Museums are sacred places. They contain history, archives of culturally important artifacts, and collections of work from some of the greatest minds to have walked the Earth. And far, far more. From MoMa to the Guggenheim to the Art Institute of Chicago to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, these institutions play a huge role in telling the story of humanity and bringing culture to the masses: in these spaces people can cultivate a better understanding of history; they can be entertained and educated at the same time.

The best art museums are works of art. The buildings are beautifully creatively crafted and lovingly constructed. We decided to list some of the best general contractors across the United States, contractors who have proven track records for high-quality results. These contractors have built the best museums in their states, and some of these spectacular spaces have won awards from industry organizations like the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). We evaluated contractors based on these awards, memberships to industry organizations, and publications in which they have been featured.

Alabama

White-Spunner Construction

2010 West I-65 Service Rd. S, Mobile, AL 36693

White-Spunner Construction has completed thousands of projects in more than 25 states since 1981. The firm’s expertise includes general contracting and construction management for clients in the commercial, medical, living, and religious sectors The company has built for high profile clients, including a number of Fortune 500 companies. Through a tight focus on client relationships, White-Spunner is proud to report that 85% of its business comes from repeat clients.

White-Spunner Construction won a BuildSouth Award for Renovation in 2017 from the AGC of Alabama. The firm is also the builder of some important landmarks in its home city, including the Mobile Museum of Art. The firm worked around the museum owner’s budget and opted to incorporate the old buildings into the new one, instead of demolishing them. The result is an elegant art space that combines the old with the new.

Alaska

Davis Constructors & Engineers

6591 A St. Suite #300, Anchorage, AK 99518

Davis Constructors & Engineers is an Anchorage general contractor that has been serving greater Alaska since 1976. The company has completed over 300 projects in the area, with clients from the education, hospitality, and corporate sectors among others. It is among the top general contractors in the state, having ranked in Engineering News-Record’s Top 400 Contractors list. From 2011 to 2018, the firm also consecutively received Excellence in Construction Awards from AGC.

2017 Anchorage Museum Expansion, Interiors

In 2017, Davis Constructors & Engineers finished the expansion of Anchorage Museum, in collaboration with McCool Carlson Green. The project added approximately 25,000 square feet, which created a new exhibition space for its art collection. It also houses the Imaginarium Discovery Center and the Smithsonian’s Alaska Collection. The museum is home to notable work from celebrated artists like Sydney Laurence and Eustace Ziegler.

Arizona

CORE Construction

305 N San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001

CORE Construction is one of Arizona’s leading general contracting companies. Founded in 1937 by Otto Baum, CORE has grown from a small masonry company into a national operation. The firm employs over 1,200 employees across multiple offices in the US. The company offers its comprehensive services to 13 markets, including municipal. education, and commercial. It has also ranked in several industry publications’ annual lists, including Engineering News-Record’s Top Southwest Contractors list and Building Design+Construction’s Top Education and Multifamily Contractors list.

Among CORE Construction’s municipal projects is The Scottsdale Museum of the West, which was built for the City of Scottsdale. The two-story building features gallery areas, studios, a theater, and an exterior courtyard. The firm’s work on the museum earned LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council for sustainable site development, and the site includes facilities for water and energy conservation as well.

Arkansas

Linbeck Group

3900 Essex Ln, Suite #200, Houston, TX 77027

Linbeck Group offers construction management, design-build, and integrated project delivery services. Since its opening in 1938, the firm has cultivated client trust through integrity, collaboration, and commitment to high-quality building standards. In the last decade, Linbeck has been recognized as a national leader in lean construction and applied technologies. Among its distinctions are national rankings in Engineering News-Record and Building Design+Construction lists. It is also a proud winner of 15 Build America Awards from the AGC of America.

While Linbeck Group is based in Texas, it has also catered to clients on its borders. In Arkansas, the company was the contractor of choice for Wal-Mart heiress Alice Walton when it came time to build the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville. Designed by the internationally renowned Moshe Safdie, the museum draws inspiration from the surrounding Ozark landscape and the passage of time. It features copper, red cedar, and cement finishes, all of which transform depending on external stimuli. The project, finished in 2012, received the Alliant Build America Award from AGC.

California

MATT Construction

261 S Figueroa St. Suite 120, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Founded in 1991, MATT Construction has been serving clients in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and the Bay Area for nearly three decades. The company’s “win-win” approach to the building process has helped it solidify its reputation as a choice contractor for clients in the education and cultural sectors. It is award-winning, having received the Building Team of the Year Award from the AIA of Los Angeles for two consecutive years. In 2019, the company also won the Fast Company Innovation by Design Award for its work for Google.

