Commercial & Corporate Archives - ��ý Construction

Eyes in the Sky: How drones support risk management on construction sites

nisaschmitz — Wed, 20 May 2026 16:58:50 +0000

Publication: , May/June 2026

On most construction sites, risk often hides in blind spots — on rooftops, behind façades, and within small misalignments that lead to costly rework or litigation. Contractors are increasingly turning to drones, not as a marketing tool, but as a component of their risk management strategy to reshape how projects are documented, monitored, and protected. Aside from capturing images, drones can also generate defensible data, reduce exposure, and provide visibility that traditional methods cannot match.

For many firms, the shift is deliberate. ��ý Construction’s drone program sits squarely within its risk management department.

“��ý’s drone program lives in our risk management department because its primary function is to to support our people and construction operations to drive safer and higher quality outcomes,” said Charles Wilson, vice president of risk management at ��ý, a member of multiple AGC chapters. “Given the increased demand for drone flights for safety, quality, and production needs, it made financial sense to invest in our own drone program.”

Data Collection

Drones generate measurable, timestamped, and verifiable data that can stand up in disputes, audits, and claims. Contractors using drones rely on 2D maps, 3D models, and geospatially accurate imagery to create precise project conditions. These datasets allow teams to quantify earthwork, verify installations, and compare progress against design without stepping foot in a hazardous area. Traditional inspections often require ladders, lifts, or scaffolding. Drones offer a safer alternative and allow teams to capture detailed data without putting people in harm’s way. In addition, drones give access to remote stakeholders who are not on-site every day but can sometimes hold up decision-making processes if they cannot see the reality on site.

“The amount of data collected in a short flight surpasses the amount that a person inspecting an installation can provide on their own,” said Wilson. “Anytime we can eliminate the need for a person to work at an elevated position is a win.”

Beyond safety, contractors can also document site conditions daily, creating a record that can resolve disputes before they escalate. Matt Daly, CMO for , an AGC of California and TEXO member, has hundreds of stories from contractors who have saved money because of their drone programs.

“Giving contractors one source of truth for what is happening on site is massively useful,” said Daly. “One contractor avoided a $250,000 delay claim by using drone imagery to prove materials were on site when claimed, invalidating allegations. Another contractor had a $45,000 backcharge withdrawn because aerial overlays proved that a driveway slab matched the plan.”

By providing high-frequency, sitewide visibility, drones enable remote owners, engineers, and inspectors to verify progress, assess conditions, and make faster decisions. This reduces information delays. In addition, consistent aerial data can help teams identify issues before they become costly problems.

FAA Regulations and Airspace

Construction drone operations are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and compliance is a critical component of risk management. At a minimum, commercial drone operators must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate by passing an FAA knowledge exam and staying current with ongoing training.

Airspace considerations can also add some complexity. Projects located near airports or in controlled airspace require
advance authorization through systems like LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability). However, many drone platforms include built-in airspace awareness tools that alert operators to restrictions and facilitate authorization requests.

The regulatory landscape continues to evolve, especially with the FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule on beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. The proposed framework, outlined in a 2025 Federal Register notice, aims to normalize routine BVLOS flights by establishing requirements for detect-and-avoid systems, airspace coordination, and operational oversight. For construction, BVLOS restrictions are one of the biggest barriers to drone operations, so easing limitations could allow drones to cover larger sites more efficiently and enable automated, scheduled data capture.

“The FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule is a big deal because it would move drone flights beyond one-off approvals and into a clear, nationwide set of rules that allows companies to fly drones BVLOS on a regular basis,” said Logan Decker, ��ý’s drone operator. “Instead of needing special waivers each time, operators would have a consistent path to run larger, more efficient drone programs that can cover much bigger geographic areas per flight. This shift would reduce time and labor costs and unlock high-value use cases.”

