Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 07:44 am
Educational programs, teachers, and technology have a great impact on a student’s learning experience. However, these are not the only factors that can enhance a student’s school life. According to many studies, a school’s design and architecture plays a significant role in affecting a student’s performance. This list exhibits firms that have built middle schools and high schools that exhibit unique and modern designs. The best schools display great outdoor views that make natural light abundant, and wide spaces that enable greater mobility and movement. Following modern designs, the most capable firms on this list construct eco-friendly schools without compromising durability or strength.
The firms on this list are ranked highly on Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) list of The Top 400 Contractors. They are also featured in industry magazines such as Building Design + Construction and Business Times, as well as in other popular magazines such as Forbes and Architectural Record. In addition, these firms have received numerous awards, including Excellence in Construction Awards and Safety Awards.
If you are thinking about building a middle or high school campus, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.
Choose your state
ALABAMA
Rabren
306 Persimmon Dr., Auburn, AL 36830
Once a small general contracting firm that was established in 2000, Rabren evolved into one of the largest privately-held general contracting firms in Alabama. By 2003, Matt Rabren joined the company. With him, he brought unique insight and expertise that helped develop Rebran into one of the most reputable multi-service general contractors in Alabama. Along with aiming to expand into the southeastern U.S., Rabren aims to develop itself into new markets as well. As proof of the firm’s capabilities, it has won countless awards. Recently, it won three of the 2019 Alabama Association of General Contractors (AGC)’s BuildSouth Awards, a Community Involvement Award, and two Specialty Contractor Awards. In the previous year, it won the General Contractor of the Year award and two Innovator of the Year awards from the Subcontractors Association of Alabama (SubAla).
At its start, the firm’s goal was to be the best construction firm in the Southeastern US. This goal was finally realized when Business Alabama listed it as the sixth largest contractor in Alabama, and Rabren was included in Engineering News-Record (ENR)’s Southeast survey for top contractors. It has experience in building numerous projects, which include specialty, recreation, office, multi-family, student living, hospitality, commercial, and education.
One of its most notable projects is Auburn High School. Priced at $63 million, this 350,000 square foot state-of-the art school includes three primary academic buildings, a story shelter, an auditorium, a cafeteria, multiple outbuildings, athletic fields, and a stadium.
ALASKA
Dawson
8400 Airport Blvd., Juneau, AK 99801
The firm started in 1959 as a company with a legacy spanning three generations. It serves Southeast Alaska and Northwest Washington and specializes in commercial, education, government, healthcare, industrial and infrastructure, and residential projects.
One of the firm’s most notable projects is the Valdez Middle School, which required a renovation and addition. Since the school doubled in size, it is now more flexible and can be used as a multi-use space. Spanning 56,800 square feet, Valdez Middle School includes classrooms, a gymnasium, staff and administrative offices, a commercial kitchen, a multi-purpose gathering room, and accessible restrooms. Collaborating with architect Bettisworth North, the Dawson team accelerated the schedule and managed to finish the project four months ahead of schedule.
ARIZONA
Lloyd Construction
2180 North Wilmot Rd., Tucson, AZ 85712
One of the largest and most respected general contractors in Tucson, Lloyd Construction has a LEED certification and is owned and operated by William and Bradley Lloyd—sons of founder William H. Lloyd, who established the company in 1969.
Working throughout Tucson and Arizona, the firm has successfully completed construction projects in an excess of $1 billion. As a large general contractor, Lloyd Construction does every sector of public and private business and industry. This includes healthcare and laboratories, public work facilities for both the local and federal government, large and small scale private development projects, historic renovations, and K-12 and higher education projects. Since it delves into many services, the firm is able to boast several awards.
Just some of its most recent awards are the 2016 Cultural/Worship Award of Merit for the Vail Christian Church, the 2016 Southwest Region Top Contractor award for a ranking within ENR Southwest, and a Region’s Top 50 Contractor Award. In the previous year, the firm also won the Common Ground Award—Top 10 Project, for the AC Hotel Tucson by Marriott.
A great example of this firm’s striking projects is the Vail Academy and High School. A new charter school for 450 students from kindergarten through high school, the LEED Gold certified Vail Academy and High School includes a multipurpose room with a stage and a kitchen. Along with the high school, the firm also built Edmond Station Middle School. The 51,405 square feet school is divided by a historical rail bed, which goes perfectly with the school’s railroad theme. The theme also includes a 50-inch custom-built trestle bridge.
ARKANSAS
Baldwin and Shell Construction Company
593 Horsebarn Rd. Suite #100, Rogers, AR 72758
A firm that has a history of receiving awards that stretch from 1984 to 2016, Baldwin and Shell Construction Company has upheld its standards for more than 70 years. The firm was created in 1946 when P.W. Baldwin, Werner Knoop, and Olen Cates combined their areas of expertise to form The Baldwin Company. Baldwin had the skills of a builder, Knoop had 20 years of business management and civil engineering experience, and Cates had the experience in construction management. Blending their talents together, they were able to build a long-term successful partnership and kept a high standard for their people and projects.
In 2018, the firm ranked on ENR’s Top 400 contractors list. In addition to this ranking, the firm has received numerous awards, such as the AIA Honor Award in 2018 for the Vol Walker Hall + Steven L. Anderson Design Center project, the American Society of Professional Estimators’ 2016 President’s Award for Outstanding Membership Support, the 2015 Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Award for the Harrison French and Associates Headquarters, the 2014 Lumen Award for Excellence for the Vol Walker Hall + Steven L. Anderson Design Center for the University of Arkansas, and the 2014 IRWP Golden Paddle Award in Construction.
One of the firm’s most striking projects is Marion Junior High School. The state-of-the-art junior high facility serves 850 eighth and ninth graders, and includes a 2,500-seat gymnasium.
CALIFORNIA
Plant Construction
300 Newhall St., San Francisco, CA
Plant Construction’s first job involved the conversion of an old wooden barge into a duck-hunting lodge. This rough beginning formed the foundation for the company, and led to its birth in 1947. The firm’s early work involved custom home construction, which had Plant Construction build some of the finest residences in Marin County and the first home of the Belvedere Lagoon development. In addition to building homes, the firm also had experience in constructing schools, until the Korean War. During this time, the Navy chose Plant Construction to reactivate and operate its Naval Reserve Shipyard in Alameda. For several years, the firm dry-docked and repaired Naval vessels and merchant ships. At the same time, it won a bid from the San Francisco Port Authority to construct the San Francisco fireboat “Phoenix”, which is still in service today. After the war, the company finally returned to construction. The firm is capable of building a wide variety of projects.
The San Francisco Business Times named the firm the 2014 Best Rehab/Renovation of the Year. the firm was also featured in magazines such as the San Francisco Chronicle, Architectural Record, ENR, and Forbes. Just some of its capabilities are the construction of new buildings, civic and cultural projects, hospitality and green building, and educational projects.
