UVA Credit Union in Charlottesville
Blauch Brothers delivered the mechanical and plumbing scope at the UVA Credit Union headquarters in Charlottesville, VA, handling everything from underground infrastructure to final fixture installation.
From the early phases of construction through the finishing details, we installed storm lines, storm drains, sanitary and domestic water systems, condensate drains connected to HVAC equipment, and finish plumbing throughout the building. On the mechanical side, we also supported the HVAC systems that keep the facility operating efficiently, including above-ceiling work that tied into equipment throughout the building. We also prefabricated portions of the underground plumbing in our shop, improving consistency and keeping installation efficient in the field.
“Iron sharpens iron and the general contractor really worked with us to make sure that we're at the top of our game as far as safety and quality goes”, said Blauch Brother’s Project Manager, John Becker.
That standard pushed everyone on site to stay aligned, solve challenges quickly, and maintain a high level of coordination, quality, and clean installation from start to finish.
A Mechanical & Plumbing Scope Built From the Ground Up
This was a ground up build that required a high level of coordination, precision, and accountability from the start. From underground utilities to above-ceiling distribution, we installed the core piping and mechanical systems this facility runs on every day. It's the infrastructure that makes the entire building operate as one coordinated system.
Every component had to perform reliably from the moment the doors opened. Storm drainage, sanitary piping, domestic water, condensate, and HVAC support systems were all installed with precision and accountability. These are the systems that rarely get noticed once construction wraps up, but they are what determine how well the building operates over time. That is where the focus stays. Not just on getting systems in place, but on building them in a way that delivers long term performance without compromise.
Precision Water Tempering
One of the standout features of this project is the water tempering system. To meet strict safety and inspection standards, we installed dedicated mixing stations that regulate water temperature before it is distributed throughout the building. From there, individual valves at each fixture allow for further adjustment to ensure consistent performance at every point of use. Systems like this demand attention to detail, thoughtful layout, and a clear understanding of how everything works together once the building is operational.
Precision Shows Up in the Details
In this project, precision showed up in the details that often drive coordination challenges if they are not handled correctly the first time. One example was the building’s complex water temperature control system. With a central mixing station establishing baseline tempered water and additional point of use mixing valves, installation accuracy directly impacted how the system could be balanced.
Because the piping layout, elevations, and fixture connections were executed with consistency from underground rough in through final trim, the system required fewer field adjustments during startup, and reduced friction during coordination with other trades. The same approach carried through the rest of the mechanical and plumbing scope, where careful installation sequencing and shop prefabrication helped keep field conditions predictable and controlled.
the Blauch Brothers Standard
Every project is an opportunity to prove what dependable craftsmanship looks like in practice. On the UVA Credit Union headquarters, we executed the work through prefabrication, tight coordination, and precise field installation from start to finish.
That commitment did not go unnoticed. Here is what the team at Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the general contractor on the project, had to say about working with our team:
“Our team selected Blauch Brothers to perform the mechanical and plumbing scopes for the project. Though our company had worked with Blauch in the past, our Charlottesville personnel had not. While embarking into a new project with a new client, with a new subcontractor for us, there was obvious risk involved. But from the get go, the Blauch team hit the ground running. Their BIM coordination team was top notch, and successfully completed the effort on schedule with little to no conflicts come construction time. Each member of their team was very approachable, and helped our team work through all of the normal project coordination tasks throughout. Lastly, it was the first project in my experience where the mechanical scope was able to be completed with a clean TAB report on the first try. Overall, it was a positive experience for our team, and I feel like this was a great first project between our local Charlottesville group and Blauch, and we were able to develop a partnership that will continue on for years to come.” — Matthew Sharp, Project Manager, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.
Whether it is in Charlottesville or across Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, we deliver mechanical and plumbing systems built with precision, accountability, and long term performance in mind.
