The fastest-growing major city in Michigan, Grand Rapids serves as the economic and cultural center of the western part of the state. Its diverse economy consists of health care, information technology, automotive, aviation, retail, and manufacturing industries. Inaugurating a business in such a competitive location requires an establishment that is structured and timeless.
To help you in any building needs, our editorial team presents you the list of the best commercial contractors in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We carefully studied each firm’s notable partnerships, sustainable strategies, comprehensive list of services, and the broad scope of their project portfolio. These firms have built award-winning projects and created a trademark that they can call their own.
Owen Ames Kimball Co.
300 Ionia NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Owen Ames Kimball Co.’s century and three decades of service in the industry consists following trends, making adjustments, and process development. Besides this, what drives the firm is the founders’ instilled value of care for people. Today, this care persists in its building processes, resulting in delicately constructed establishments in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Fort Myers, Florida.
Leading this humble and driven firm is Frank Stanek, a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan, a licensed General Contractor, and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional. He is the eighth CEO that served in Owen Ames Kimball Co. and has been in this position since 2013. Included in his list of many accomplishments is his management of the build-out of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
The firm built this 11,000-square-foot structure to attract businesses in the town. Despite the amount of building the firm did, including a new staircase in the center of the office, the firm strictly followed a demanding 12-week schedule even through holidays. It reduced the operations area by creating engaging and incubating spaces for employees, a concept that brings value to members, attracts others, and initiates revenue-generating opportunities.
Clark Construction Company
3535 Moores River Dr., Lansing MI 48911
Leon Clark, the founder of Clark Construction Company, combined his strong work ethic with the philosophy that customers must always be a priority. His sons, John and Chuck, accompanied him in his firm and helped him maintain its values and expand their portfolio with construction projects, including schools and power plants. Since 1946, the firm has flourished and became one of the top 400 general contracting firms in the country and the largest full-service construction firm in Michigan.
To constantly achieve a successful project, Clark Construction Company’s method for its safety program consists of finding the balance between performance and quality and meeting regulatory and monetary conditions. It has earned an impressive track record by staying committed to a safety program that benefits its employees and clients. Associated General Contractors of Michigan saw this dedication worthy of receiving the Gold in Michigan Outstanding Safety Performance Award in 2019 and 2020.
One of the firms’ latest projects is the expansion of the Firekeepers Casino Resort Hotel. This project includes a full basement and seven stories above grade constructed as a cast-in-place concrete structure with a blend of glazing and metal panels systems. It also features 200 rooms and suites, an underground tunnel linked to the existing facility, and intricate finishes.
Triangle Associates, Inc.
3769 Three Mile Rd. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
For its Fox Motors project, Triangle Associates has provided reconstruction, addition, and renovation services to the Delta Imports dealership. This project required interior and exterior upgrades for the structure and finishes to deliver a luxurious showroom of Grand Rapids Audi/Fox and Porsche. To complete this project, the firm started by embracing the client’s core values, respecting their demands, and showing belief in their brand.
Craig Datema, the current Chairman and CEO of Triangle Associates, knows very well how to utilize his knowledge of architectural design, construction delivery, and project management. He uses these familiarities to focus his leadership on long-term planning, rising industries, service expansion, and community stewardship. As a result, the firm has successfully finished countless projects, crossing industries, fulfilling its mission of leaving a remarkable nationwide footprint in all of its construction management, general contracting, and design/build services.
Wolverine Building Group
4045 Barden Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Wolverine Building Group is a commercial contractor with years of experience and a passion for creative innovation. The firm is led by principals Curt Mulder and Aaron Jonker. Curt is a creative problem solver with an inspiring mindset, and Aaron is passionate about sustaining Wolverine Building Group’s responsibility as a corporate citizen. Together, they manage over 150 employees, synergistically working to develop the firm as a national leader in the construction industry having completed projects in 49 states. Through these experiences, the team has obtained a profound understanding of handling the complexities involved in accomplishing diverse projects.
One example of Wolverine Building Group’s work is the renovation of an event space to make way for an internationally renowned Tiki bar and restaurant. Named the Max’s South Seas Hideaway, this project involved a challenging timeline, considering the need to coordinate Tiki artists, trade partners, and moving items. Yet, the firm completed this project on time, resulting in a place with unique table arrangements, private lounges, and a sizable saltwater aquarium. With such an exciting ambiance, this bar and restaurant have drawn guests from all over New York and California.