Children’s Day School’s Middle School Campus is just one of the firm’s well-known projects. Built with Jensen Architects, this 19,500-square-foot school was originally constructed as a church and served as a soup kitchen. Most recently, it was converted to a high-end, single-family residence, before it was sold to Children’s Day School. Renovation consisted of removing most of the interior floors and walls to make way for accessibility and seismic upgrades. All levels were also accessible thanks to the installation of an elevator and three communicating stairs. Upgrades were also done to the building exterior, utility connections, entries, and surrounding sidewalks. There were also specialty functions, salvage and reuse of existing finishes, and brand new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
COLORADO
GH Phipps
5995 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. Suite #100, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
For more than six decades, GH Phipps has provided expertise in school construction. From quick summer remodels to the construction of brand new multi-building K-12 campuses, these projects can be seen in major urban school districts along the Front Range, and in smaller, wide-spread districts where schools are known as gathering places for the community. In addition to building schools, the firm is known to build healthcare, civic, and commercial buildings. A trusted partner, the firm has three-fourths of its projects come from repeat clients who have experienced the firm’s capabilities since 1952.
The firm has many awards. In 2018 it won the ENR Mountain States General Contractor of The Year award. In the same year, it also took eighth place as one of the Top Contracting Firms in the country by revenue. GH Philipps has been featured in magazines such as Colorado Construction and Design, Westword, Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Insider, Denver Business Journal, and The Daily Journal.
A great example of the firm’s projects is Aurora Public School’s Vista Peak High School Preparatory 9-12, Phase Two. Built with MOA Architecture, the school spreads over 80,835 square feet and includes a new classroom wing addition to the existing high school.
CONNECITCUT
Haynes Construction
31 Progress Ave., Seymour, CT 06483
A member of the U.S. Green Building Association (USGBA) and the LEED Green Associate Accreditation, Haynes Construction was founded in 1962 as a general contracting and construction management service. This went on for over half a century. Over time, the firm successfully built projects in markets such as academic, institutional, health care, commercial, industrial, retail, and criminal justice. Haynes Construction has a long history of building affordable housing units for municipal and state housing authorities, and has completed well over 4,000 affordable housing units over the past decades. Since its inception, Haynes Construction expanded and grew at a steady and well-managed pace. The firm was featured in Fairfield Citizen and Stamford Advocate, and also received the American Institute of Architects (AIA)’s Connecticut Design Award, and a special project safety recognition from the Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency for its work on the Wilbert E. Snow Elementary School in Middletown.
A well-known project of the firm is the Salisbury School. Costing over $2million, the school has a single-story elliptical footprint design with a complementing curved concrete retaining wall. It also has a welded lead-coated copper roof where a roof terrace can be seen along with a conical skylight. Other key features include an art room addition, a structural steel storefront, art rooms, a wood shop, and a pottery studio.
DELAWARE
EDiS
110 S. Poplar St. Suite #400, Wilmington, DE 19801
EDiS has a long history of mastering multiple trades. In 1908, it was known as masonry trade contractor Ernest DiSabatino and Sons, Inc., until the 1970’s when it became a construction management firm. During this shift of services, the firm also expanded its abilities to include general contracting. Gaining the reputation of a contractor who can provide quality construction, it offers its expertise to a wide-ranging group of private and public markets. To date, the firm’s construction volume exceeds $1.5 billion of work in place.
Its CEO, Brian DiSabatino, has been working with the firm since 1987, and is a pillar of the company. He has worked in several areas of the company, including cost estimating, accounting and systems development, business development, and project and operations management. In addition, he has been a co-founder of financial institutions, and has served in advisory roles for multinational corporations. DiSabatino also serves in many local and international industry boards, such as the Delaware Contractors Association, where he works as its Director.
One of its most striking projects is Cape Henlopen High School. Named by Architectural Digest as the most beautiful school in Delaware, Cape Henlopen was completed in 2009. The 214,000 square foot school was designed to incorporate energy efficient materials and capture natural light—an instrumental feature to the design.
FLORDIA
Wharton Smith, Inc.
750 Monroe Rd., Sanford, FL 32771
George Smith and Bill Wharton met in 1966 during their tenure at a construction company in Ohio. After a few years, the company moved to Central Florida, then soon announced its return to Ohio. By then, Wharton and Smith made an offer to take over the company’s unfinished work. By 1984, they established Wharton-Smith, Inc. with just a handful of employees under their wing. As a large construction firm, it is capable of constructing a diversity of projects; from water/wastewater projects, to educational projects for K-12 schools and colleges and universities. It has also done parks and recreational facilities like community centers, entertainment, and international facilities, along with religious and sports spaces. The firm has won Eagle awards for its work on three water/wastewater projects. Additionally, it was named a Top ENR 400 contractor, and a Top 200 Environmental firm. According to Southeast Magazine, it is also a Top Green Southeast Contractor, and was included in Orlando Magazine and Charlotte Business Journal’s list of Best Places to Work.
A great example of the firm’s educational facilities is the Seminole County Public Schools’ Middle School. Designed by SchenkelShultz Architecture as a prototype, it consists of a new three-story classroom building, administration/media building, cafeteria, gymnasium, and an 800-seat performing arts center. Outdoor athletic facilities also include a multipurpose field and track, and tennis and basketball courts. Its buildings also feature block and brick construction with large expansive windows for maximum daylight.
GEORGIA
Choate Construction Company
8200 Roberts Dr., Suite #600, Atlanta, GA 30350
In 1989, Choate Construction Company was merely a basement start-up. Today, the company is one of the largest general contractors in the Southeast, and employs over 400 full-time professionals. Even with a massive number of employees, this firm still maintains a management style in which executive management and employees are able to communicate and easily meet. It could be because of this employee-management relationship that the firm was recognized on ENR’s Top 400 Contractors list, and was presented with two first-place Build GA awards from the AGC.
Choate Construction Company has completed institutional projects that include classroom buildings, state-of-the-art performance halls, athletic and stadium construction, dining halls, K-12 public and private schools, student housing, laboratories, and more. Just one of its most notable projects is the King’s Ridge Christian School—one of the most premier private schools in the area. The project included the addition of two buildings: the high school building and the Life Impact Center.
The high school building is designed in the Craftsman style and is comprised of classic materials such as cultured stone, cast stone, and brick. In addition to open spaces, collaborative suites for project teams, and faculty workspaces, the building has more than 20 classrooms, which include science labs, an art room, a ceramics room, and a music room.
HAWAII
Nordic PCL Construction, Inc.
1099 Alakea St. Suite #1600, Honolulu, HI 96813
After completing several joint ventures, such as the $200 million Hawaii Convention Center, Nordic PCL Construction, Inc. was established in 1938. Today, the firm is known as a company that merges local market knowledge and financial strength with global resources. Along with this reputation, Nordic PCL is also known to dedicate time and resources to serve local non-profit and community organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Family Service of Hawaii. Thanks to its active involvement within the community, the firm was recognized as one of Hawaii’s most charitable companies and best places to work by Hawaii Business Magazine. In addition to top rankings for outstanding business performance and human resource practices, the firm continually receives awards of excellence of quality, innovation, safety, and community spirit. In 2018, the firm received the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP) Kukulu Hale Sustainability Award, for its work on the Punahou School grades two to five neighborhood. The project is registered as a LEED Platinum building and integrates sustainable elements such as living walls in the stairwells, natural lighting and ventilation, and a plexiglass floor on the second-floor sidewalks.
