Newly Renovated Siebens Forum Delivered Ahead of Schedule for Grand Opening

Following an intense seven-month construction schedule, the newly renovated Harold Walter Siebens School of Business on the campus of Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, opened in January.

More commonly known as Siebens Forum, the 75,000-square-foot design-build project was completed in two phases. The first phase covered two-thirds of the project scope (50,000 square feet). The most critical activity was demolishing and rebuilding the entire kitchen and dining areas to upgrade to a commercial grade kitchen with a modern atmosphere to dine. A new bookstore, game room, mailroom and restrooms were also part of the initial phase, which was completed on schedule in 11 weeks prior to the start of the 2018-19 school year.

Additional renovations made through the second phase of the project were contemporary, modular workstations and seating areas; a bar and restaurant; and new classrooms, including the Robert L. Peterson Commodity Trading Room with a real-time stock ticker. Natural lighting and views outside to the campus and lake were also enhanced.

The entire project was finished ahead of schedule in November 2018, allowing Buena Vista University to plan and hold its grand opening prior to the start of the second semester.

“Siebens Forum was such a great success due to Lean delivery and consistent communication. Trade partners local to the area and from six surrounding cities were crucial to getting the project delivered on time and under budget,” said The Weitz Company Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Tousley.

Working with Weitz on the design-build team was St. Paul, Minn.-based architect BWBR, Ace Electric, Baker Group and Viking Fire Protection. The collaborative atmosphere and Lean disciplines the entire design-build team maintained significantly contributed to the project finishing ahead of schedule.

Target value analysis was conducted by The Weitz Company to keep the project on budget.