Insurance: Coverage, Requirements, and Opportunities

While drone insurance is not mandated by the FAA, it is not optional in practice. Many project owners require contractors to carry specific liability coverage for drone operations, often through preauthorization requirements. Coverage structures can vary with some policies tied to individual operators and others that cover broader organizational use.

On the upside, drones can offer a path to reduced insurance costs over time. By improving documentation, reducing accidents, and enabling early issue detection, drones can lower the frequency and severity of claims.

Data Ownership and Security

As drones generate more sophisticated data, questions around ownership and control are becoming more prominent. In most cases, data ownership is defined by contract. Owners may require access to all documentation, while contractors may retain rights to use the data for internal purposes. Third-party providers may use anonymous data to improve their services, but they typically do not claim ownership or share project data externally without permission.

Security is equally critical. With sensitive project information at stake, providers are investing in certifications, access controls, and data governance protocols to ensure that only authorized users can access information.

Policy, Procurement, and Geopolitical Risk

Beyond project-level considerations, broader policy shifts also shape the drone landscape. Federal scrutiny of foreign-made drones, for example, has introduced new considerations around procurement and cybersecurity. In December, President Trump banned the sale of new foreign-manufactured drones amid growing concerns surrounding data security and supply chain integrity. However, the FCC recently exempted some of those models. For contractors, it is important to stay up to date with changing policies to ensure they maintain compliance since these policies can influence equipment selection and vendor relationships.

Less Adoption Challenges

Some contractors remain hesitant to adopt drone technology because of perceived complexity, regulatory hurdles, and safety risks. However, many of these barriers are diminishing. Contractors can choose to build in-house drone programs or use third-party providers who handle compliance, data capture, and processing. Training resources are widely available, and the technology itself has become more reliable and user-friendly.

“The biggest challenge with launching a drone program is getting employees to adjust to conducting safety inspections and other protocols in a new way,” said Decker. “Forming new habits takes time. Once our team experienced the advantages of the drone program, flight requests dramatically increased.”

Automation and AI

Looking ahead, the next phase of drone-enabled risk management is already taking shape.

Automated “drone-in-a-box” systems can capture data on a schedule without human intervention, ensuring consistent documentation throughout the project. At the same time, artificial intelligence is transforming how that data is analyzed. AI-powered tools can now identify safety hazards, track progress, and compare conditions against schedules and design models in real time.

“We’ve only just begun integrating drones’ asset capture with AI’s safety monitoring,” said Wilson. “It is possible someday AI will use drone imagery to predict and prevent accidents from occurring.”

A New Standard of Care

As regulatory frameworks evolve, technologies mature, and usage expands, drones are becoming more than a competitive advantage — they are becoming a standard of care.

Having eyes in the sky may be one of the most effective ways to keep risk under control.

“Construction firms that haven’t adopted drones should explore the technology. The potential is significant: safer jobsites, stronger quality control, more accurate estimating, and smoother operations that can drive savings and set them apart competitively,” said Wilson.

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��ý’s Partnership Approach Paves the Way for Real Estate Development

daniellebergmann — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:25:26 +0000

Forty-three years ago, Charles “Chuck” ��ý founded a small commercial contracting company in his hometown of Breese, Ill. Since then, ��ý Construction has built a reputation for delivering quality projects in the safest and most cost-effective way possible.

“Owners and developers really appreciate collaboration and financial transparency on their real estate projects and is why 95 percent of our commercial real estate portfolio comes from repeat clients and referrals,” says Ryan ��ý, President of ��ý Construction. “It’s really a testament to our team’s approach to ensuring proper project execution is backed by unparalleled financial transparency.”

��ý’s prowess is demonstrated through ongoing partnerships with clients in the commercial real estate, retail, multifamily, distribution, and warehouse sectors. From one-off projects to large regional distribution centers to the rollout of multiple locations, ��ý utilizes these past experiences along with historical cost database of similar projects, partnerships with local trade contractors, and knowledge of current industry trends to help any size business achieve their goals.

In distribution and warehousing, ��ý completed over 3 million square feet of projects in the Midwest and Southeast last year and is actively working with tenants to build out commercial and warehousing space to meet additional distribution needs.

