CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — Heavy civil construction firm Wendler Inc. was recognized with two major honors at the 2026 Master Builders of Iowa (MBI) Winter Conference, held at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
The Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based company received the Masters Award ($15 million to $40 million category) for its work on the City of Cedar Rapids’ 12th Avenue Pump Station project, while Wendler Project Manager Kendra Lyon was presented with the Master Builder Achievement Award for her commitment to professional development and industry advancement.
The 12th Avenue Pump Station is a critical link in the City of Cedar Rapids’ long-term flood protection system, designed to defend surrounding neighborhoods and landmarks, including the Czech Village, the National Czech and Slovak Museum, and neighborhoods on the southwest side of the river.
The project, which includes the pump station, a reinforced concrete floodwall, and flood gate, is built to protect surrounding areas from water rising more than 3 feet above 2008 flood levels. As the largest pump station in Cedar Rapids, it houses two 42-inch vertical mixed-flow pumps capable of moving more than 75,000 gallons per minute, with the ability to increase to four pumps in the future.
Wendler’s work on the project required precise coordination with municipal leaders, design partners, and local stakeholders. It also presented a host of technical challenges. Situated less than 30 feet from the water’s edge and 14 feet below the bottom of the river, Wendler’s team worked under constantly shifting conditions, including extreme weather, rising and falling river levels, repeated flood events, and constant groundwater intrusion.
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Completed in 2025, the final project came in $2.8 million, or nearly 10 percent, under its original projected cost due to a variety of innovations, including the use of advanced 3D modeling, shotcrete shoring systems, and proactive value engineering.
“This award reflects the kind of work our team takes pride in every day,” said Jamie Rich, President of Wendler Inc. “The 12th Avenue Pump Station wasn’t just about building a structure; it was about delivering a reliable solution that the community can depend on for decades. We’re proud of the partnership behind this project and the craftsmanship our team brought to the table.”
In addition to the project award, Lyon was honored with the Master Builder Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who invest in personal growth while advancing the standards of Iowa’s commercial construction industry.
“Kendra represents the next generation of leadership in our industry,” Rich said. “Her dedication to learning and improving reflects the culture we’re proud to build at Wendler — one where professional development, safety, and quality go hand in hand.”