Another of its striking projects is the Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, Middle School. A recipient of GCA of Hawaii’s 2013 Build Hawaii Award of Excellence, it incorporates many sustainable features and serves as a new educational facility for seventh and eighth graders. It features open learning classrooms, a library, performing arts rooms, administrative offices, and a cafetorium that flanks a courtyard.
IDAHO
Headwaters Construction Co.
639 W 9500 S. Suite #1, Victor, ID 83455
Initially, Headwaters Construction Co. specialized in building high-end, resort style homes in areas such as Teton Springs and Huntsman Springs. Within a few years, the firm had built more than 100 residential projects. By 2007, it was listed among the top 500 fastest growing companies in the U.S. In addition to this, Headwaters Construction Co. was also featured in Springfield Business Journal and on Local News 8. This successful growth was mostly due to the firm’s talented and experienced construction team, and through the years, this team has helped expand the company’s geographic region and project expertise. Presently, the firm is capable of building exceptional residential, commercial, educational, hospitality, medical, multi-family and student housing, municipal, and religious projects ,which can be found throughout Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Western Wyoming.
One of its most striking projects is the Thunder Ridge High School. Built for the Bonneville Joint School District No. 93, Thunder Ridge includes the construction of an approximately 257,000-square-foot high school building on a 55-acre site. This new grade 9 to 12 education facility was made with a combination of steel and masonry structure, metal panel, and masonry, a glass exterior, and durable, economical and sustainable interior finishes.
ILLINOIS
Walsh Group
928 West Adams, Chicago, IL 60607
Walsh Group first started out in 1898 as Matthew Myles Walsh’s small carpentry business, but by 1949, it was incorporated as Walsh Construction—one of the city’s largest and most respected general contracting, construction management, and design-build firms. Nationally, it is recognized as a top 15 contractor. Among other rankings, Walsh Group is known as the tenth largest green builder in the country. Walsh group won the 2017 Award for General Contractor of the Year and Project of the Year for the DART Union Station Streetcar Oak Cliff Southern Extension.
The Glenbard West High School’s science addition is another one of the firm’s projects. At 26,000 square feet, its science department contains eight new, state-of-the-art labs, and an office for science teachers. The building also has a green roof with maintenance-free native vegetation which helps reduce rainwater runoff and helps keep the building cool. The roof area can also serve as a teaching space since classes can use the vegetation to support lessons and access the solar panels to learn about renewable energy.
In addition to delivering high-quality projects such as Glenbard West High, the firm is also capable of building a wide variety of office, retail, residential, and mixed-use developments, as well as facilities built for special purposes such as correctional, intelligence analysis, laboratory, and warehouse distribution. This company also has a rich history and tradition that dates back more than six decades. One such tradition is placing Miraculous Medals in a project’s first concrete pour. This gesture symbolizes an inspiration for the workers to successfully and safely complete the job, and is continued as a commitment to the project, team, company, and family.
INDIANA
Pepper Construction
1850 West 15th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
Pepper Construction has a reputation of excellence across the midwest, and has bronze plaques and construction signages scattered through its corporate home in Chicago that signify the places the company has been. Though the firm has been around for over 92 years, since it was established by Stanley F. Pepper, the firm still takes time and effort to improve, and searches for new technologies and methods to add value to its projects. One of these methods is an Integrated Construction Service that maximizes the intersection of preconstruction planning and estimating, high performance, safety, quality, virtual construction and MEP coordination. Another good reason as to why Pepper Construction is one of the most recognized firms in the state is its dedication to its partnerships with clients, design firms, and trade partners. Thanks to its high quality and ethical work, the firm has won multiple awards, including the National Association of Home Builder (NAHB)’s Pillars of the Industry Award, the National AIA Design Award, and the National Brick in Architecture Award. It has also been featured in many publications, including BD+C Magazine, Forbes, and Construction Superintendent Magazine.
One of its best K-12 facilities is the Warren Township High School. After collaborating and planning with local firm FGM Architects Inc., the project involved major mechanical upgrades and a fine arts/black box theater addition.
IOWA
Bush Construction
5400 Victoria Ave., Davenport, IA 52807
Bush Construction creates unique and quality projects in many building sectors, which include education, healthcare, retail, and hospitality. One of the firm’s notable projects was done for the education sector—North Scott High School. An addition and renovation project, it included brick building additions, a rebuild for the two existing clerestory windows in the media center, and one clerestory in the main entrance to the building. Because of quality projects like this, Bush Construction has been recognized multiple times. The BBB granted the firm the Integrity Award, and Midwest Construction Magazine included it on the Best of 2010 List for construction and design excellence. The following year, it received the Masters Award from the Master Builders of Iowa (MBI) for the Davenport Public Library Eastern Avenue Branch. In addition to these awards, it was also featured in publications such as Green Building News, Midwest Contractor, Quad City Times, and Chief Engineer.
Grounded to the principles of honesty and integrity, Bush Construction makes it a priority to exceed customer expectations. To meet a certain client’s needs, the firm has various services and delivery methods. Just one of these services is LEED construction for clients who deal with environmentally friendly goals.
KANSAS
Straub Construction
7775 Meadow View Dr., Shawnee, KS 66227
In 1920, founder Ernest J. Straub, Sr. started developing real estate in the Country Club Plaza and Mission Hill areas of Greater Kansas City. These developments included churches, schools, and homes. By the 1960s, the ownership of Straub Construction had transferred to Straub’s son, Ernie Straub, Jr. By the 1970’s, Straub Construction had become an award-winning firm recognized by publications such as Kansas City Business Journal and Kansas City Star. After many years of servicing Kansas, the firm expanded its services, and now specializes in large projects which includes corporate, historic renovations, multifamily, senior living, religious, specialty projects, higher education, and K-12 education projects , such as Eisenhower Middle School.
KENTUCKY
Branscum Construction
90 Key Village Rd., Russell Springs, KY 42642
35 years under founder Stephen Branscum’s direction has turned this general construction firm into one of Kentucky’s construction leaders. As a testament to its capabilities, it won EnergyStar’s 2017 Building for Excellence Associate of the Year Award for its energy efficiency efforts at the new Pleasant View Elementary School. In the same year, it also garnered the Building for Excellence Associate of The Year award. In addition to general contracting, the firm is also capable of design/build and construction management through the mid-east and southeast regions of the U.S. One great example of its many education projects is the Garrard County High School in Lancaster. The project had a partial, two-story, lightweight insulating concrete membrane roof on parts, and a standing seam metal roof on the remainder of the facility. In addition to this, a new greenhouse, and football, baseball, and soccer fields were also included in the construction.
Known to have highly-qualified individuals that dedicate themselves to client satisfaction and quality workmanship, Branscum Construction has expanded to open a branch in Destin, Florida, where it has also seen success.
LOUISIANA
Gibbs Construction
5736 Citrus Blvd. #200, New Orleans, LA 70123
One thing that can make a construction company shine is its long-standing relationships with its local subcontractors. That is just one strength that helped Gibbs Construction become one of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast’s leading providers of general construction and commercial, institutional and industrial construction management services. Back in 1976, the firm was a small commercial general contractor, but grew into a nimble, authentic collaborator thanks to its significant and long-standing relations with local subcontractors, owners, and designers. It was featured in New Orleans Magazine and previously won the Associated Builders and Contractor (ABC)’s Pyramid Award from the Excellence in Construction Awards for an institutional project.