In the multi-family sector, ��ý partnered with Premier Senior Living and the St. Louis Design Alliance to open the developer’s first Illinois destination for a new assisted living and memory care center in October 2022. Revela at O’Fallon addresses a goal frequently discussed within the City of O’Fallon’s 2040 Master Plan – to ensure residents of O’Fallon have optimal housing during whatever stage of life they may be in.

��ý has been a preferred contractor of Planet Fitness in their multi-state expansion, with ��ý providing a key role in site selection and evaluation, making sure potential locations work within the client’s budget and fits overall constructability.

��ý’s approach of early contractor involvement, team collaboration, and shared common goals brings immense value to owners and developers in search of resilient and flexible long-term growth solutions.

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��ý Construction to Break Ground on Old Monroe’s Venue and Tasting Room

daniellebergmann — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 12:35:35 +0000

is expanding its family grown and distilled business with the addition of a distillery inspired luxury wedding and event venue. This new build will be a multi-faceted experience center located in rural Columbia, Ill. near their distillery and 8th generation family farm.

Providing an exclusive and remote experience for its visitors, the venue consists of a large ceremony hall, full-service bar and tasting room, indoor/outdoor lounge, lower-level event space, prep kitchens, offices, a bridal suite, a groom’s suite, multiple restrooms, outdoor spaces, and storage. The site will include new streets, three man-made lakes, a parking lot, and walking paths.

“Old Monroe is thrilled to embark on this remarkable expansion in our hometown of Columbia,” said Adam Stumpf, Co-Owner of Old Monroe Distilling Co. “This project symbolizes our deep-rooted family values and our dedication to fostering local growth and creating exceptional experiences for our residents and visitors.”

This project is made possible by the support of local financial institutions and a $500,000 tourism grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. This grant was funded from a $22.5 million initiative that was distributed across the state, funding 89 projects that will ultimately increase tourism.

“We are honored to be a part of this expansion supporting a local business in the state of Illinois, where our family-owned business is headquartered,” Stated Ryan ��ý, President of ��ý Construction. “As a company built on family values, we take great pride in fostering strong relationships with other local businesses like Stumpy’s and look forward to bringing this exciting project to life.”

Brucon is serving as the Owner’s Representative and ��ý Construction is the General Contractor providing preconstruction services. DC Structures will be acting as the architect on the project with Heneghan and Associates, P.C., 303rd Engineering Group, LLC, and Interior Designer Samantha Lee as their engineering design partners.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for June 26th, 2023 at 10 a.m. The project is expected to be completed in 2024.

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Charlotte Spotlight: Keith ��ý, ��ý Construction

daniellebergmann — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:16:57 +0000

spoke with Keith ��ý, chairman and CEO of ��ý Construction, to discuss the major shifts that are occurring across the industry and why the Charlotte region is ripe for immense development growth.

What have been your key takeaways over the past two years?

We’ve got concerns in the construction industry as a whole. Supply chain issues continue impacting us and are among our biggest hurdles in making sure we’re monitoring and handling our procurement process. That’s a strategic initiative for us because these are global issues that are not going away anytime soon. Finding great talent will also continue to be a big challenge. For our firm, retaining that talent while offering training and upward mobility from within the organization is a big priority. We also want to make sure we’ve got good partners and subcontractors, monitoring their workload and creating an atmosphere where they’re successful.

The infrastructure bill and Inflation Reduction Act are game changers for the United States. The country hasn’t invested in infrastructure in over 50 years at this scale. Leaving it up to state and local governments to do it is not sustainable over that time, so it’s a huge shift.

How do strategic partnerships influence ��ý Construction’s success?

Partnerships vary based on the issue at hand, but having a good relationship and network of individuals that you can rely on in the event of an issue or obstacle, who you can call and cut through the red tape with, that is critical. Otherwise, it encumbers progress and puts project timelines in jeopardy. It’s especially important with subcontractors and supporting one another to a project’s completion.

