The Best Commercial Contractors in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Last updated on June 22nd, 2024 at 01:57 am

Undertaking a commercial construction project in Minneapolis, Minnesota, requires careful planning and a team that can navigate the city’s stringent building codes and regulations, which address everything from energy efficiency and safety standards to environmental sustainability. Choosing the right commercial contractor is crucial, with project costs ranging from $150,000 to over $1,950,000. The cost per square foot averages $10, reflecting the need for quality construction. Selecting a competent and reliable contractor ensures that local requirements are met, reducing the risk of costly delays and legal issues and ultimately bringing your vision to life with precision and compliance.

Minneapolis, with a population of 425,096 and a median home value of $325,778, is a bustling commercial activity and development hub. Its real estate market is diverse, presenting unique challenges and opportunities that require a contractor with a deep understanding of the local landscape. Commercial projects here can take up to 18 months to complete, necessitating a contractor with the expertise to manage long-term projects and effectively address any potential issues that may arise.

This article will introduce you to some of the top construction companies in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These contractors have been recognized for their exceptional work, reliability, and ability to handle various commercial projects. With 41 relevant contractors in the area, choosing the right one can make all the difference in achieving a successful and smooth construction process. Whether you’re planning to develop a new office building, retail space, or industrial facility, these contractors are equipped to deliver outstanding results and ensure your project’s success.

Overview: The Best Commercial Contractors in Minneapolis, Minnesota

See Ranking Methodology at the bottom of this article to learn more. 

Watson-Forsberg Company

6465 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 110, Minneapolis, MN 55426

A measure of a great commercial contractor is building without obstructing business operations. This is exactly what Watson-Forsberg Company did on the Embassy Suites project. For this project, the firm was responsible for renovating the hotel’s common areas. The scope of the company’s work included a makeover of the bar, atrium, lobby, and meeting rooms. Business continued while construction was ongoing. As a result of the company’s flawless execution, the firm continues to enjoy a long-lasting partnership with the hotel owner’s representative. 

Watson-Forsberg Company’s exemplary work has been recognized by the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota. It won the Skill-Responsibility-Integrity (SRI) Award from AGC. What makes this company so successful is its skillful workers. The company has a team of talented professionals, most of which came from generations of builders. With such a knowledgeable team, great collaboration is exchanged between clients, designers, and consultants. It promotes sustainable construction as a LEED AP member. As a result, the company is headed in the right direction. 

RJ Ryan Construction

1100 Mendota Heights Road, Mendota Heights, MN 55120

RJ Ryan Construction is an award-winning contractor and one of the best in Minnesota. The firm won the 2018 MN Subcontractors Association TOPS Large General Contractor Award among its many recognitions. RJ Ryan’s success comes from its reliability in design, construction, and management. It maintains a high level of integrity on every build. As a LEED AP member, the company promotes green building. Its network of professionals is always ready to assist throughout the construction process. 

One of its most impressive builds is the BMW Minnetonka project. This 257,800-square-foot dealership is one of the largest BMW dealerships in the United States. This massive project involved constructing three levels of showroom, two levels of vehicle storage, and full service and detailing spaces. Sales and management offices were incorporated into the building as well. This kind of project demands an expert commercial contractor to handle it, and RJ Ryan Construction delivered. 

Running for over four decades, this contractor has built a strong reputation. With years of experience in the industry, it is considered one of the leaders of the Twin Cities commercial construction scene. Holding its place as one of the preferred commercial construction companies in Minneapolis, it was recognized as one of The Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in 2017.

Crawford Merz LLC

33 South 6th Street, Suite 4510, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Running for more than a century, Crawford Merz LLC= is a proven process, and that feels like a profound understatement. The firm’s first step is to focus on what clients want. When the client’s vision is clear to both the client and the firm, the company can tackle a project of any kind or size. 

Jack Crawford built the company remodeling of historic office buildings, restaurants, and warehouses in Minneapolis at its center. Today, it is the longest-running commercial construction company in the Twin Cities. One of the renowned construction companies in Minneapolis, it was honored in the 2024 Minneapolis Preservation Awards (AIA).

This contractor’s century-old experience is apparent in its Cool Office project. In partnership with Nelson and Colliers International, this company built an energetic space for Collier’s Twin Cities branch. Food, shopping, and entertainment areas were built within the office to create a motivating work environment. This project earned the “Cool Office” title after being featured in the MSP Business Journal. The Cool Office project is a sample of Crawford Merz’s commitment to delivering projects smoothly while meeting client demands

SullivanDay Construction

730 Stinson Boulevard NE, #280, Minneapolis, MN 55413

SullivanDay Construction helps clients understand their business goals. As a result, the company builds perfect commercial spaces that fit each client’s vision. An example of an ideal build is the Sanctuary Salon Spa project. The project was located within a historic building and required careful planning and precise execution. Respecting the history of the building, this contractor exposed the original stonework in the basement. Despite adding modern elements and luxurious fixtures, the company preserved the unique atmosphere and successfully married the old to the new. SullivanDay Construction’s exemplary work on this spa facility won the Interior Design- Hospitality award from the Minnesota Real Estate Journal Awards Nominations in 2019. From that same award-giving institution, the company received the General Contractor of the Year award.