One of the firm’s most notable projects is the New Orleans East High School at Abramson. Built with local firm Rozas Ward Architects, the school is a two-story, 107,000 square foot structure that boasts instructional space and administrative support space. It also has a regulation-sized gym, an acoustically-rated black box music and performance room, a fitness room, a full-service commercial kitchen, a 3,000 square foot media center, and the latest information technology services.
It can be thanks to founder and CEO Lawrence Gibbs that projects like these can be completed. Recognized as an industry leader for integrity and strategic vision, Gibbs is able to exhibit a combination of executive leadership, construction business awareness, and focused direction. Because of these qualities, he has been repeatedly honored with numerous awards, which include two ABC Construction Industry Leader of the Year Awards, the East Jefferson General Hospital Auxiliary Great Gentlemen Award, and the 1997 Louisiana Entrepreneur of the Year Award for construction.
MAINE
Wright Ryan
10 Danforth St., Portland, ME 04101
Maine has witnessed Wright Ryan’s expertise since 1984. Over this time, the firm has built such a reputation that local architects affirm the company’s ability to ensure exceptional attention to detail. Over 30 years, Wright-Ryan has grown into one of the largest and most respected construction firms in Northern New England. It has been featured in magazines such as Portland Press Herald, Bangor Daily News, and Maine Public. It has also won countless awards for its diverse projects, and for the diligence each client is given. In 2016, it won the Best Multifamily and Best Affordable Housing Project Award for its work on the Village Center Apartments, and the Greater Portland Landmarks Preservation Award for its work on The Press Hotel. In the next year, the firm also won the Development of Distinction Award for ‘Rural Community Impact’, which was presented to the Village Centre Apartments.
Along with these award-winning projects, the firm also centers its efforts on projects that contribute to its local community. One such project is the Mount Blue Campus. A K-12 facility made with PDT Architects, it includes new additions, major renovations, athletic field upgrades, and additional parking space. Focused on sustainability, the school features renewable energy sources like a closed-loop geothermal system, a biomass boiler, a photovoltaic system, and generators.
MARYLAND
Whiting-Turner
300 East Joppa Rd., Baltimore, MD 21286
In 1909, Whiting-Turner was formed with integrity, engineering talent, and a dedication to its customers as the pillars of its abilities. For more than a century, these pillars born from G.W.C. Whiting and LeBaron Turner helped the firm gain success and a respected reputation amongst builders in Maryland. As proof of the firm’s capabilities, some of its most notable works have been featured in publications such as The Journal of The American Institute of Architects and Business Insider. One of the firm’s most notable projects for the education sector is Georgetown Day School. The project was comprised of a 140,000 square foot building addition which included an athletics facility, and a link addition connecting the athletics facility to the existing building. This addition brought in new classrooms, administrative offices, and a tiered forum space. The renovations on the existing building meanwhile consisted of converting the gym into a black box theater. Lastly, a 137 space parking garage was also included.
MASSACHUSETTS
Consigli
72 Sumner St., Milford, MA 01757
Ranked as the second largest general contractor in Massachusetts, third as New England’s Top contractors, and 28th in ENR’s Top 100 Green Building contractors, Consigli was established in 1905 by Peter Consigli with the cornerstones of hard work, integrity, and pride in craftsmanship.
With more than 1,000 employees, including more than 350 skilled carpenters, laborers, and masons on staff, the firm has seven regional offices that dot the east coast from Maine to Washington, D.C. In these areas, the firm is known for creating a wide variety of projects that include corporate, government, healthcare, hotels and hospitality, landmark restoration, libraries, life sciences, multi-family residential, museums, and cultural projects, non-profit organization facilities, and special projects. Many of these projects garnered the firm awards, including two Washington Contractor Awards from the AGC of America, and two 2017 Project of the Year Awards from the New England Chapter of Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) for its work on the Boston Public Library, Central Library renovation, and Framingham State University’s new West Hall. In addition to these works, the firm also does academic projects. One of these projects is the Buckingham Browne and Nichols Middle School, which required a renovation and addition. Thanks to these adjustments, the school had new student-centered spaces with better connections to indoor and outdoor areas, a new admissions area, and improved classrooms and faculty offices.
MICHIGAN
Clark Construction Company
3535 Moores River Dr., Lansing, MI 48911
For more than 70 years, Clark Construction Company has continued to grow thanks to its dedication to safety, community, and teamwork. Through these years, the company was well-known throughout Michigan as a quality full-scale commercial construction firm. Back then it was known as a small local contractor until it started doing athletic facilities and fields, corporate office buildings, science, research and medical facilities, retail, higher education, K-12 projects and more. Over the years, education projects became one of its major market segments. Recently, it has comprised as much as 48% of the firm’s annual business. These projects have won it numerous awards. Most recently, it won the AGC of America’s 2017 Annual Construction Safety Excellence Award. In addition, Clark won nine of the AGC of Michigan’s Build Michigan Awards, with the most recent one given in 2012 for East English Village Preparatory School.
Another great example of the firm’s award-winning projects is Pattengill Middle School. The school’s design was based on a prototype middle school developed by GMB Architecture + Engineering. The project included a new 175,000 square foot middle school with athletic fields and support spaces. After the new middle school was completed, the previous Pattengill Middle School was demolished to make way for a new parking and a green space. The project also included a 27,000 square foot performing arts addition that was specifically designed to fit onto the new building. It has a 750-seat auditorium with space for dressing rooms, scene preparation, a control room, a lobby and restrooms.
MINNESOTA
Kraus Anderson
501 South Eighth St., Minneapolis, MN 55404
According to ENR, Kraus Anderson ranks among the Top 20 Construction firms in the Midwest. Established in 1897, the firm is affiliated with various industry organizations like the AIA, the AGC, and the Association of Women Contractors. It is also known to provide award-winning consulting and construction services coast to coast. In 2018, the firm won the NAIOP Award for Excellence for its work on Kraus Anderson’s headquarters. In the same year, it also won the Governor’s Safety Award, which recognized its excellence in injury prevention. Along with these awards, it also won Xcel Energy’s High-Performance Building Award for its new energy efficient, 100,000 square foot downtown Minneapolis headquarters.
Since it was established long ago, it is only expected that the firm is capable of building a multitude of award-winning works. The firm’s projects span from government, healthcare, k-12 education, and higher education, to hospitality, manufacturing/warehouse, mixed-use, office, parking structures, retail, and senior housing sectors. It can also do small projects.
One of the firm’s most notable projects is the Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial School. Demonstrating the firm’s attention to detail and meticulous documentation, this K-12 building was completed in 18 and ½ months. It is a state-of-the-art school that provides open common areas that link learning space and gathering space for students and faculty.
MISSISSIPPI
Yates Construction
One Gully Ave., Philadelphia, MS 39350
Possessing a portfolio of various sectors, Yates Construction is ranked by ENR as one of the top construction service providers in the country. In addition to its 39th rank on ENR’s 2017 Top 400 Contractors list, Yates Construction also received four Merit Awards from the ABC. This firm was incorporated in 1964 by William G. Yates Jr. and has done projects for arts and culture, civil, commercial, education, entertainment and gaming, federal, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, municipal, retail, and technology. Since the firm services various sectors, it has a vast pool of client relations. Serving as the foundation of the firm’s success, Yates Construction makes it a goal to carefully manage each project’s details and complexities.