On the economic development side, you’re building long-term relationships and not necessarily knowing where they’ll go at the start. If you cultivate relationships over time, they tend to bear fruit even if it’s five or 10 years down the road. To expand business and reinforce our talent pipeline, we are heavily involved as mentoring partners in many construction management institutions. Eastern Carolina University has a really strong construction management program we work with and support. Appalachian State University, likewise, has a great program that we partner with.

What is your view of corporate social responsibility in construction today?

The construction industry as a whole is lacking in diversity and inclusion, unfortunately. It is also our responsibility to work on that. It’s hard but absolutely necessary work if the industry is to evolve. We also want to recruit more women in construction. We recognize that this will be a process. However, some of our strongest leaders are women and that’s at all levels, from project managers, superintendents and quality control managers, to senior leadership. It’s something the industry must continue to work on. That’s part of our struggle as an industry, particularly with the trade labor shortages that we’re experiencing. You have to broaden your field of inclusion to not only move the needle on the issue but also to take care of staffing shortfalls along the way.

We also have a tremendous responsibility in terms of sustainability. There’s a lot we can do in terms of innovation in assisting with design recommendations for building more sustainable facilities and lowering our carbon footprint in society. It’s all a part of quality, ultimately, and a tremendous opportunity for us.

In what industries are you seeing the most growth in the Charlotte region?

Charlotte, and the Southeast broadly, is becoming a strong logistics hub across the entire United States. In North Carolina, we have the NC Towers energy initiative that will likely create significant growth in manufacturing and distribution in addition to positioning North Carolina as a clean energy producing state. Warehouse distribution space has had significant growth in the Charlotte region and we don’t see that changing, it could, in fact, keep growing. What’s happening on a global stage is that we’re seeing a lot of manufacturers looking at the United States as a safe place to do business.

On top of that, we have closer ties with Europe than Asia, so it’s creating new supply chain shifts at the global level from the West Coast to East Coast ports. Increasing port capacity and the supporting rail and highway infrastructure to handle that new volume is important. Charlotte sits in a strategic location in that regard. It’s close to several big ports, including Wilmington, Charleston and Savannah. From there, we’ve got a lot of rail and roadway capacity to bring product throughout to the Northeast.

How is technology impacting the construction industry?

You won’t get away from the human component anytime soon in construction. Where technology can really grow is in helping streamline processes. That could be in design development or building retrofits, as-built documentation, or validation of what’s installed versus what’s designed. We have drone technology to fly over areas of buildings and can, relatively quickly, validate that what’s installed is in accordance with the design documents.

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Community Bank of Trenton Partners with ��ý to Open a Second Location

daniellebergmann — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 17:34:11 +0000

held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, June 16, to kick off the project to build a new branch in Breese, Ill. at 9420 Holy Cross Lane. ��ý Construction is serving as the general contractor, with Hurford Architects, Inc. as the architect, for the 2,480 square foot facility, which has an anticipate completion date of Fall 2022.

“We look forward to the opening of our second Community Bank location,” states Steven Wallace, Bank President of Community Bank of Trenton. “We look forward to joining the Breese community and to further expanding our financial services in the County. Having owned the land for several years the Board of Directors of the Bank feels the time is right for our expansion into a great community and market that we believe we have products and services that will enhance customers’ financial standing.”

Located near the HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, this location will feature a change from what has been seen in banking in the past. The building will feature a standard set of offices and conference areas but will feature a modern exterior and a more open and industrial feel on the inside.�� The new Community Bank location will be powered by Solar energy.

On behalf of the Community Bank Board of Directors, Chairperson Barbara Lockowitz expresses, “A special thank you to the Breese Mayor, City Business Administrator, and everyone we have been in contact with at the City of Breese… also to Kevin ��ý and his team at ��ý Construction that will be serving as our general contractor directing and overseeing the project.”

