Sometimes construction of a new building calls for the same skills as a retrofit or renovation.
Teague Electric Construction, Inc., Lenexa, Kan., learned just that when it took on the challenge of building all the lighting, A/V and security systems for Raglan Road Irish Pub, one of the first retail storefronts to open near the Sprint Center entertainment district in downtown Kansas City, Mo.
The project, which required the construction team to mix authentic Irish pub components with new finishes and furnishings, became one of Teague Electric’s most challenging—yet rewarding—projects to date.
Teague Electric selected the new lighting fixtures, lamps and equipment, while the project owner sourced the antique lighting fixtures from two different British suppliers.
Working in coordination with Kansas City-based general contractor
Harris/Wilson Construction, Teague Electric self-performed 90 percent of the electrical work, which included installing the dimming systems, circuitry for the kitchen equipment, conduit and coax cabling for the television equipment, and junction boxes for the A/V, temperature control and security systems.
Teague Electric crew members showed off their problem-solving abilities when mixing the old with the new. They took great care to minimize any damage to the antique wood while cutting low-voltage recessed lights into the cabinets and bar, and showed attention to detail while installing recessed and cove lighting in the elaborate imported ceiling molding.
Two chandelier fixtures presented a particular challenge when the foreign mounting system was not compatible with American systems.
“The European fixtures were much smaller than our American fixtures,” says Paul Saunders, commercial manager and vice president of Teague Electric. “We had to do some research and check with the manufacturer, and we ended up rewiring the fixtures to make them fit.”
At times, nearly 80 crew members were crammed into a small space, requiring every subcontractor to be respectful of each other’s work flow. “Electrical is in every niche and corner of a restaurant like that, so you’re really coordinating with every sub,” Saunders says.
Using innovative programs for personnel management, quality control, scheduling and value analysis, Teague Electric addressed issues before they became problems and made the most efficient use of its time on the jobsite. Ultimately, the job was completed five days ahead of schedule and within the owner’s budget.
“We won this project because we have a reputation for getting a job done on time,” Saunders says. “They needed someone who would get in there and push to get the project done.”
And that they did. Construction was completed in March 2008, in time to draw a crowd for the Big 12 Conference Men’s Basketball Championship tournament.