Orion Construction, Inc
32 Market Ave SW Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Warner Building is a multi-story mixed-use tower established by Orion Construction in the core of the downtown business district in Grand Rapids. Its tenants, Warner Norcross & Judd and Chemical Bank, are able to enjoy the Class A office space, retail and restaurant area, and seven-story parking deck as part of this mixed-use tower. This new build finely complements the adjacent Hyatt Place hotel, demonstrating how Orion Construction can consider the surrounding community when building a project.
Orion Construction strives to provide positive economic and social impact, encourage progress, and most importantly, construct financially sustainable developments. To achieve these goals, the firm wisely utilizes its resources, starting with its people. It designates the right people and managers who can share visions and creative solutions from the fieldwork to the office. By incorporating talent, enthusiasm, and commitment, the firm has built an impressive portfolio and has successfully served the industry for two decades, providing general contracting and construction services.
First Companies
4380 Brockton Dr. SE Suite 1, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Serving the industry for over five decades, First Companies has obtained a reputation for quality work, integrity, and excellent customer service. The company offers commercial real estate, construction, and property management services in West Michigan and surrounding areas. Under the leadership of brothers Jeff and Craig Baker, the company has built a robust portfolio including downtown mixed-use buildings, educational institutions, industrial and manufacturing facilities, corporate offices, retail, class-A medical buildings, restaurants, and resorts.
Knowing the extensive background of First Companies, Two James Distillery chose the firm to build its new tasting room in Grand Rapids. The space limitations of this project required the team to get inventive. The result includes a variety of seating options, adequate room for a fully stocked and functional bar, and ample room to mingle. The design incorporates exposed brick, high ceilings, and trusses with head-turning wall paintings earth-toned detailing.
Visser Brothers Construction
1946 Turner Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Visser Brothers Construction has a team adept at delivering efficient and effective construction processes. The firm works together to find ways to maximize the potential of projects by integrating planning and design and assigning one management as the sole point of communication. This team broadens its horizons by working on different projects and learning about the complexes of a wide range of industries. After six decades of consistent dedication, the firm has been an integral part of the community, building hotels, multifamily facilities, offices, hospitals, parking lots, recreational spaces, retail, restaurants, and warehouses.
As a commercial contractor, Visser Brothers Construction employs a traditional model of bidding and managing subcontractor bidding. It leverages its relationships with quality-focused subcontractors to ensure precise project execution on site. For its construction management services, the firm collaborates with the client and the design team throughout the entire construction process, including the administration of trade contractors. Despite providing a wide range of services for a long list of clients, the firm always stays attentive to details and focuses on value engineering to complete sustainable facilities.
Lakewood Construction LLC
11253 James St., Holland, MI 49424
Lakewood Construction LLC successfully translated AMDG’s design for this 8,500-square-foot space that focuses on openness, hospitality, and honoring the roots of the place. Some challenges include moving the 240 ton Fried House, constructing at an operating campus, and regulating tight schedules due to arrival delay of material. The firm’s pre-construction process allowed it to overcome these challenges and complete a project that reflects its center college, Hope College.
Lakewood Construction LLC believes that pre-construction is the part of the building process that matters the most. That is why during planning, it diligently uncovers project challenges and grasps the client’s vision down to every detail. It primarily identifies the project goals and defines priorities to ensure they are always on the same page with clients.
One priority that the firm always considers is the safety of its team members, construction partners, and all other site visitors. As a result, Lakewood Construction has been annually recognized by ABC/WM as a Silver level recipient of the Safety Training Evaluation Process since 1994.
Pioneer Construction
550 Kirtland St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Pioneer Construction is a full-service construction company providing pre-construction, general contracting, design/build, LEED construction, design and engineering, BIM coordination, and laser scanning services. With these services and commitment to community engagement, sustainable design, and safety, the firm always ensures it follows a standard of high-quality building. Unparalleled dedication to the craft allowed the firm recognition from the American Subcontractors Association of Michigan as the Michigan Contractor of the Year and Safety Award of Excellence from the ABC West Michigan Chapter in 2018.
Serving the entire country is its 200+ talented craft and trade professionals providing construction solutions through its innate and honed building skills. Whether as individuals or as a group, the Pioneer Construction team holds a diverse project experience from different construction types. Since 1933, the firm has built a top-tier workforce, enabling the firm to become one of the sought-after construction firms headquartered in Grand Rapids.
