Twenty years ago, Ben started with The Weitz Company as an intern, working while he earned his Construction Engineering degree at Iowa State University. From project engineer to his current role as General Manager of Aviation, Ben’s career is a testament to what’s possible when hard work and growth align. 

Ben joined Weitz full-time in 2006, and over the years, he’s taken on a wide range of operating roles, each time bringing fresh ideas, unwavering dedication, and a willingness to push the boundaries of what’s expected. His leadership has helped shape some of our most significant projects, including the Des Moines Downtown Hilton Hotel and the $1.5 billion Kansas City International Airport New Terminal, an incredibly successful project for our company. 

As Ben reflects on his career, he realizes his growth, both personal and professional. With every step and every project, he embraced change, tackled challenges head-on, and brought great success in many aspects to the company.  

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to grow my career at a company that’s given me so many opportunities to learn, lead, and make an impact. From starting as an intern to building our aviation team, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by great people and meaningful projects every step of the way. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and excited for all of the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Ben Bunge, Aviation General Manager | The Weitz Company

Today, Ben leads a dynamic and rapidly growing aviation team delivering cutting-edge solutions at airports across the country. A current project back home at the Des Moines International Airport is underway, and is already hitting major milestone for the company, and the Central Iowa community. Under his leadership, Weitz’s aviation work continues to gain momentum, driving excellence in delivery, collaboration, and innovation. 

We’re incredibly proud to recognize Ben’s 20 years with Weitz. His story is not only a reflection of his hard work and determination but also a perfect example of what it means to grow with Weitz. Congratulations, Ben! 

The post Ben Bunge: Recognizing Two Decades of Leadership  appeared first on Weitz.

With 170 years of experience as a trusted general contractor and over 75 years of expertise in Industrial construction, The Weitz Company is a leader in delivering innovative, sustainable energy solutions. Our proven track record in biofuels (ethanol and corn oil), carbon capture, renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen generation position us at the forefront of the green energy sector. Supported by projects like EH2‘s Project Roadrunner, Natgasoline’s Methonal Facility, Western Dubuque Biodiesel, and more, Weitz is a committed and collaborative partner for green energy solutions.

In this White Paper, Jesse Hammes, Vice President, Industrial | The Weitz Company, and Dan Dennell, Sr. Business Development Manager, Industrial | The Weitz Company, dive into the company’s commitment to green energy and the increasing demand for sustainable, low carbon solutions in the industrial green energy market.

The post Building The Future Of Green Energy appeared first on Weitz.

Preconstruction is a key phase that significantly influences the success and flow of the project timeline. This phase of a project contains vital process such as the Preconstruction to Operations Turnover Meeting, Site Logistics and Phasing, Constructability Review, Hoisting Analysis, General Conditions, and
more. In this White Paper, Andy Gardner, Preconstruction Director | The Weitz Company, expands on the critical role of preconstruction when it comes to setting a data center project up for success. He dives into key topics including site and logistics planning, constructability reviews, and cost documenting, expanding how each of these items can impact the overall project later on.

This white paper is a part of the Weitz Mission Critical Playbook, a companywide data center construction training tool to ensure our teams have the tools they need to succeed no mater where they are building.

The post The Critical Role Of Preconstruction in Data Center Construction appeared first on Weitz.

As AI and cloud demand accelerate, Weitz is helping deliver advanced, resilient data center facilities to support this growth. “These projects are pushing the boundaries of power and cooling systems, requiring sophisticated electrical and mechanical solutions that are reshaping how we think about resilient, scalable infrastructure,” Lamb shared in the article.

Weitz is currently building a 192-MW data center campus in West Des Moines, part of the company’s commitment to supporting technology-driven projects and sustainable infrastructure in the region.

Learn more about Des Moines data center hub growth and about our data center construction experience at: https://www.weitz.com/projects/?_project_type=data-centers

The post In The News: Des Moines Emerges as Data Center Hub appeared first on Weitz.

At The Weitz Company, we believe true success is rooted in a long-term perspective. “Delivering Today with an Eye on Tomorrow” means every decision we make is guided by the goal of building lasting value for our clients, partners, and communities. We look beyond immediate needs to anticipate future challenges and seize opportunities that protect and enhance the future of our clients. 