“We are excited to be assisting Community Bank in this new build and bringing their services to our hometown community of Breese,” states Ryan ��ý, Executive Vice President and COO of ��ý Construction Company. “We hope this project leads to future projects with Community Bank as they continue to grow.”

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Farmers and Merchants National Bank Partners With ��ý Construction to Bring New Location to O’fallon, Ill.

daniellebergmann — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 17:58:09 +0000

Farmers and Merchants National Bank (FMB), in partnership with the City of O’Fallon and ��ý Construction, broke ground on a new location for FMB on May 18, 2021 at 1805 East Highway 50 in O’Fallon, Ill. This 4,000 SF facility, part of the Four Points Center development, will be the bank’s 7 th area location. The project is anticipated for completion in fall 2021.

“Farmers and Merchants National Bank is excited to bring our services to the O’Fallon Community with the help of the City of O’Fallon and ��ý Construction,” states Stephen Greene, President of Farmers and Merchants National Bank. “We are committed to providing exceptional services with our traditional family and community banking values. As we continue to grow and achieve success, we are looking forward to stepping into new communities with our quality products and great customer service.”

FMB currently has 6 locations in St. Clair and Washington counties in Illinois. The addition of the O’Fallon, Ill. service area is conveniently located to provide customers with an upgraded banking experience and easy access for our local customers in St. Clair County and at Scott Air Force Base. The new building consists of metal stud walls, brick masonry walls, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing and shingled roofing; and features two drive-thru lanes.

“We are honored to work with Farmers and Merchants National Bank as their general contractor in order to bring more convenience and services to the O’Fallon community,” states Ryan ��ý, Executive Vice President & COO of ��ý Construction Company. “��ý is looking forward to many more projects in the future as Farmers and Merchants continues to expand and deliver
exceptional services.”

The project’s design team is led by Michael E. Bauer Architecture. GC Engineering is serving as the structural engineer; 303 rd Engineering Group as the mechanical, electrical, plumbing engineer; and TWM Engineering as the civil engineer.

About Farmers and Merchants National Bank

Chartered in Nashville, IL on May 6, 1906 by a group of local residents and merchants looking to meet their banking needs. Farmers and Merchants philosophy of community banking has not changed since 1906 and continues to advance and deliver the best possible experience and knowledge to customers. Growth for Farmers and Merchants Bank has been achieved through the continual offering of new quality products and great service. Farmers and Merchants National Bank currently has 4 branches in Washington County and 2 in St. Clair County. For more information, visit www.bankwithfmb.com.

About ��ý Construction Company
Established in 1980, ��ý Construction is a second-generation, family-owned and veteran-owned business specializing in construction management, design/build, general contracting and self-perform services with an emphasis to exceed the client’s expectations. ��ý Construction is dedicated to providing safe, quality, sustainable, and technology solutions to clients in the Education, Distribution, Government, Healthcare, Hospitality, Municipal, Recreation, and Retail industries. The company prides itself on building long-lasting relationships with their clients, business partners and the communities in which they work.

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Riechmann Bros., ��ý to Break Ground on John Deere Dealership

daniellebergmann — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 20:44:04 +0000

Publication: Breese Journal, February 2021

The are set to break ground on a new John Deere dealership location in February of this year. ��ý Construction Company is serving as the design-build contractor for this 15-acre development.

“We pride ourselves on having a team of high-quality technicians and the largest parts inventory for same-day services. This new facility will allow greater accessibility for our customers,” states Bill Riechmann, CEO of Riechmann Bros. “We put our trust in ��ý Construction’s quality of work because they mirror the family-owned values that we live by.”

The 34,000-square-foot facility will be located only a few miles from the original Breese, Illinois location built in 1988, providing ample space to accommodate customers, help accelerate training programs and increase employee retention. The pre-engineered metal building will feature a canopy to match John Deere’s signature brand colors, showcase brick and stone wainscoting, epoxy floor finish, and mezzanines for additional storage. The new facility will feature:

an inside wash bay, providing a location to wash equipment while escaping the challenges of winter and freezing temperatures;
a corporate training room to host technician and sales training with John Deere;
private offices for the management and sales teams, allowing for confidentiality amongst customers; and
two separate vehicle maintenance areas for agriculture and lawn care equipment.

