The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is one of North America’s largest unions, representing 901,000 active members working across a wide array of sectors including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads, solar, and government. Members also include retired employees. Since 1891, IBEW members have led the way in safety and education of their people, while driving the electrified economy forward every day.

IBEW Local Union 68 represents more than 2,000 members across 21 counties and surrounding areas in Northern and Central Colorado. The Local office was chartered on March 24, 1898, giving it more than a century of history in the region. 

In 2023, IBEW engaged HDR to provide architectural and engineering services for the full renovation of the existing IBEW Local Union Hall, located at 5660 Logan Street, in Denver. HDR’s architects and engineers were involved from concept design through to final delivery of this project.

HDR was responsible for the full interior renovation including a reorganized space plan, all new finishes and updated systems throughout the building, including private offices, public lobby and dispatch facilities, administrative spaces for daily transactions, and a Union Hall where all of the members can gather for meetings and celebrations. The aim was to refresh and modernize the space, making it more welcoming for both new and existing members, while respecting its rich history and remaining true to the community spirit and essential services that members and retirees continue to rely upon.

HDR’s project scope included blending architecture, interior design, lighting design, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP), site civil, structural, controls and cybersecurity, as well as fire and life safety services into one cohesive design solution. Throughout the building’s history, multiple additions and renovations had occurred, which led to some unusual discoveries during the initial site survey. Due to these complexities, having a fully local, integrated design team was critical for making coordinated, quick decisions during design and construction. Led by Tom Poth, project manager during construction, the multi–faceted team of experts stayed closely aligned through on-site meetings, multidisciplinary walkthroughs, a shared design model, and ongoing communication to address challenges and deliver a cohesive design solution.

Supporting the health and wellbeing of union members was central to the design and delivery of the new facility. The result is a brighter, safer, and more comfortable space for meetings, training sessions, and everyday work. Enhanced thermal comfort, greater access to natural light, strengthened social spaces, and an increased sense of pride, identity and belonging all contributed to the project's goals that align closely with IBEW’s core values. 

Design lead, Rebecca McFarland shared:

 “The leadership team at Local 68 was excellent to collaborate with. They were passionate advocates for their members, both past and present, while also considering how the organization may grow or evolve in the future.” 

Kim Vongries, project manager during design, had a special connection to this project.  

“My dad was an IBEW member for the duration of his career and is now a retiree of Local 8 in Ohio. While not the same facility, it was a truly special experience to be able to give back to this community and help the IBEW showcase the pride that the people inject into this space every day.”

The original part of the building, constructed in 1940, housed the large meeting hall where membership gatherings and union business take place. Over the years, as mechanical systems were expanded during various renovations, suspended ceiling systems and other elements were installed, concealing many of the historic architectural features. The new design peeled back decades of alterations to reveal the original structure and clerestory windows allowing daylight into the meeting hall and adjacent office spaces. The revitalized meeting hall, featuring a newly constructed stage, serves as the centerpiece of the project and is designed to host future membership gatherings and union business. 

The IBEW Local 68 renovation was completed in the fall of 2025. On October 18, the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially marked the grand opening, welcoming members, contractors and the project team to explore and experience the new space.

More than a building renovation, the IBEW Local Union Hall represents an investment in its people, purpose, and community. By modernizing critical building systems, enhancing member comfort and well-being, and restoring elements of the facility's architectural heritage, the project has created a space that honors the union's proud history while supporting its future. As a professional home for members and retirees, the renovated hall will serve as a hub for collaboration, training and union business for generations to come. Through a thoughtful and integrated design approach, HDR helped deliver a facility that reflects IBEW Local Union 68’s values, strengthens its identity, while positioning the organization for continued growth and success.