Cedar Rapids-based heavy civil construction firm Wendler Inc. walked away from the 2026 Master Builders of Iowa Winter Conference with two of the event’s most prestigious recognitions, celebrating both an ambitious flood protection project and an emerging leader within its ranks.
The conference, held Feb. 25 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, saw Wendler receive the Masters Award in the $15–$40 million category for its work on the City of Cedar Rapids’ 12th Avenue Pump Station. Project Manager Kendra Lyon was separately honored with the Master Builder Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and the advancement of Iowa’s commercial construction industry.
The 12th Avenue Pump Station represents a cornerstone of Cedar Rapids’ long-term flood protection strategy. Designed to shield the Czech Village, the National Czech and Slovak Museum, and southwest-side neighborhoods from flood levels more than three feet above those seen during the catastrophic 2008 floods, the facility is the largest pump station in the city, according to a news release.
At its core, the station houses two 42-inch vertical mixed-flow pumps capable of moving more than 75,000 gallons per minute — with infrastructure in place to expand to four pumps down the line. The project also includes a reinforced concrete floodwall and flood gate.
Completing the work required far more than technical skill. Situated less than 30 feet from the water’s edge and 14 feet below the riverbed, Wendler’s crews contended with extreme weather, fluctuating river levels, repeated flood events, and persistent groundwater intrusion throughout construction.
Despite those challenges, the project — completed in 2025 — finished $2.8 million under budget, a savings of nearly 10 percent. Wendler credited advanced 3D modeling, shotcrete shoring systems, and proactive value engineering for the cost efficiency.
“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,” said Jamie Rich, president of Wendler Inc.
Ms. Lyon’s individual honor underscored Wendler’s emphasis on cultivating talent from within. Mr. Rich described his as emblematic of a company culture where “professional development, safety, and quality go hand in hand.”
Founded in 1973, Wendler Inc. has built its reputation over five decades on water and wastewater infrastructure, flood protection, and other complex municipal projects across Iowa.