Multiple energy-efficient elements such as LED lighting and extra insulation to control heating and cooling loses have been incorporated into the design.

“��ý Construction is excited to work on a project that will contribute to the economic development and investment in the Breese community,” said Keith ��ý, president of ��ý Construction Company. “This new facility will allow Riechmann Bros. to continue their amazing growth, and we are honored to be working closely with them.”

The anticipated completion date for the new Riechmann Bros. location is late 2021, just in time for their 100th anniversary.

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��ý Construction Headquarters Wins BD+C 2020 Building Team Award

daniellebergmann — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 15:49:04 +0000

Publication: Building Design+Construction, Summer 2020

��ý Construction Company was recently awarded a bronze Building Team Award by Building Design+Construction for its new state-of-the-art headquarters, finished in October 2019. The Building Team Awards highlight the best projects across the country, exemplifying the collaboration between owner, architect, engineer and contractor to produce buildings that exhibit architectural and construction excellence.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition for our very own headquarters, which is a testament to the outstanding partnerships we have built with local firms and consultants over the years,” said Keith ��ý, president of ��ý Construction. “��ý’s new headquarters is a culmination of nearly a decade of planning and collaboration and this honor couldn’t come at a more perfect time as we celebrate 40 years in business.”

��ý’s 40,000-square-foot headquarters and 12,000-square-foot warehouse was designed by St. Louis-based architecture and interior design firm Oculus Inc., who was engaged by ��ý to help with space planning and programming for the new headquarters. Other design consultants included Netemeyer Engineering Associates Inc as civil engineer, IMEG of St. Louis as structural engineer, BRiC Partnership of Belleville as the MEPFP coordinator and DTLS of St. Louis as the landscape architect.

Now in its 22nd year, the BD+C Building Team Awards serves as the industry’s only recognition program to honor projects that achieve excellence in both design/construction and collaboration of the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AEC/O) team. ��ý’s headquarters is one of only two Bronze winners, and one of 12 total projects to be selected by a 15-member Building Team Awards jury and the BD+C editorial team this year.

Visit ��ý’s website to learn more about the new headquarters. For in-depth stories on all 12 Building Team Award winners, download the May/June 2020 digital edition at BDCnetwork.com.

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Thought Leadership: New Year, New Space

daniellebergmann — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 11:57:30 +0000

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The traditional office is a thing of the past, as is the idea that office space doesn’t affect the work done within it. Today, companies are aiming to create engaging spaces to facilitate a collaborative atmosphere, while also providing more autonomy for employees. Many organizations are achieving this vision by eliciting the expertise from construction and design companies to update their space and create a new environment for their employees, as individuals and as teams.

In October 2019, ��ý opened its doors to a new, 40,000-square-foot corporate headquarters in its hometown of Breese, IL. More than 500 people were in attendance for the celebration, which marked the culmination of nearly a decade of planning aimed at elevating the day-to-day operations of the company. This also demonstrated the firm’s own expertise in construction to both clients and potential employees.��ý Construction Company has been tapped by a variety of organizations and businesses to transform its clients’ commercial office spaces into more modern work environments. Recently, the organization decided to look inward and undergo a transformation themselves.

DESIGNING A FUNCTIONAL, YET FLEXIBLE, FRAMEWORK

After undergoing a strategic planning session in 2016, ��ý leadership set out to grow the company’s brand, attract and retain top talent, and continue to cultivate long-lasting client partnerships locally and nationally. Part of that strategy included building a new corporate headquarters facility, something the company’s leadership had a vision for back in 2010 when it was growing significantly, but wasn’t feasible in the wake of the economic recession.