St. Martin High School is one striking example of the firm’s abilities. A complete high school building, it consists of three parts, including a two-story classroom building/FEMA hurricane shelter, an extracurricular building, and an internal courtyard that connects the two buildings. The building incorporates a serpentine design that takes one from the lobby through the media center to the cafeteria.
MISSOURI
McCown Gordon
422 Admiral Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106
A firm that makes the most of every project, McCown Gordon was recognized for not just its excellence in construction, but also for its dynamic workplace and team camaraderie. The firm achieved the 19th rank in Fortune Magazine’s Best Medium Workplaces, and was named as one of Kansas City’s Best Places to Work In. In addition to these awards, the American Subcontractor Association (ASA) repeatedly honored it as one of Kansas City’s top General Contractors. It was also featured in publications such as Wichita Business Journal and Kansas City Business Journal. As one of the region’s largest general contractors, McCown Gordon has completed a wide variety of projects since its establishment in 1999.
One of the firm’s specialities involves building K-12 and higher education schools. A notable example of these school projects is Olathe West High School. Spanning 375,000 square feet, it features flexible classroom space, administrative offices, a performing arts/black box theater, a gymnasium with a FEMA storm shelter, cafeteria, football stadium, tennis courts, and track and soccer fields. To continue receiving strong recognition, the firm focuses on its employees, and commits to building a team with diverse perspectives and varying life experiences that mirror the communities the firm serves. When it comes to serving the communities, the firm’s associates devote at least 10% of after-tax profits to worthy causes, artistic endeavors and charitable events. One way McCown Gordon helps the community is through offering $1000 student scholarships to students enrolled in construction-related degree programs at regional universities.
MONTANA
Langlas and Associates
1019 East Main, Suite #101, Bozeman, MT 59715
Langlas and Associates has numerous district offices, in addition to its headquarters in Montana. These offices are located in Billings, Bozeman, and Missoula. The firm has significantly expanded throughout the region since its inception in 1973 by founder Steve R. Langlas. With 45 years of experience as a general contractor and construction manager, this second generation family owned company has performed various projects throughout Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, Iowa, and California. With a highly respected reputation, approximately 85% of its projects come from repeat customers and referrals. Many projects have brought the firm recognition from publications such as Mountain Living, American Builders Quality, Big Sky Journal, and US Builders Review. The firm has been the recipient of many awards, with its most recent award being the 2018 Outstanding Community Partner for the Billings Catholic Schools.
In 2013, Langlas and Associates won the Montana State University Family Business Award in the Large Business category. In the same year, it also won the Historic Preservation Excellence Award for the Northern Hotel. The firm’s projects are in a wide variety of sectors, which include commercial, custom homes, green building, hospitality, medical buildings, residential developments, professional buildings, restaurants, and public work buildings. Thanks to its experience with various project types, Langlas and Associates also has the expertise and knowledgeable staff needed to successfully plan and construct a wide range of projects.
NEBRASKA
The Weitz Company
8715 121st St., La Vista, NE 68128
An architectural, engineering, and construction firm, The Weitz Company has been a recognized name in the construction industry for 160 years. The firm has been recognized with numerous awards from ENR, ABC, and the AGC of America. Most recently, it was recognized as a finalist for AZRE Magazine’s 2018 Red Awards, which highlights the previous year’s most memorable projects, as well as the companies and the people who made them possible. These projects were the Bob and Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain in Phoenix, and The Hacienda at the River in Tucson.
One of the firm’s most striking projects is The Pine School. Built with local engineering firm Leo A. Daly, this 80,000-square-foot K-12 school has three separate structures, which include an administrative building with classrooms, a cafeteria, and a library, a gymnasium and a maintenance facility. The Weitz Company not only completed the project on time, but also under budget.
Back in 1855, The Weitz Company was known as a small carpentry shop founded by Charles H. Weitz in Iowa. As the firm grew, Weitz handed his craft to his sons, who in turn passed the business on to their children, forming a company that has been running for four generations. The firm is a member of numerous organizations, such as the ABC, the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), and the AGC.
NEVADA
Martin Harris Construction
3030 South Highland Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89109
Project performance, creativity, long-term stability, and financial strength are the roots of Martin Harris Construction’s outstanding reputation. Founded in 1976, the company has been featured and recognized by numerous magazines and associations. Southwest Contractor Magazine consistently lists the firm in the Top 10 Southwest General Contractors, and it also consistently places on the ENR Top 400 General Contractors list. In 2017, Vegas, Inc. Magazine ranked Martin Harris Construction as the number one general contractor on The List of General Contractors. NAIOP also repeatedly named the firm as Contractor of The Year, and honored firm founder Frank Martin with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while the Associated General Contractors recently named it as Contractor of the Year. The firm currently operates in Nevada, Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah.
Though the firm has numerous impressive projects that garnered all this recognition, one of its most notable projects in the education sector is Rancho High School. Built with local firm Tate-Snyder Kimsey Architects, the project involved new construction, on and off-site improvements, and selective hard and soft demolition to existing facilities. As the project was undertaken during the school year, the student body became interested in the project and even involved the firm staff in school activities.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Eckman Construction
84 Palomino Ln., Bedford, NH 03110
In 1974, Eckman Construction started building residential homes, before it expanded to building commercial and public building projects, including large schools and apartment buildings in the early 1980’s. Soon, the firm was recognized with awards and a feature in New Hampshire Business Review. In 2017, it won the ABC Excellence in Construction Award for the Regional Training Institute and Barracks, and a Sustainable Construction Award from the ABC New Hampshire and Vermont Chapter for the NH Army National Guard. In the same year, Business NH Magazine honored Eckman Construction with the Business of the Year Award in construction and real estate.
Among these award-winning projects is its work on the Mascoma Valley Regional High School. Built with local firm Marinace Architects, it involved building a 35,000 square foot addition and renovations on the existing 60,000-square-foot school. The addition featured rooms that foster creative learning—a 500 seat auditorium and performing arts theater, a new media center, a band room, and a new art room. The renovation meanwhile included energy efficient updates, a new handicap-accessible entrance, classrooms, a new main office, and administrative areas. The firm is recognized throughout northern New England for the high-quality projects it produces on time and under budget.
NEW JERSEY
Hollisters
339 Jefferson Rd., Parsippany, NJ 07054
A full-service commercial construction firm with a team of more than 100 construction professionals, Hollisters was established by Christopher Johnson in 2004. Hollisters was recently included in ENR’s 2018 list of Top 400 Contractors, and was also included in New Jersey’s leading business journal NJBIZ’s list of best places to work. Along with these publications, it was also featured in Jersey Digs and Building Design + Construction. Utilizing the latest technologies and the best practices in project management, the firm has an extensive range of services, which include the construction of corporate, education, healthcare, industrial, retail, and residential projects. The firm also specializes in interior and exterior renovations, building additions, and ground-up construction for projects of any size.
