Bernards

Scope Of Work

Bernards was selected by Frew Nations Group, a leading real estate development company, to implement the renovation and expansion of the downtown Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. The multi-phased project included the renovation of the 10,000 seat U.S. Cellular Arena, the 267-room Doubletree Hotel by Hilton, and the 200,000 SF expansion of the Convention Center – which increased the complex size to 435,000 SF – making it the second largest convention center in the State of Iowa.

The Bernards team took all necessary measures to assure a safe and seamless implosion, including acquiring all necessary permits and approvals from at least 20 different entities. Safety precautions included blocking all streets within 1,000 feet of the building; street and interstate closures; fire, police, and emergency vehicles on standby; and designated spectator and media areas.

Bernards finished the project on schedule, enduring constant design changes due to a significant portion of the Project being built on a 100+ year old building site, which lead to encountering many underground unforeseen structures.