Local 111 builds new training facility next to Escanaba hall

Escanaba, Michigan, October 11, 2025

News Summary

Construction is underway on a $3 million expansion adjacent to the UA Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC Local 111 hall in Escanaba. The project will increase training square footage by 300% and add a dedicated classroom, computer lab, plumbing lab, HVAC/R lab, and industrial piping lab. Design features include exposed plumbing and mechanical runs for hands-on demonstration and upgrades at the existing facility such as more welding booths and improved ventilation. Roy Ness Contracting leads the work with several subcontractors contributing. The expansion aims to modernize training and accommodate evolving industry techniques and equipment.

Escanaba UA Local 111 builds new training facility on 27th Avenue North with exposed-wall demos, $3M project to triple training space

Oct. 11, 2025 — Construction update

Construction is underway at a site on 27th Avenue North immediately west of the UA Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC Local 111 hall in Escanaba. The project will expand training capacity for the labor organization known as United Association Plumbers, Pipefitters and HVAC/R Technicians Local 111. The work includes a new building next door, upgrades to the existing facility, and special demonstrations that expose building systems normally hidden from view.

The entire project will cost about $3 million and is being financed. The budget covers the new construction plus upgrades to the current premises. Work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

What the new facility will provide

In April (year implied within article), Local 111 broke ground on land next door at 2611 N. 27th Ave. The new building will increase the square footage available for training by 300 percent. It will include a dedicated classroom, a computer lab, a plumbing lab, an HVAC/R lab, and an industrial piping lab. Portions of the plumbing and mechanical systems in the new building will be exposed so visitors can see what’s usually hidden in walls, ceilings, and mechanical rooms. The current facility is being upgraded to add more welding booths and to improve the ventilation system.

Why the expansion is happening

Training Coordinator John Antoncew speaks for the UP Plumbers & Pipefitters Educational Fund and says demand and technology are driving the changes. He notes that there is a big demand for skilled tradespeople right now, and technology is always changing. Antoncew listed examples of change including new welding processes, BIM (Building Information Modeling), new pipe-joining methods, and constant advances in heating and refrigeration equipment. He also described the union as having “really outgrown the current facility” and outlined the broader range of member work, including installing and servicing water and drainage piping, plumbing fixtures, natural gas piping, boilers and heating piping, industrial piping, and air conditioning and refrigeration.

Current facilities, workforce and history

The Escanaba hall has a 4,000-square-foot training center attached. The existing training center is used for training around 55 apprentices and to keep journeypersons up to date on techniques, code and safety. About 450 active members belong to Local 111. Local 111 represents the workforce of the Upper Peninsula and Niagara, Wis. Local 111 has offices and facilities in Escanaba and Marquette. Local 111’s hall in Escanaba is located at 2601 N. 30th St. Local 111’s Marquette premises are at 119 S. Front St.

Historically six different organizations across the U.P. used to serve workers in plumbing, pipefitting and HVAC industries decades ago. The union in Marquette was chartered in 1946 and covered seven counties. Members of the Marquette union worked on projects at Northern Michigan University, K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan Technological University, Marquette General Hospital, Marquette State Branch Prison, The Empire Mine, Tilden Mine, the Upper Peninsula Power Company, The Marquette City Electrical Power Utility Company, and Copper Range. A handful of consolidations resulted in the current Local 111 setup. The final merger in 1997 brought Locals 414 and 728 into Local 506. In 2007 a new charter created Local 111, essentially renaming what had been Local 506.

Contractors and technical partners

Roy Ness Contracting is the general contractor for the project. Dynamic Design Group is performing engineering and contract administration. Master Electric is performing the electrical work. United Contractors Inc. is performing plumbing and mechanical work. Johnson Controls is providing building HVAC/R controls. Several other subcontractors are also contributing to the project.

The project design features hands-on learning with visible systems and a mix of classroom and lab spaces. The exposed-wall approach is meant to help apprentices and journeypersons see how mechanical systems actually connect and operate, not just how they are drawn in plans.

Schedule and financing

Construction began after the April groundbreaking and proceeds alongside work to upgrade the existing building. The project is financed through sources assembled by the union and its educational fund. Completion is planned by the end of the year.

Photo credit: R. R. Branstrom.

FAQ

Where is construction taking place?

Construction is underway at a site on 27th Avenue North immediately west of the UA Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC Local 111 hall in Escanaba.

How much will the project cost?

The entire project will cost about $3 million and is being financed.

How much will training space increase?

The new building will increase the square footage available for training by 300 percent.

When did the union break ground on the new building?

In April (year implied within article), Local 111 broke ground on land next door at 2611 N. 27th Ave.

Will any building systems be exposed for demonstration?

Portions of the plumbing and mechanical systems in the new building will be exposed so visitors can see what’s usually hidden in walls, ceilings, and mechanical rooms.

What upgrades are being made to the current facility?

The current facility is being upgraded to add more welding booths and to improve the ventilation system.

How many apprentices does the current training center serve?

The existing training center is used for training around 55 apprentices and to keep journeypersons up to date on techniques, code and safety.

How many active members belong to Local 111?

About 450 active members belong to Local 111.

Where is Local 111’s Escanaba hall located?

Local 111’s hall in Escanaba is located at 2601 N. 30th St.

Who is the general contractor?

Roy Ness Contracting is the general contractor for the project.

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Key features of the project

Feature Detail
Location 27th Avenue North immediately west of the UA Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC Local 111 hall in Escanaba; new parcel at 2611 N. 27th Ave
Cost $3 million
Training space increase Increase the square footage available for training by 300 percent
New labs Dedicated classroom; computer lab; plumbing lab; HVAC/R lab; industrial piping lab
Visible demonstrations Portions of the plumbing and mechanical systems exposed for viewing
Existing training center 4,000-square-foot training center attached to Escanaba hall; used for training around 55 apprentices
Membership About 450 active members; represents the workforce of the Upper Peninsula and Niagara, Wis.
General contractor Roy Ness Contracting
Other major contractors Dynamic Design Group; Master Electric; United Contractors Inc.; Johnson Controls
Schedule Work is expected to be completed by the end of the year

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