One of the firm’s most striking education projects is the Marion P. Thomas Charter School of Culinary and Performing Arts (MPTCHS). A 73,000-square-foot project, it has learning laboratories and stages that have state-of-the-art equipment. As a culinary school, it also has a dining facility next to the largest commercial kitchen in Newark, a black box theater that can be used by the community, a dance studio, a production room, and prop room. The school is also equipped with 38 classrooms, and science, media, and computer labs.
NEW MEXICO
HB Construction
3010 Monte Vista Blvd., NE, Albuquerque NM 87106
HB Construction was established in 1991, but after a few years in an uncertain economic environment, the firm rebuilt itself in 2011 with the goal of becoming one of the most trusted general contractors in the Southwest. Among the firm’s talented employees is company president Matt Mulligan. During his 13 years in HB Construction, Mulligan served as Project Engineer, Project Manager, Chief Operating Officer, and finally President. Mulligan was included in Albuquerque Business First’s 2016 40 under 40 lists, and was a winner of the 2017 C-Suite Award, which celebrates some of the top leaders in Albuquerque’s business community.
As president, Mulligan has a reputation for encouraging unique ideas from his team. One of the firm’s most striking projects in the education sector that seems to have this touch of uniqueness is the Sandia High School Math and Science Building. To build this three story, 61,512 square foot building and add the new 18,505 square foot library, the firm had to demolish the existing basketball courts. This work resulted in auxiliary spaces that include computer labs, outdoor classrooms, meeting rooms, and areas where students can socialize.
NEW YORK
Turner Construction
375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014
New York has countless, unforgettable landmarks, one of which is the 180,000 square foot Robert Gair Building. Built in the 1900s, it was the largest reinforced concrete building in the U.S. at the time. The Robert Gair Building was one of many landmarks built by Turner Construction—a firm that has earned international recognition for taking on large, complex projects and contributing to the construction of well-known buildings such as the United Nations Secretariat, Madison Square Garden, Lincoln Center, and Yankee Stadium. The firm has been featured in countless publications, including Albany Times, ENR, Building Design + Construction and Bisnow. In addition to this recognition, the firm also has numerous awards. In 2016, it was recognized by ENR as the country’s Number One Green Builder on its list of Top 100 Green Buildings and Contractors and Green Building Design Firms, and was dubbed by Building Design + Construction’s 300 Giants Report as the Number One General Contractor in the U.S.
With a staff of 6,000 employees that includes more than 300 LEED accredited professionals, Turner Construction completes $12 billion of construction on 1,500 projects every year. Though a large establishment, the firm prides itself on offering clients the accessibility and support of a local firm, and the stability and resources of a multinational organization. One of its most striking school projects in New York is the New Settlement Community Campus. The campus includes two schools, a primary and an intermediate/high school, that serves 568 students. The complex includes a kitchen, a cafeteria, an auditorium, a library, and play yards for both the students and the local community, which can use it during the school’s off-hours.
NORTH CAROLINA
Bordeaux Construction Company, Inc.
135 E. Martin St., #101, Raleigh, NC 27601
Founded in 1977, Bordeaux Construction Company, Inc.’s continuous growth can be rooted in its beginnings as a family-oriented firm. After being founded by Joseph and Agnes Bordeaux, their sons Tom and David joined the team and expanded operations. By 2016, Tom Bordeaux was named as the firm’s president. In the past 30 years, the firm grew out of its modest beginnings to achieve annual sales that exceed $50 million, and to date has completed over $750 million worth of construction projects. These projects include healthcare, correctional, commercial, and sports and recreation facilities, higher education facilities, and K-12 buildings. A great example of Bordeaux’s education facilities is Rocky Mount Academy. After 30 years, this school was renovated to make room for the 4,000 square foot media center and the 6,000 square foot addition to the existing building. The project also included adding a separate 4,000 square-foot pre-K building that included open common areas, and a new high-quality academic space.
NORTH DAKOTA
Construction Engineers
200 North 69th St., Grand Forks, ND 58203
“Do Something Constructive” is the founding approach this firm takes each and every day. This approach has led the firm to receive several awards for its work, including the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)’s Excellence In Construction—Eagle Award for building the addition and remodel of East Grand Forks senior high school. In addition, the firm was honored by Prairie Business as one of the 50 Best Places to Work in the Northern Plains.
With a team of experienced construction professionals, Construction Engineers has two divisions—commercial and industrial. The commercial division focuses on office, education, healthcare, and public facilities, while the industrial division builds plants and infrastructure systems. Construction Engineers has strong relationships with major subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors, as well as with local and regional government officials. This firm was founded by brothers John and Kurt Eickhof in 1978, and is today owned by Scott Kringstad and Jeff Melgaard.
OHIO
Mosser Construction
122 South Wilson Ave., Fremont, OH 43420
One of Ohio’s oldest and most successful contractors, Mosser Construction began with constructing elementary schools, before it evolved to building high schools and colleges. In subsequent years, the firm expanded its services to a myriad of projects, from bridges, commercial buildings, and medical facilities, to jails and prisons. In 1998, it even helped build Cedar Point’s wooden and steel-tracked roller coaster, The Gemini. With such a diverse range of projects, the firm has the experience to anticipate problems and consequences, and create strategic solutions.
Mosser Construction has a collection of awards, stretching from 1997 to 2017. Its most recent awards include Build Ohio Awards from the AGC of Ohio. In 2016, this award was given to the New Ronald McDonald House Facility, and in the following year, it was received by Bowling Green State University’s University Hall Renovation. Another notable example of the firm’s education projects is the Waite High School renovation, in which the firm completed the multi-phase renovation while the school was still occupied.
OKLAHOMA
Flintco
1624 W., 21st St., Tulsa, OK 74107
Flintco was founded in 1908 as a brick and mortar business—humble beginnings that helped the firm become the current $1.2 billion-worth contractor it is today, with a reputation as one of the leading commercial contractors in the nation. Flintco is frequently recognized by the Associated General Contractors for Excellence in Construction, both at the regional and national levels. Along with the AGC, it is also recognized by the Design-Build Institute of America and was acknowledged by publications including Engineering News-Record (ENR), Building Design + Construction Magazine, and Modern Healthcare Magazine. In 2016, the firm was ranked 31st on ERN’s list of Top 400 Contractors, took the 15th rank on the Top 25 List for Education projects, was in 33rd place in the Top 50 General Building category, and was ranked 27th in the list of Top CM (At Risk) Firms.
With these rankings, Flintco is frequently recognized for its quality products. The firm has experience in building a diverse range of projects, but one of its most striking projects from the education sector is Los Alamos High School. The project had the firm constructing a three-story building with 30 new classrooms, a new administration space with two conference rooms, two reception areas, and nine new offices. The lower level meanwhile includes a kitchen, a food lab, a sewing room, and a two-story dance and drama space.
OREGON
Andersen
6711 N., Cutter Circle, Portland, OR 97217
In 1950, Andersen established itself as a major Oregon contractor. During this year, the firm built four significant projects in downtown Portland: the 300,000 square foot United States Main Post Office, the 16-story Standard Insurance office building, Oregon’s ten-story Fourth and Yamhill Parking Garage, and the Hilton Hotel—Portland’s tallest building.
