy recovery unit as a part of the main air handling unit to help remove humidity from incoming fresh air. This energy recovery unit was a standard size, but barely fit through the double doors leading to the locker room.
“The unit had screws that popped out a few inches too far, making the unit unable to fit through the door unless each screw was removed and then reattached,” said Jake Marchiafava, Egan Company Project Manager. “It took six Egan crew members all day to move this unit into the facility, two feet at a time.”
All work was completed in time for the Golden Gophers to begin practicing for the 2016-2017 season and for Mechanical Engineering students to begin using the new lab equipment.
“The success of these projects came down to the crew effectively managing their time,” Marchiafava said. “It was helpful that Mortenson was on both projects – they set a realistic schedule that helped both projects run smoothly.”
Project Team: M.A. Mortenson, University of Minnesota
Services Provided: Plumbing, Pipefitting, Sheet Metal