MATT Construction’s portfolio of museum and cultural projects is populated by uniquely designed spaces. Among these projects is The Broad Museum, a 112,800-square-foot museum that sits atop a partly subterranean parking structure. The building’s complex exterior of interconnected concrete trapezoids hints at the institution’s large collection of contemporary art, which includes art from Jean-Michael Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Yayoi Kusama.

Colorado

Turner Construction

1401 Zuni St, Denver, CO 80204

Turner Construction has been providing top-notch construction services to North American clients since 1902. Throughout its 118 years of building experience, it has amassed an impressive portfolio of work for clients in the commercial and cultural sectors. In Colorado, it leverages its multinational presence to support its local presence. The firm’s clientele is diverse, including Lockheed Martin, Hyatt, and Pepsi among others.

In 2014, Turner Construction completed the new facility of the Aspen Art Museum, which already housed the works of renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama. The new building was designed by Shigeru Ban and opened during the museum’s 35th year of operation as a non-collecting institution. The project is memorable thanks to its woven wood exterior, “moving room” glass elevator, and the roofing structure that blurs the line between the interiors and exterior.

Connecticut

Consigli

100 Allyn St., Hartford, CT 06103

Consigli is one of the most prolific museum and cultural buildings contractors in the country. Founded in 1905 by Peter Consigli, the company has a strong tradition of integrity, hard work, and pride in craftsmanship. After over a century, it has grown exponentially in size and reputation. The firm is now an award-winning general contracting company with seven regional offices and $1 billion in annual volume. Its portfolio is filled with high-profile projects, including multiple renovations for the Smithsonian Institution, and several university museums and performing arts centers.

In Hartford, the company worked on the renovation and restoration of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the oldest public art museum in the U.S. The historic landmark required special care, being a listed structure on the National Register of Historic Places, and having acclaimed artwork in its halls. Consigli executed a complete exterior envelope restoration. In a later phase of the project, the company built new state-of-the-art storage for the institution’s archive of 50,000 artworks.

Delaware

Wohlsen Construction

501 Carr Rd., Suite #101, Wilmington, DE 19809

Wohlsen Construction is one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s best builders of hospitality, recreation, and cultural buildings. The firm has over 140 years of experience in the industry, offering preconstruction, construction management, and design-build services. It is award-winning, having received awards from ABC since 1990—17 times nationally, and 243 times regionally. Among these awards are three Project of the Year Awards, four ABC Craft Championship Gold Medals, which were awarded to the company’s most outstanding craftsmen. Its work has been featured in Engineering News-Record and Building Design+Construction.

In 2009, it completed the expansion and renovation project for Biggs Museum, in collaboration with Delaware’s Homsey Architects. The multi-phased project included the renovation of the gallery into a state-of-the-art space, an upgrade of architectural finishes, and updates to the building’s mechanical systems. The company also found a way to make the main gallery more spacious and flexible by taking space from the old storage rooms. The museum houses a sizable collection of Sewell Biggs’s Mid-Atlantic artwork from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Florida

The Beck Group

220 W 7th Ave. Suite #200, Tampa, FL 33602

The Beck Group is one of the largest design-build firms in the United States. It’s CEO Fred Perpall, FAIA believes in integrating great design and construction in every project. This effective approach has earned the company several prestigious industry awards. Over the years, it has received accolades from IIDA, DBIA, and AIA. It has also ranked in Engineer News-Record’s and Building Design+Construction’s annual best general contractors lists.

Among the company’s most notable projects is The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. Designed by HOK, the museum can withstand Category 5 hurricanes. The project also takes inspiration in Dali’s style, paying homage through the spiral staircase and a glass geodesic structure with 1,062 unique faceted glass panes.

Georgia

Skanska

55 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW Suite#600, Atlanta, GA 30308

Swedish company Skanska has been building in the United States since 1971. The firm traces its history in the US back to its first project—the 63rd Street Subway line in New York. Since then, the company has grown to serve nationally, building for clients across a broad spectrum of sectors. Its American division is marked by a lot of firsts: it built the first LEED-certified airport terminal in the States and first LEED Gold certified hospital in the world, and it was also the first-ever contractor to rank #1 in Engineering News-Record’s Top Green Contractors. The company has built everything from power plants and entertainment spaces, and always with the goal of energizing communities.

In Georgia, Skanska built three new buildings for the High Museum of Art. The expansion doubled the museum’s area to 312,000 square feet, providing additional galleries, a sculpture terrace, and piazzas. The buildings were designed by Renzo Piano, who is a Pritzker Prize-winning architect with landmark buildings in Malta, Switzerland, and Japan.

