Signature Projects: West Michigan
Feyen Zylstra has worked throughout the Midwest and across the US. Here's a sampling of some of the most important and noteworthy projects in the history of West Michigan:
Gerald R. Ford Airport Renovations
We partnered with another local company under the name ElecTech for this project. The remodeling and expansion of the airport's existing terminal building included new lighting, new and upgraded electrical service distribution, HVAC systems, security systems, baggage handling, telephone, voice, and data systems. One of the challenges involved accommodating more than a million passengers walking through our jobsite during the course of demolition, renovation, and new construction. Coordination of power and communication was required not only with the airport personnel and the construction professionals, but the various airlines and car rental companies. Another major challenge was the integration of numerous power, low voltage, and radar systems that had to be protected for the Federal Aviation Control Tower. There was zero tolerance for unplanned outages or safety issues. The mantra on the jobsite was to "stay off page one of the Grand Rapids Press."
De Vos Place
Convention Center
This was the largest public works project in Kent County history. In combination with two other local companies under the banner of Electech II, we were able to turn a challenging set of circumstances into a beautiful and welcome boost for convention and tourism business in the area.
We started with a $1 million design/assist contract, later amended by an $11 million change order! Unprecedented mechanical/electrical project management and coordination allowed us to regain schedule deadlines after the project encountered foundation issues along the Grand River. The project was finished ahead of schedule.
JW Marriott Grand Rapids
Few contractors ever get the chance to work on these properties, the most elite bearing the Marriott name (there are only 15 JW Marriott hotels in the United States, and fewer than 50 worldwide). The hotel provides its guests unprecedented amenities, including advanced internet and communications options in guest rooms and throughout the hotel.
Feyen Zylstra was selected to install the low-rise electrical components and systems for the building at the foundation and lower public levels, and low voltage network cabling systems for the hotel. At the project's conclusion, our work was praised by representatives of the firm managing the construction, who called Feyen Zylstra "the best contractor on the site" and "what a contractor should be."
Van Andel Institute
A preeminent new life sciences facility in the heart of a growing medical corridor, the Van Andel Institute—another joint venture—faced design and budget challenges. But once again, tight mechanical/electrical project management carried the project to a very successful conclusion.
One key design alteration we suggested was moving the building’s diesel generator, planned for the roof, to another location. The possibility of fumes, spills, and vibrations made the roof an unwise choice for a research facility. Service access is also much easier in its new location.