There are various reasons for the company’s success. When fulfilling a client’s vision, this contractor focuses on detail. The firm also anticipates construction trends. Led by Steve Day, a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional, the company also produces sustainable buildings. SullivanDay is a multi-disciplinary firm that can act as a consultant, an agent, and a design-build contractor

Mission Construction

13821 Industrial Park Boulevard, Plymouth, MN 55441

Mission Construction understands retail spaces. It knows that a retail environment must be inventive and unique to enhance the customer experience. The firm’s work on the Foxwell project is a great example. The firm transformed the space into more than just a shop—it’s now an inviting place that creates creativity and promotes relaxation. 

As a detail-oriented contractor, Mission Construction has a mission: to get the job done according to client specifications. This contractor takes the time to listen to each client’s needs, desires, and vision, resulting in long-term partnerships with its clients. This is why it keeps its name as one of the leading commercial construction companies in Minneapolis. Serving Minneapolis and its surrounding areas, Mission Construction is ready to provide solutions for each client’s construction needs. 

Kraus-Anderson

501 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Finishing our list of top contractors is another century-old company based in Minneapolis. Running for 124 years, Kraus-Anderson has developed a long and impressive track record. Proof of its great reputation is its several awards, including the 2020 Construction Health and Safety Excellence (CHASE) Award from AGC. This award was given to the company for its impressive work at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel. Another proof of its notoriety as one of the top construction companies in Minneapolis is the USGBC Minnesota 2019 Leadership Award – Award of Merit.

This 381,163-square-foot property involves the construction of 14 floors with 35,000 square feet of event space. This contractor also created a spa, a fitness center, and underground parking facilities for the hotel. This impressive project showcases the firm’s expertise in handling large-scale projects. Only a century of experience can handle this kind of massive job. 

Kraus-Anderson has excelled in this industry for more than a hundred years thanks to its dedicated team. The company promotes economic development, artisanship, and creativity in each project. It is also a LEED-accredited firm that promotes sustainability. Providing award-winning services in Minneapolis and surrounding areas, this contractor is one of the best. 

Benson-Orth General Contractors

1000 Boone Avenue N, Suite 100, Golden Valley, MN 55427

Benson-Orth General Contractors serves the entire United States. Its reputation is well-established among retail and hospitality brands across the country. Among the prestigious hospitality brands that trust the company is Holiday Inn. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, the firm assisted in the construction of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. This contractor built a simple, functional structure to stay true to the hospitality giant’s brand. The hotel is masterfully constructed to satisfy the client and its guests. 

Benson-Orth General Contractors remains a trusted company due to its deadline-driven, aggressive approach. One of the construction companies in Minneapolis, the studio ensures that each project is finished on time, on budget, and by the highest standards. Because of its exemplary work, the firm has been recognized as the North Market – Finance & Commerce 2017 Top Projects Award Winner. 

With over 52 years of industry experience, the company has mastered various aspects of construction. In each sector, this contractor delivers high-quality results and exceeds expectations. It does so thanks to its five decades of tried-and-tested construction experience. 

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of contractors, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the commercial contractors in the Minneapolis area. The methodology involves assigning weightings to specific categories based on their significance in determining customer service quality. Here’s the breakdown of the categories and their respective weightings:

• Average Customer Satisfaction (35%): This metric represents the average rating given by customers across the same review platforms as the Average Customer Satisfaction Score. A higher average rating indicates greater overall satisfaction with the service provided.
• Service Rating Score (25%): We analyze the ratio of high (4-5 stars) to low (1-2 stars) ratings for each business across multiple review platforms: Google, Houzz, and Yelp. A higher percentage of positive reviews contributes to a higher score, reflecting better customer satisfaction.
• Complaint Percentage (25%): We analyze the ratio of complaints to total reviews for each business. A lower complaints ratio indicates better service quality and results in a higher score.
• Business Hours and Availability (10%): The operating hours of each business are assessed to gauge accessibility. Companies with extended operating hours are awarded a higher score, as they offer greater convenience to customers.
• License Status (5%): We verify the licensing status of each contractor with their local licensing board to ensure legal compliance. Companies with valid licenses receive a higher score, reflecting professionalism and adherence to regulations.
• Total Score: We determined the overall rating for every contractor by calculating a weighted average, with the category weight determining the amount the subscore contributed to the total score 

Additional Note: Service Rating Score, Average Customer Satisfaction, and Complaint Percentage are calculated with a Bayesian estimate to account for if the contractor has a low number of total reviews. A Bayesian average is a statistical method used to calculate the average of a set of data points while taking into account prior information or beliefs about the distribution of the data. It combines the observed data with a prior distribution to generate a more accurate estimate of the true average.