The largest family-owned general contractor in the Portland metro area, it is a member of the USGBC and the Urban Land Institute. Andersen is known as the builder for the majority of the Fred Meyers in Oregon, and has over 1,000 completed projects in the area. Andersen is one of the area’s largest builders for healthcare, multi-family housing, advanced technology, parking garages, and education facilities.
One of these education facilities is South Hills Middle School. A two-story, 130,000 square-foot middle school that houses 1,000 students, the school includes over 35 classrooms, a cafeteria and kitchen, choir and band rooms, a gymnasium, locker rooms, a media center, and admission space.
PENNSYLVANIA
Mascaro Construction
1720 Metropolitan St., Pittsburgh, PA 15233
A company with a background in finance with annual revenues averaging $300 million, Mascaro Construction was founded in 1988 and is now one of the region’s largest contractors. Its memberships in industry organizations include the Green Building Alliance (GBA), the AGC of America, and the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC). In 2018, it was included on Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s list of Top Five Top Workplaces. In the previous year, AGC gave it the Willis Towers Watson Construction Safety Excellence Award —the industry’s elite safety excellence award program for contractors, service providers, and suppliers of all types and sizes.
Not shying away from complex projects, the firm has services that range from construction management, commercial building construction, power construction, industrial and heavy highway construction, to design-build and general construction. Mascaro Construction builds in the cultural and entertainment, government, healthcare and research, multi-family and student housing, office and commercial, sports, and education sectors.
In the education sector, its most striking project is the North Catholic High School. Built for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, this two level, 173,000 square foot school is LEED Silver certified. In addition to classrooms, it has music rooms, labs, a library, and support space. It also has a 900-seat auditorium and a gymnasium that can seat 1,365 people. Adding to the original scope of the work is a chapel connected to the school, and a grotto- modeled after the Notre Dame Grotto- to display St. Nicholas Church’s refurbished Virgin Mary statue.
RHODE ISLAND
Gilbane Building Company
#6 Jackson Walkway, Providence, RI 02908
Most family businesses tend to last until the second generation. Some may even last until the fourth. But Gilbane Building Company is a company set deep into family values that date back to 1842. Today, more than ten members of the fifth and sixth generations actively work in the company.
The firm builds in various sectors, including commercial, civic and cultural, historic restoration, industrial, and K-12 education. One of these education sector projects is the North Reading Middle/High School. Recognized as ENR’s New England Best Project with an Award of Merit in the K-12 Category, this school has several sustainable features implemented in the building designs. The high-performance exterior wall system is capable of transmitting high visible light, daylight dimming light controls with photocells, and water systems that allow for increased water efficiency through the use of low-flow fixtures.
SOUTH CAROLINA
M. B. Kahn Construction Co., Inc.
101 Flintlake Rd., Columbia, SC 29223
M.B. Kahn Construction Co., Inc. was founded by Myron B. Kahn, and over its 90 years, has been known as one of the area’s largest supporters of southeast public education and community partnerships. Taking active roles in the community, this firm is a member of the Masonry Contractors of America and has won numerous awards. In 2018, ABC presented it with a Merit Award from the Excellence in Construction Awards. In the same year, the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce named it the Business of the Year. In addition to these awards, it is consistently ranked highly by ENR and has gained recognition as one of the nation’s most esteemed construction firms.
One of the firm’s most striking education projects in South Carolina is Westwood High School. At 370,00 square feet, this multi-story school can house 1,750 students and includes 16 science rooms, four collaboration rooms, an auditorium, a running track on the gym’s mezzanine level, an auxiliary gym and softball, track, and field facilities. The school is LEED registered and is expected to achieve a LEED Silver Certification from the USGBC.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Fiegen Construction
3712 S. Western Ave., Suite #200, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Established in 1967, Fiegen Construction was originally a steel erection business, until it quickly evolved into a general contracting firm that specialized in commercial and industrial construction. By the early 1990’s, Fiegen Construction entered into the design/build business, and now has the expertise and experience needed to work on projects of any size. One of its most notable projects was done on the O’Gorman High School. The project involved a new high school addition and a new performing arts center. In addition to building schools, the firm is also capable of building religious facilities, and commercial, medical, manufacturing, and sports facilities.
As a general contractor, Fiegen Construction also does construction management, development, pre-engineered steel and precast erection, and rough and finish carpentry. One of these projects—the Sanford Pentagon Project—garnered five of AGC of America’s Build America Awards.
TENNESSEE
Merit Construction
10434 Dutchtown Rd., Knoxville, TN 37932
A schedule-sensitive demeanor, the lowest-cost-utilizing practices, and safe construction methods are all factors that led to Merit Construction completing more than one billion dollars in construction volume to date. Since 1982, the firm’s annual average revenue stands at $87.2 million. The firm has been recognized by publications such as ENR and Knoxville News Sentinel, and won awards including AGC of Tennessee, Knoxville’s 2017 Branch Awards, and four of AGC’s 2018 Build Knoxville Awards. The firm is capable of building a myriad of projects, but its most notable work from the education sector is The New Alcoa High School. At 180,000 square feet, the new building is capable of housing 1,000 students. Designed with Lewis Group Architects, its design was inspired by the former ALCOA, Inc. buildings, and Alcoa schools’ architecture. Another noteworthy project is the renovation and addition on Greenville High School. Additions included a new three-story math and science building, cafeteria, kitchen, and a new entrance.
Before the firm built projects such as these, it was a subsidiary of a larger construction company that previously operated as a union shop organization. By 1990, the firm separated from the company. President and CEO Bruce E. Bosse has held leadership roles in many industry organizations, including Leadership Knoxville and the Knoxville Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of Tennessee.
TEXAS
The Beck Group
1807 Ross Ave., Suite #500, Dallas, TX 75201
Surviving and even thriving under economic declines, increased competition, and erratic global markets, The Beck Group has the reputation of being an award-winning firm with impressive projects that have earned it countless rankings from industry publications. These publications include ENR, in which it took the 16th rank on the magazine’s list of Top 400 National Contractors, Building Design + Construction, in which it took the 50th rank for its list of top 300 National Contractors, and the 30th rank on its list of Top 300 Architecture Firms. Along with these publications, the firm also holds high rankings in Dallas Business Journal, Modern Healthcare, Fortune Magazine, and Tampa Business Journal. For the last 15 years, Beck Group has received more than 150 awards for its projects.
One of these notable projects is Life High School—a groundbreaking project even before construction began. A new state-of-the-art high school, it was the first charter school in Texas in 2014 to access guaranteed bonds through the $37.7 billion Permanent School Fund. Life High School serves 1,000 high schoolers from grades 9 to 12. Along with classrooms, it also has science, audiovisual, and computer labs, a competition gym, locker rooms, classrooms, a black box theater, a band hall, a cafeteria, and a kitchen that serves all the Life School campuses. The campus is organized around a landscaped courtyard with an outdoor classroom that helps enhance student learning opportunities.
