When a brand-new seven-story building goes up in the heart of Mankato, a lot has to happen behind the walls and above the ceilings before it’s ready for people to move in. The Eide Bailly Center is a striking example of what it takes to bring a modern commercial building to life – and Schwickert’s Tecta America played a major role in making it happen.
From the mechanical systems that keep the building comfortable and functional, to the eye-catching exterior panels that give it its distinctive look, Schwickert’s was on the job from the ground up. Here’s a closer look at what the team delivered.
The Project at a Glance
The Eide Bailly Center is a seven-story commercial building in Mankato, Minnesota, developed by Neubau Holdings and designed by ISG. General contractor Knutson Construction led the overall build, with Schwickert’s serving in two key roles: mechanical contractor and architectural sheet metal contractor. The project kicked off in June 2019 and was completed in October 2019, coming in at just over $2.2 million in scope.
Behind the Walls: Mechanical Systems That Make It Work
Before a building like the Eide Bailly Center can welcome a single tenant, it needs a full mechanical backbone. That means heating, cooling, plumbing, and drainage systems. These systems are not only functional, but built to support whatever businesses eventually move in. That’s exactly what Schwickert’s mechanical team delivered.
The job started at the top – literally. Large HVAC units were lifted and set into place on the roof by crane, a complex operation that requires precise coordination and an experienced crew. From those rooftop air handling units, the team ran large duct systems down through the building. The ductwork stretches to every floor, making sure conditioned air could flow to every corner of the space.
Keeping people warm is just as important as keeping them cool, so the team also installed hot water heat throughout each floor of the building. This kind of system is reliable, efficient, and well-suited for a Minnesota climate where winters can be brutal.
On the plumbing side, Schwickert’s installed full restrooms on three floors. They also handled storm drainage for both the building itself and the adjacent parking ramp, making sure rainwater and snowmelt have a clear path out of the structure. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes work that most people never think about, but without it, a building simply doesn’t function.
All of this was designed with future tenants in mind. Because the building was built to support a variety of businesses and uses, the mechanical systems needed to be flexible and ready for whatever build-outs would come later. Schwickert’s made sure that foundation was solid.
On the Outside: A Facade That Turns Heads
If the mechanical work is what makes the Eide Bailly Center function, the exterior panels are what make it stand out. Schwickert’s architectural sheet metal team was responsible for the building’s entire outer skin — and the result is something worth noticing.
The team installed 13,600 square feet of aluminum composite material, known as ACM, using Schwickert’s own WS-100 Wet-Seal system. ACM panels are a popular choice for modern commercial buildings because they’re lightweight, durable, and can be fabricated into clean, precise shapes that give a building a sharp, professional appearance.
For this project, two different finishes were used to create a layered, intentional look. Floors one through three feature Alpolic’s 4MM Fire Retardant material in a unique OGM Matte Green finish. Floors four through seven switch to Alpolic’s 4MM FR material in OPT Mica, a softer, complementary tone. Together, the two finishes work beautifully alongside the heavy use of locally quarried limestone and curtain wall glazing throughout the building’s design – a nod to the region’s natural materials and character.
But the visual result is only part of the story. Beneath the panels, the team installed a thermally broken furring system over the building’s exterior insulation sheathing. This is an important detail – a thermally broken system helps prevent heat from transferring through the building’s exterior, improving energy efficiency and protecting the structure long-term.
Coordinating a Large, Multi-System Project
What makes this project stand out isn’t just the square footage – it’s the coordination required to deliver two completely different roofing systems on the same building, on the same schedule, without disrupting an active public facility.
The Details That Made It Possible
What made this project especially complex was the level of precision required to pull it off. Every single furring channel and clip – approximately 10,000 of them – was laid out using CAD-based software. Each clip attaches a panel in its own unique spot on the building, meaning no two placements were exactly alike. That kind of custom, detail-oriented work requires serious planning and expertise.
To make it all work logistically, every panel was fabricated at Schwickert’s own shop in Mankato and delivered to the job site as needed. This was especially important because there was little to no storage space available on site. Having an in-house fabrication facility nearby made it possible to keep the project moving without delays or bottlenecks.
A Project Worth Being Proud Of
The Eide Bailly Center is the kind of project that showcases what Schwickert’s does best – showing up for complex, multi-trade work and delivering results that are built to last. From crane-set rooftop HVAC units to all of the precisely placed exterior panels, every piece of this project required skill, coordination, and attention to detail.
The building stands today as a landmark in downtown Mankato, and Schwickert’s is proud to have played a role in bringing it to life – from the inside out.
Have a Commercial Project Coming Up?
Whether you need mechanical systems, architectural sheet metal, or both, Schwickert’s Tecta America has the experience and the team to handle it. Contact us today to talk about your project and find out what we can do for you.