From the materials we choose to the relationships we foster, our focus is on delivering solutions that support progressive, forward-thinking outcomes while upholding safety, quality, and integrity. We listen carefully, communicate openly, and act with intention, ensuring every project is designed and built to create a meaningful, positive impact for generations to come. 

At Weitz, our legacy is shaped by the enduring trust we build through projects that perform not just for today, but for the future. We remain committed to innovation, proactive problem-solving, and sustainable practices that advance our clients’ long-term goals. Building a better tomorrow starts with decisions made today, and we are honored to deliver on that promise with every project we undertake. 

The post Long-Term Perspective: Building a Future That Lasts appeared first on Weitz.

A great airport ticketing system is more than just kiosks and desks, it’s a highly-engineered interface between passengers, systems, and infrastructure. Getting it right, the first time, empowers the entire airport to operate efficiently. Ticketing systems are critical to an airport’s infrastructure, making early collaboration between airlines, designers, owners, and contractors essential to ensure the space functions successfully.

Hear From Our Airport Ticketing System Expert 

Ally Schaer, Assistant Project Manager for The Weitz Company | Aviation, focused on the build outs of airport ticketing systems for both Kansas City International Airport’s New Terminal and the Des Moines International Airport Terminal project that’s currently under construction. She has experienced firsthand how vital ticketing systems are to ensure a premier passenger experience, support connected systems and avoid future retrofitting that can be disruptive and expensive for airlines and clients. 

In the video below, Ally expands on how early collaboration is vital to building a ticketing system that will support all airport functions for continual growth. 

Connection Is Key 

In addition to early collaboration, understanding how ticketing impacts other airport systems is vital to creating a thoughtful and efficient design in the preconstruction phase of a project. During this planning phase it’s important to keep these points in mind: 

• An airport ticketing system is the gateway to airport operations, shaping passenger experience, brand perception, and the efficiency of everything that follows, from bag drop to boarding. 

• Ticketing sets the flow of passengers into downstream systems like baggage handling, security, and queue management. Poor design here creates ripple effects across the entire terminal. 

• Accurate, real-time data is critical, as ticketing interfaces with TSA CBIS, Secure Flight, CBP, and airline platforms. Missteps affect both security screening and baggage tracking. 

• Ticketing is deeply integrated with airport infrastructure, including IT networks, biometrics, ADA compliance, fire/life safety, power systems, and structural design, especially in retrofit conditions. 

• Retrofitting ticketing areas is highly disruptive, requiring phased coordination with airlines, operations, and security due to their location in high-traffic, mission-critical zones. 

At the end of the day, a well-designed and built airport ticketing system makes travel feel effortless. But behind the scenes, it’s one of the most complex pieces of airport infrastructure and one our Aviation team takes great pride in building to serve travelers for generations to come.

The post Airport Ticketing System Design: Expert Insights for Efficiency and Integration  appeared first on Weitz.

This experience was designed to align participants around the core principles of Lean IPD and provide an in-depth understanding of the behaviors that drive project success. From foundational concepts to practical applications, the workshop served as a catalyst for further internal development and reinforced our culture of teamwork and continuous improvement. 

The training focused on building a shared understanding of Lean IPD. Lean IPD is an approach that integrates people, systems, business structures, and practices into a collaborative process that optimizes project results. Through guided discussion and interactive learning, our team gained clarity on the key behavioral drivers that make Lean IPD successful, including trust, transparency, shared risk/reward, and collective accountability. 

 “This training fostered conversations amongst our team that laid a strong foundation for expanding our internal capabilities and cultivating a deeper culture of innovation and discipline in project execution. We’re already putting these principles into practice across several active projects, reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement and collaborative delivery.”

Mike Grim, Preconstruction Manager II, The Weitz Company | Industrial 

A major highlight of the workshop was the in-depth exploration of Target Value Delivery/Design (TVD). Participants engaged in exercises and discussed current projects that demonstrated how TVD can be used to align scope, budget, and schedule early in design and maintain that alignment throughout the life of a project. The training also introduced the validation process, reinforcing the importance of rigorous early analysis and iterative design to meet client goals without sacrificing value. Our Weitz team is currently leveraging TVD practices on a variety of projects across our company including:

• Confidential Manufacturing Facility (Ohio)
• Des Moines International Airport New Terminal
• Kansas City International Airport New Terminal

In addition to knowledge transfer, the workshop helped set the stage for future internal development. Team members discussed how to apply Lean IPD and TVD principles across current and upcoming projects. 

