• Posted: December 11, 2023
• Advocate South Suburban Hospital, BIM, Building Information Modeling, Continental Electric, Elbert Walters III, Gurtz Electric, Jamerson and Bauwens, JMS Electric, John Weir, Kelso-Burnett, Lincolnwood, Low Voltage Solutions, Maron Electric, Pieper Construction, POB, Renewabl, RJL Group, South Suburbs, Spot, The Power of Better, Tim Cuga, Trimble, YouTube, Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood, Ziegler Buick GMC

 

The Power of Better episode 8 unveils the extraordinary projects led by Powering Chicago’s Contractors and IBEW Local 134 Union Electricians. Join Elbert Walters III, Executive Director of Powering Chicago, as he guides us through a series of groundbreaking initiatives that redefine the standards of electrical craftsmanship and innovation.

Renewable Energy Ventures:

RJL Group and Pieper Construction collaborate on a solar field, showcasing 1,400 solar panels generating 700 kilowatt-hours annually for Advocate South Suburban Medical Center.

John Weir from Kelso-Burnett employs drones to finalize residential projects and conduct rooftop surveys for suburban commercial solar array installations, like the ones at Advocate South Suburban Medical Center.

Jamerson and Bauwens are engaged in projects focused on the electric vehicle revolution, installing electric vehicle charging stations at locations like Ziegler Buick GMC in Lincolnwood, featuring Level Two and Level Three chargers.

Technological Advancements in Construction:

At Continental Electric in Berkeley, they’ve fully adopted prefabrication, leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM), computer-generated graphics, to ensure the exact specifications are communicated to clients. This approach has proven instrumental in significantly reducing project timelines, sometimes from the standard 2-3 weeks down to an impressively streamlined 1-2 days.

Innovations in Efficiency and Technology:

In pursuit of efficiency, Maron Electric utilizes Trimble technology, including the robotic dog, Spot. This innovative approach not only expedites installation time, but also results in a safer working environment. The resulting cost-effectiveness is a testament to the success of leveraging advanced technology in electrical projects.

Smart Solutions for Modern Living:

Gurtz Electric introduces smart technology in the 70 story 1000M Building, located in the South Loop, offering residents control over lighting, elevators, and rent payments through smartphones. 

“It’s integrating everything right through your phone so you’re not carrying around your keys and key fobs,” Tim Cuga Moylan from Gurtz Electric explains.

Revitalizing Historic Spaces, State of the Art AV, and New Construction:

JMS Electric takes on the renovation of historic buildings like the Ramova Theater in Bridgeport, providing it with all new electrical systems while maintaining it’s neoclassical and Spanish revival architecture.  

Low Voltage Solutions demonstrates their expertise for High School District 230, in the South Suburbs of Chicago, where they orchestrated a comprehensive overhaul of the audiovisual systems in gyms and stadiums.

Linear Electric, however, is taking on an all new project at Homewood Brewing Company, ensuring the reliable and consistent functioning of motor control systems critical to brewing operations.

These project categories showcase the diverse skills and innovation of Powering Chicago Electrical Contractors. Each project is a testament to the commitment to excellence, from harnessing renewable energy to integrating advanced technologies into construction practices. To see the in-depth exploration of these transformative projects, catch the latest episode on Powering Chicago’s YouTube channel.