Last updated on July 18th, 2024 at 05:32 am
Known as the “City of Lights,” Aurora, Illinois is proud of its history and bustling economy. With four historic districts, the city has many landmarks that recall the area’s significant past. The city’s rich history continues in its many shopping areas and manufacturing and commercial facilities. Aurora is known for producing railroad cars, construction machinery, and dry goods.
To support the city’s rapid growth, Aurora’s commercial contractors offer expertise in constructing tailored commercial structures for growing businesses. In this list, our editors have gathered the ten best contractors in the area, known for building the most efficient, investment-worthy facilities. The contractors listed here have been in business for at least a decade, some for over a century. The companies were chosen for their impressive portfolios, press features, and industry awards.
Summit Design + Build
1036 W. Fulton Market Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60607
Established in 2005, Summit Design + Build is a Chicago-based company with a mission of creating places where people can thrive. The company builds commercial spaces that foster efficient workflows, attract customers, and improve businesses. Over the years, it has earned many awards, including 2021 U.S. Wood Design Awards. REBusinessOnline and REJournals have featured the firm, recognizing its contribution to the industry.
The firm’s excellent work has earned it the trust of its many clients and resulted in long-term partnerships. Included in the company’s outstanding portfolio is Boqueria, a restaurant in Chicago. Within a 4,366-square-foot space, the company built an industrial-style tapas restaurant. It is modern with retro touches, such as the bold neon lights framing the entrance. The interior features a contemporary style with the bar as its centerpiece.
Summit Design + Build’s excellent industry reputation is backed by its affiliations with the U.S. Green Building Council, Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago, and the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP).
FH Paschen
1 South Broadway Suite 200, Aurora, IL 60505
Based in Aurora, FH Paschen was established by a fourth-generation contractor, Frank H. “Bud” Paschen, in 1975. In business for almost half a century, the company has consistently upheld an exemplary work ethic and understanding of the customers’ needs. FH Paschen is budget- and deadline-conscious and quickly addresses issues that arise in a project. For the company, the greatest honor it can receive is the trust of its clients.
One of the company’s many award-winning projects is the Innovation Center and Entry Renovations, completed for Jay Stream Stem Lab. Winner of two awards, including the 2021 Learning by Design, Outstanding Project Award, this massive, 13.5-million-dollar project in Carol Stream, Illinois involved construction and renovations for three different schools. Old libraries were converted into modern, learning-conducive innovation centers with high-level finishes.
FH Paschen has been featured in the media, including ENR, WTTW News, and the Chicago Sun-Times. The company’s expertise encompasses the aviation, healthcare, and recreation industries.
Berglund Construction
8410 S. South Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60617
Celebrating its 111th year in the industry, Berglund Construction is the most senior firm on this list. Since 1911, the company has served clients in Illinois, Northwest Indiana, and Ohio. The family-owned company has a wide range of expertise that includes ground-up construction and renovations. It is especially known for its expertise in restoration. The company has been a major contributor in preserving the Midwest’s historic landmarks and buildings. It has claimed many awards, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Preservation Award.
A fine example of the firm’s expertise in historic preservation is the Sullivan Center. The project involved the restoration of a million square feet, demonstrating Berglund Construction’s capability to undertake massive, complex projects. The project entailed extensive cast iron restoration work for the storefront and historic preservation work for three more buildings. The company repaired and replaced original details and carefully reinstalled pieces in their original locations. For the three buildings, the firm restored original masonry and reconstructed some missing elements.
Berglund Construction’s long-standing reputation in the industry has earned it features in several publications, including the Chicago Sun-Times, The Chicago Reporter, and The Business Journals.
RC Wegman Construction Company
750 Morton Ave., Aurora, Illinois 60506
RC Wegman Construction Company makes safety a priority. Winner of AGC Chicagoland’s Safety Recognition Award for Outstanding Safety Performance in 2017, the company has been a trusted contractor since 1955. This family-operated business is committed to serving its clients with superior craftsmanship while maintaining a safe worksite. The company completes projects in a timely and budget-conscious manner.
RC Wegman Construction Company handles projects of any complexity and any cost reliably, including projects valued at up to 78 million dollars. One of the company’s major projects is the Hollywood Casino Aurora in Aurora, Illinois. The project entailed phase one of construction of the world-class casino. Part of the project involved building a cofferdam to help transport materials and labor. This challenging project showcases the firm’s ability to coordinate scheduling of all construction elements. While completing the project, the firm applied due diligence in its safety measures.
As a long-running business, the firm has a wide range of expertise in diverse sectors, including the banking, commercial, educational, and entertainment industries. For its top-notch services and output, it has been featured by publications such as the Chicago Tribune, the Daily Herald, and NIU Today.
Novak Construction
3423 N. Drake Ave., Chicago, IL 60618
Novak Construction is a well-known firm founded in 1980. Based in Chicago, the company is trusted by many major brands, including Walmart, Bloomingdale’s, and Whole Foods Market. A general contractor specializing in construction management, the firm aims to bring clients’ visions to life. It does so by understanding its clients’s needs first and then applying an integrated approach to their projects. Regardless of project size or type, the company gives each client the same degree of respect and dedication to deliver superior outcomes. The company’s team of skilled professionals demonstrates its excellence, accountability, and depth of knowledge throughout the construction process.
One of the many well-known brands that have established a long-term partnership with the company is Target. Over the years, Novak Construction has handled 145 projects in various locations for Target, including in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Novak Construction has provided a wide array of services for Target, including open-store remodels and ground-up construction. In its Target projects, the firm applies its expertise in constructing grocery stores, cafes, and pharmacies. The projects include installation of electrical and mechanical systems as well as high-end finishes and decors. In the Chicago location, the company’s sustainable construction methods earned the LEED Silver award.