UTAH
Jacobsen Construction
3131 W. 2210 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84119
Jacobsen Construction commits to fulfilling its clients’ vision for a bright future. The firm is mindful of global impacts to both the environment and the people it serves. In 2017, it was included in ENR’s Top 100 Green Building Contractors, in which it placed among the top 50, and was recognized as Utah’s Top Green Building Contractor. Adding to Jacobsen Construction’s recognitions, it was also honored with the Best of The State award in the commercial construction category. This has been the fourth year the 95-year-old firm was recognized with such a prestigious award. The firm has many great projects, but one of its most notable in the education sector is Granger High School. At 440,000 square feet, it has more than 400 classrooms. The complex features a Myrtha indoor pool, an indoor running track, science labs, a medical hub with a patient lift, and a performing arts complex that includes a 1,500 seat auditorium with a high tech scenery fly loft.
Jacobsen was founded in 1922 by Soren N. Jacobsen. It has a long history that started off with its founder’s passion for building, and involved Jacobsen with various companies that helped him and the company grow. Today, led by CEO Douglas C. Welling, more than 500 Jacobsen employees span the country and fulfill Soren’s vision.
VERMONT
PC Construction
193 Tilley Dr., South Burlington, VT 05403
For more than 60 years, PC Construction, a 100% employee-owned company, has constructed buildings and facilities and water and wastewater projects along the east coast. In 2018, the firm took the 146th rank on ENR’s list of Top 400 Contractors. One of the firm’s most notable elementary/high school projects in Vermont is the Rice Memorial High School. The 90,000 square foot renovation included upgrades to existing space to include a new cafeteria, lobby, gymnasium, kitchen, and library featuring a new technology hub. In addition, the company is nearing completion on the $87.4 million 310,000-square-foot Dover High School and Regional Career Technical Center in Dover, New Hampshire, and recently completed the $47.2 million major renovation and expansion project at three school buildings within Regional School Unit 21 in Kennebunk, Maine. PC Construction is headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont and has offices in Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, New York and North Carolina.
When the company was founded in 1958 by Angelo G. Pizzagalli, PC Construction was known as Pizzagalli Pre-Cast Stone—a firm that handled masonry construction and manufactured cut stone. A few years later, it expanded into residential and remodeling projects, changing its name to Pizzagalli Construction Company. Soon after, it extended its services to commercial, industrial, and institutional building projects. By 1964, it became Vermont’s largest construction company, and was able to expand its reach from the United States to the Caribbean. By the 1980s, ENR ranked it among the Top 200 largest construction firms in the nation
VIRGINIA
Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc.
1057 Martinsburg Pike, Winchester, VA 22603
Founded in 1896, Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. is a member of The Shockey Companies, a diversified construction consortium, and is known as one of Virginia’s oldest and largest construction companies. The firm garnered numerous awards, and has been featured in publications such as ENR MidAtlantic Magazine, which ranked it among the 2017 Top 400 Contractors in the U.S. In the next year, it still held its rank within ENR’s Top 400 Contractors and ENR MidAtlantic Magazine’s Best Project for the Sports and entertainment category, and was also included in the Top 15 Contractors list in the government or public building category.
One of the firm’s notable projects in the education sector is the Willard Middle School. A 184,000-square-foot building, it serves grade six through grade eight. The school can house 1,350 students and includes classrooms, a cafeteria, an auditorium, a gymnasium, an auxiliary gymnasium, and three outdoor physical education fields. To provide for outdoor learning and ample daylight in all classrooms, a central media center was designed. It features views that span from the building entry to an enclosed courtyard/civic plaza.
WASHINGTON
Skanska
221 Yale Ave., North, Suite #400, Seattle, Washington 98109
More than 125 years ago, Skanska had modest beginnings in a small fishing village in Southern Sweden. Today, it is one of the world’s leading project development and construction companies. According to ENR, Skanska is the eighth largest building/manufacturing contractor by revenue in the country, and the third largest heavy contractor by revenue. In 2017, this revenue, which represents only one-third of the firm’s global revenue, equated to $7.3 billion. The firm builds in various sectors, including commercial buildings, healthcare and industrial facilities, government and data centers, and life sciences, infrastructure, aviation, and education facilities.
One of these educational projects is Edmonds School District’s Alderwood Middle School. Approximately 128,000 square feet, it shares the site with Martha Lake Elementary. This project involved renovations of existing sports fields, site improvements for new sports fields, parking, bus and auto circulation, emergency vehicle access, neighborhood pedestrian connections, and significant new stormwater management facilities. A two-story main classroom building was also set opposite to a one-story gymnasium, library, and commons area.
WEST VIRGINIA
Paramount Builders
501 6TH Ave., Saint Albans, WV 25177
Paramount Builders specializes in commercial construction, design/build services, construction management, and consulting. In addition to serving West Virginia, it also services Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, and Virginia. Since firm president Derick Foster co-founded it in 2006, Paramount Builders has completed over $165 million construction projects. Several of these projects are LEED Green and LEED Silver projects. The firm specializes in building in the education and institution sectors. One notable project from the education sector is Huntington East Middle School, which was built with ZMM Architects and Engineers and is 98,800 square feet.
In 2016, the firm was recognized by U.S. Builders Review, and received acknowledgment from West Virginia Construction News the following year.
WISCONSIN
CG Schmidt
11777 West Lake Park Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53224
According to Milwaukee Business Journal, CG Schmidt is currently ranked as one of the largest contractors in the area, and has been the recipient of multiple awards. Showing dramatic growth, ENR ranked it as one of the largest construction managers in the country, and included it on the list of Top 400 U.S. Contractors. In 2017, the AIA honored it with a Contractor Award.
This firm was established in 1920 by Charles Schmidt, who passed the firm down to his son, Charles, in 1929, who then expanded the business through diversification. Currently, the firm specializes in building projects for healthcare, senior living, corporate, community, industrial, parking, and education. One of these education projects is Mukwonago High School. This project included numerous additions and renovations. It addressed aging infrastructure, improved safety and security, expanded the cafeteria and kitchen, modernized the library, and enlarged classrooms. In addition, the project updated the STEM and technical education spaces, added a new three-court gym, and built a brand new auditorium.
WYOMING
Sampson Construction
2701 Westland Ct., Suite A, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Established in 1952, Sampson Construction has expertise and knowledge on various projects that vary in size, scope, and complexity. Because of this, it is recognized as one of the industry leaders in developing innovative processes that enhance services and project delivery. In addition to building hospitals, religious facilities, hotels, corporate campuses, correctional centers, manufacturing complexes, and retail development, the firm has a great deal of experience doing projects that involve schools. It has built stadiums, libraries, and college campus buildings. Since Sampson Construction also has experience with shortened timeframes, the firm is known for its ability to plan ahead and deliver quality results.
One notable example of the firm’s projects is Vikan Middle School. The project involved a classroom addition that included eight classrooms and mechanical, electrical, technology, and security upgrades to the existing facility.
How can I find a contractor near me?
Read our latest articles on the best contractors in the country. If you don’t see your project type below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.
Preschool and Elementary School Contractors in the US
University Campus Contractors in the US
About Our Rankings
This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration.
Get Bids For Your Build
If you are thinking about building a middle or high school campus, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.
The Best Senior Living Architects in the US 
The Best Storage Facility Builders in the US 
The Best Duplex Contractors in the US 
The Best Basement Remodelers in the US