The workshop also included structured team building and reflection. These exercises strengthened cross-functional relationships, encouraged open dialogue, and reinforced our commitment to high-performing teams. As always, our people are our greatest asset and when we invest in their growth, we invest in the future of our company and our clients’ success. 

The post Lean IPD & TVD Training Expands Weitz’s Innovative Approach to Industrial Construction  appeared first on Weitz.

Hilton Downtown Des Moines exemplifies our ability to lead complex urban developments. This $101M, full-service hotel brought together 330 guest rooms, expansive ballrooms, tech lounges, and more—delivered in close partnership with Polk County, Iowa, and DLR Group. Notably, it featured Iowa’s first 100% prefabricated bathroom PODs, cutting waste by 50% and shaving months off the schedule. 

In Colorado, Snowmass Base Village demonstrates our expertise in managing large-scale, mixed-use developments in unique environments. This $170.7M, LEED Silver project delivered 89 luxury condos, retail, a children’s learning center, a 500-car garage, and a regional transit hub, all of which are seamlessly integrated into the alpine landscape through close coordination with town officials, residents, and business owners. 

The Breakers of Palm Beach showcases our long-standing partnership with one of North America’s premier luxury resorts. Since 1992, we’ve completed over 150 fast-track renovations totaling over $600 million while the hotel remained fully operational throughout construction. From the Seafood Bar to the new World-Class Tennis & Racquet Facilities, our work reflects a commitment to discretion, quality, and preserving the property’s historic charm. 

Our legacy projects in Florida reflect the long-term trust and performance that define our hospitality work. Our 11-project, decade-long partnership with John’s Island Club showcases our ability to deliver refined amenities tailored to exclusive coastal living, including a two-story clubhouse, beachfront cafe, and wine bar. At The Club at Ibis, our 28-year relationship has produced five major upgrades, including a 27,300 SF clubhouse expansion with private dining, locker rooms, and a vibrant outdoor pub deck. At Bella Collina, we brought a Tuscan-inspired vision to life with a 63,000 SF clubhouse featuring handcrafted finishes, spa, wine room, and extensive outdoor amenities. This level of continuity and craftsmanship in the clubhouse sector sets Weitz apart in the hospitality space. 

From snowy mountain resorts to beachfront clubs, Weitz brings unmatched hospitality construction expertise and resulting in a unique and custom-tailored experience that align with our client’s overall brand and vision. From preconstruction to close out, Weitz strives to build a deep understanding of the experience our clients are aiming to achieve and seek out ways to best deliver at every phase to ensure an end result that feels cohesive.  

Learn more about Weitz’s hospitality experience at: https://www.weitz.com/projects/?_project_type=hospitality 

The post Hospitality Construction Expertise Rooted in Collaboration and Community appeared first on Weitz.

Weitz Supply Chain offers more than building products and distribution. We deliver a full-service design-assist, design review, value engineering, sourcing, purchasing and turnkey installations solutions for various clients throughout the United States. Our expertise in these categories, combined with our vast product knowledge and national partnerships, enable us to provide our customers with competitive pricing, quality products and reliable delivery.

We are constantly monitoring the economic conditions of the construction market relating to lead times and price escalation. Below is a recap of our key findings.

The post July 2025: Weitz Supply Chain Lead Times & Escalations Report appeared first on Weitz.

The 16-story building will total 275,608 square feet and feature a range of thoughtfully designed units to support attainable urban living. Over the next two years, Weitz and our dedicated partners will work collaboratively to bring this vision to life. We are grateful for the talented team members, design professionals, trade partners, and community stakeholders who will help make this project a success.

Congratulations to our team members, stakeholders, and partners on kicking off this transformative project!

Read more at Colorado Construction & Design.

The post The Weitz Company and Partners Break Ground on 3850 Blake Street Multi-Family Project appeared first on Weitz.