Previously, employees working in different divisions were spread between five different buildings, and collecting them under one roof facilitated more teamwork. ��ý had a main office, where the largest number of employees worked, and the company had added temporary office spaces to its campus to accommodate this growth. A single main campus headquarters promoted teamwork, communication, and more efficient productivity between the divisions.Possibly the most pressing factor that influenced the decision to build the new headquarters was the need to bring together the disconnected teams both in-house and in the field.

Committed to staying in the city of Breese, the ��ý team engaged federal, local, and state agencies along with lending institutions to determine the financial incentive options available to build their desired facility. A variety of incentive options from Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Enterprise Zone initiatives, and state income tax credits for increased employment, to a Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan for locked in low interest rates, helped the company obtain the financial capacity it needed to bring the vision to reality.

OLD WORLD THEMES, NEW WORLD GOALS

��ý then partnered with local firms and consultants throughout the development of the new headquarters vision, which was key to delivering a high-quality, final product. St. Louis-based architecture and interior design firm Oculus Inc.’s initial concept design of a historic German “bank barn”—barns built into a bank or hillside—resonated with the ��ý family because it tied in not only with the surrounding environment, but also the company’s heritage. The architectural and structural detailing unique to these German barns served as inspiration for the design of the new corporate headquarters.

Like most traditional bank barns, the headquarters features a central building with high ceilings and exposed connections with interrelated structures adjacent and connected to the central structure. The exterior façade of the company’s new headquarters complements the history and values of the Breese community, while featuring materials and finishes that are prominent in ��ý’s diverse portfolio: structural steel framing, concrete, exposed glulam beams, masonry, metal wall panels, wood plank siding, and standing seam metal roofing.

Visible from multiple elevations, the sharp pitch in the spine of the central roof (see photo, below right) is reminiscent of traditional barn roofs and serves as a core visual element that pulls the side structure together into a unified, organic whole.

As important as their work is employee health and wellness are vital to the lifeblood of the company. Among the new headquarters’ prime features:

24-hour fitness center equipped with lockers and bathrooms, along with a dedicated wellness room.
Game area with a pool table, air hockey, shuffleboard, and foosball giving employees the option to take a mental break during work hours to indulge in friendly competition.��
An outdoor sanctuary incorporating a tranquil lake with a waterfall and two fountain features, landscaping, entertaining areas, and a one-third of a mile walking path, which allows employees to break from the traditional nine-to-five work environment and destress with the natural surroundings.

OFFICE AMENITIES THAT GO TO THE BOTTOM LINE

According to ��ý leadership, the plan for the new headquarters was rooted in a two-fold purpose: to celebrate the vision and craftsmanship of the ��ý team and demonstrate its skills and capabilities to clients, as well as offer employees the best possible environment in which to grow and expand their career while ensuring work-life balance.

The building was also designed with consideration of sustainability and carbon footprint reduction. ��ý optimized energy performance by installing a geothermal HVAC system at the site, and there is LED lighting installed throughout the building. Meanwhile, a solar panel farm was also installed adjacent to the lake on the site. These improvements to the environmental controls, coupled with the consolidated space, aim to reduce energy consumption by 75% and reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 65%.The building incorporates technological advances ��ý has experienced in the industry that promote employee wellness, growth, and collaboration. Cubicles are tailored toward a 21st century environment, including sit-to-stand workstations and open collaboration concepts. ��ý included an in-house training room with real-time conversation technology fit to accommodate seminars, meetings, and learning opportunities for up to 100 people along with connections to employees working remote. Allowing teams to work together and learn together is a great tool to increase the productivity of the company while simultaneously creating a culture of continued education and growth.