The firm’s outstanding reputation has been solidified through features in publications like the Chicago Tribune, Block Club Chicago, and Wednesday Journal.
Langehaumer Construction Inc.
321 N. Clark St., 5th Fl., Chicago, IL 60654
Langehaumer Construction Inc. (LCI) is an expert in tenant interiors. The company knows how to convert any interior commercial space into a productive facility. From custom build-outs to installation of high-end finishes, the company has the experience needed to make a business location profitable. The company’s mission is to solve, build, and serve. LCI recognizes each project’s unique problems and offers specific solutions. In building commercial spaces, knowledge and experience are essential. In the end, what the company wants is to serve clients and exceed expectations.
One of the firm’s exceptional projects was completed for Havas. For this project, Langehaumer created an office space for the international advertising and communications business, operating in more than a hundred countries. The client’s exacting requirements were exceeded by LCI, who constructed a 10,000-square-foot space fit for a multimedia giant. LCI incorporated monitor and speaker systems for the digital platform and soundproofed studios. Conference centers were constructed using glass panels, making working areas bright and contemporary. To encourage a fun working atmosphere, the office features a functioning skateboard ramp.
In addition to tenant interiors, the firm offers services for the financial, educational, and healthcare sectors.
Laub Construction
1585 Beverly Ct. Unit 127, Aurora, IL 60502-8766
Established in 2010, Laub Construction is the youngest firm on the list, but it is already a major industry player. The company was founded by veterans with expertise in commercial construction. Each member is an expert in particular services, including new construction, renovations, and additions. The team members are specialists in time and budget management, as well as safe construction methods. Proving the team’s dedication to safety, the firm is a recipient of the 2018 Chicagoland General Contractors Safety Recognition Award.
Over the last ten years, the company has handled various types of projects, including entertainment, restaurant, and institutional projects. An example of its restaurant and entertainment projects is Pinstripes Northbrook. In partnership with RDL Architects, Inc. and McHenry & Associates, Inc., the company built a stunning facility that attracts customers looking to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. The restaurant facility includes a glass-enclosed dining area where customers can enjoy a view of the outdoors. An alfresco dining and lounge area has been incorporated as well, with a fire pit adding atmosphere. The project was completed while the facility was in operation.
Schramm Construction
3520 Swenson Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174
For Schramm Construction, the secret to success is having a sense of ownership in all projects. Established in 1994, the company has a team that treats each project as its own. This means that each team member works for the project’s success, including the project manager and the construction management team. Each member works hard to keep the site safe and observe stringent quality controls. The result is a zero punch list, leaving clients worry-free.
In business for over 28 years, Schramm Construction is trusted by a wide range of clients in the recreation, hospitality, and industrial and manufacturing sectors. The company is also an expert in medical, retail, restaurant, and educational projects. In Aurora, one of Schramm’s recreation projects is the Stonegate West Club. In partnership with Bloodgood Sharp Buster, Schramm provided new construction of a clubhouse. The project features a stunning outdoor pool surrounded by pergolas for sun protection while lounging. Inside, the company constructed a gorgeous kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances. With an open-concept layout, the kitchen connects to a traditional living room with high ceilings accentuated by wooden beams. Other facilities constructed were locker and fitness rooms.
For the firm’s outstanding reputation, it has been featured in The Hawk Eye, Daily Herald, and Candy Industry.
Sequoia General Contracting
1585 Beverly Court, Unit 108, Aurora, IL 60502
Founded in 2003, Sequoia General Contracting upholds three guiding principles: quality, experience, and integrity. Based in Aurora, this general contractor delivers quality products, and its integrity has earned the company valuable customer trust. In business for almost two decades, the company uses its team’s years of experience to execute projects flawlessly, on time and within budget. Over the years, the company has accumulated valuable experience in build-out, ground-up, and renovation services and has completed many retail, restaurant, healthcare, and tenant projects.
Among the company’s many commercial projects in Aurora is Stolp Island Social. Situated in the city’s art district, the restaurant takes inspiration from its location. In coordination with DXU Architects, the company created a 5,021-square-foot restaurant exuding a mix of traditional and contemporary styles. The bar and flooring are made of wood, while the lighting fixtures provide a contemporary vibe. The company completed the restaurant construction, including a fully-functioning commercial kitchen and multi-use restrooms, within 14 weeks.
A member of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the firm is respected by its peers. Its awards include the 2013 Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award.
Fisher Commercial Construction, Inc.
S. Hankes Rd. Suite C, Aurora, IL 60506
Founded in 1981, G. Fisher Commercial Construction, Inc. is a well-established firm based in Aurora. Serving the Chicago metropolitan area, this general contracting firm is an expert in a variety of services, including design-build and construction and project management. It is also a master in consulting and architectural and engineering services. For more than four decades, the firm has helped many businesses build new commercial spaces or expand and develop facilities. From its years in the industry, the company has developed an eye for recognizing its clients’ needs. In each project, the firm demonstrates a mastery of construction as well as integrity and ethical operation.
Over the last 41 years, the company has completed many retail, restaurant, and recreation projects. One of its biggest commercial retail projects in the Chicagoland area is the Mattress Firm / 1020 Rand LLC. With a budget of 1.1 million dollars, the company completed the site remediation and design-build construction of a 3,753-square-foot facility. The storefront prominently features Mattress Firm’s logo and red brick façade. A parking lot in front of the facility offers easy accessibility to the store’s customers.