In June 2020, ��ý will celebrate its 40th business anniversary, a milestone that makes the new office space that more special for the second-generation family-owned company. Looking back at the legacy the company has made in both the industry and the local community, being able to celebrate its continued success with the opening of a brand-new facility for its employees and business partners—some of whom have been with ��ý from the beginning—couldn’t come at a more perfect time for all stakeholders.��

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

��ý is the president of ��ý Construction Company, located in Breese, IL. With more than 24 years of construction experience, he oversees a $170 million commercial construction company that is licensed and qualified to do business in 26 states. ��ý is a Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville graduate with a B.S. in Construction Management, and is a certified National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) Occupational Analysis subject matter expert, American Hospital Association Certified Healthcare Constructor (AHA CHC), and International Council of Shopping Centers Certified Development, Design and Construction Professional (ICSC CDP).

This article originally appeared in the February 2020 issue of .��

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��ý Opens New 40,000-Square-Foot Headquarters

daniellebergmann — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 12:36:31 +0000

Publication: Illinois Business Journal, October 2020

Breese, Illinois-based firm honors heritage, employees in modern office space

��ý Construction Company, a second-generation family-owned construction company and one of the top 75 largest general contractors in the Midwest, announces the opening of its new, 40,000-square-foot headquarters, located at 400 S. Germantown Rd. Breese, IL 62230. This new construction consolidates five separate facilities into a single, central building that is more than 30 percent larger than the previous workspaces.

“Our plan for this new headquarters was rooted in a two-fold purpose,” said Keith ��ý, president of ��ý Construction. “We wanted to celebrate the vision and craftsmanship of the ��ý team and demonstrate our skills and capabilities to our clients, as well as offer employees the best possible environment in which to grow and expand their career while ensuring work-life balance.”

Inspired by the traditional style of German bank barns, the new headquarters’ exterior façade complements the history and values of the Breese community while featuring materials and finishes that are prominent in ��ý’s diverse portfolio: structural steel framing, concrete, exposed glulam beams, masonry, metal wall panels, wood plank siding, and standing seam metal roofing. Visible from multiple elevations, the sharp pitch in the spine of the central roof is reminiscent of traditional barn roofs and serves as a core visual element that pulls the side structure together into a unified, organic whole.

Among the new headquarters’ prime features is an outdoor sanctuary incorporating a tranquil lake with a waterfall and two fountain features, beautiful landscaping and entertaining areas. The back of the building features a walk-out lower level with a covered gallery that echoes passages built on the sheltered side of German barns. The gallery leads to the 1/3-mile walking path, which allows employees to break from the traditional nine-to-five work environment and destress with nature.

Other amenities include:

An expansive lobby and guest lounge boasting 37-foot ceilings with sightlines to the exterior lake and natural elements.
Cubicles tailored toward a 21st century environment, including sit-to-stand workstations and open collaboration concepts.
Geothermal HVAC system, solar panel farm and LED lights to reduce energy consumption by 75 percent along with reducing the carbon footprint by 65 percent.
Health and wellness facilities available on site, including a 24/7 fitness center equipped with lockers and bathrooms, and a dedicated health wellness room.
In-house training room with real time conversation features that can accommodate 100 people.

The headquarters opening comes alongside recent success in the company including the opening of a Southeast regional office in Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as leadership promotions to accommodate strategic growth within the company.

“Next year we’re celebrating our 40th year in business and there is no better way to honor our company culture, community and longtime employees than a beautiful new headquarters that reflects the professionalism and skills of our employees while honoring our culture and heritage,” added Keith ��ý. “We’re very proud of the collaboration among all firms and consultants throughout the development of our vision and look forward to continuing to be a premier leader in attracting and retaining the most talented construction professionals in order to continue our growth while maintaining exceptional service for our clients.”

St. Louis-based Oculus Inc. served as the architect and interior designer of record and Aviston, Ill.-based Netemeyer Engineering Associates Inc. served as civil engineer. Other design consultants included IMEG of St. Louis as structural engineer, BRiC Partnership of Belleville as the MEPFP coordinator and DTLS of St. Louis as the landscape architect.

This article originally appeared in the October 2020 online issue of the Illinois Business Journal.��

Also featured in: St. Louis Business Journal, St. Louis Construction News & Review, Construction Forum St. Louis, The Breese Journal, BND.com, and Highland News Leader.

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