Idaho

Bateman-Hall Construction

1405 Foote Dr., Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402

Bateman-Hall Construction is one of Idaho’s largest construction companies. It was founded in the state in 1975 and has since grown into a multi-state construction company licensed in 14 western states. It continues to thrive in the commercial, retail, and education markets through its commitment to customer satisfaction and high-quality construction. It is a member of AGC Idaho and has had its work featured in local publications Idaho Business Review, Spokane Journal of Business, and the Post Register.

In 2017, the company was hired by the owners of the Museum of Idaho to build its 26,000-square-foot expansion. The company is working with Alderson, Karst & Mitro, the Idaho Falls-based architecture firm that designed the project. The expansion will add significant space for local and regional exhibits, events, and artifact storage. It will also feature a larger education center and a collections workspace.

Indiana

FA Wilhelm Construction

3914 Prospect St., Indianapolis, IN 46203

FA Wilhelm founded his own construction services company in 1923. Today, nearly a century later, the company still implements the values that its founder built the company on: integrity, honesty, and a commitment to a better life for the community. Known for its reputation for industry-leading construction quality, the company is a trusted general contractor for clients in the corporate, hospitality, and cultural sectors. Its work has been met with praise and has been featured in local publications like the Indianapolis Star and Inside Indiana Business.

In 2019, FA Wilhelm completed the well-publicized $30-million renovation on the Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University Bloomington. The project was completed in collaboration with internationally renowned architect I.M. Pei, who is the architect of the world-famous glass pyramid entrance at the Louvre and the towering skyscraper of the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong. The IU Eskenazi Museum renovation resulted in around 39,000 square feet of new gallery space, which was finished with terrazzo flooring, glass handrails, and custom fabric paneling.

Iowa

Pepper Construction

643 N Orleans St., Chicago, IL 60654

Founded in 1927, Pepper Construction Group is a general contracting and construction management firm that has been serving clients in the private and government sectors for nearly a century. It currently stands as one of the Midwest’s most recognized construction services experts, with offices in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Its work has been featured in Engineering News-Record, Building Design+Construction, and Construction Dive.

In Iowa, the company built the Figge Art Museum along the Mississippi River. The building is the first-ever major project that acclaimed British architect David Chipperfield designed in the US. It features a rooftop winter garden, a 110-seat auditorium, 20,600 square feet of gallery space, and office spaces. Its exterior is a work of art itself, visually changing depending on the weather. It is decked in a combination of transparent, opaque, and reflective surfaces.

Kansas

Mar Lan Construction

1008 New Hampshire Suite #200, Lawrence, KS 66044

Mar Lan Construction is a family-owned construction company that mainly operates in the Sunflower State. The firm started in 1999, providing construction services geared towards collaboration between client and design firms. With a 20-year history in the state, the firm has built and renovated some of Kansas’s landmark buildings, including various buildings in the University of Kansas, Trinity Episcopal Church, and The DeBruce Center.

Mar Lan Construction has also won some awards. Most recently, the firm received the 2017 American Architecture Award for its work on the DeBruce Center and Spencer Museum of Art. For the latter, the firm transformed more than 27,000 square feet of space in collaboration with Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. It expanded the lobby and renovated the Central Court and galleries.

Kentucky

FA Wilhelm Construction

3914 Prospect St., Indianapolis, IN 46203

FA Wilhelm Construction’s reputation for quality construction reaches into its neighbor to the south, Kentucky, where it was hired to work on the largest art museum in the state. In 2016, the company completed an expansion and renovation of the Speed Art Museum. Built with wHY Architecture, the project required a renovation of the 1927 Beaux-Arts building, plus the construction of the North Pavilion. One of its highlights is the cantilevered interior staircase that is visible from outside. FA WIlhelm Construction also installed corrugated metal panels on the façade of the North Pavilion, which changes in appearance depending on light conditions. The $50-million project was featured in Dezeen and Architectural Digest.

Louisiana

The Lemoine Company

15555 Airline Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70817

The Lemoine Company is a Louisiana-based full-service general contracting company. Founded in 1935 as The Cottonport Lumber Company, the firm has grown into one of the most reputable construction companies in the Southeast. The firm has taken on projects big and small, from tenant improvement to ground-up construction of large buildings. The company is an active member of ABC, and it has received awards from the organization over the last decade.

In Baton Rouge the company worked with Schwartz/Silver Architects to build the Shaw Center for the Arts. The building occupies a one and a half city block, and the firm repurposed the historic Auto Hotel to contain art studios and curatorial spaces. Upon completion, the project received two regional awards and one national AIA award as well as an Award for Design from the Boston Society of Architects. In 2018, the project was also listed by the Architectural Digest as the best-designed museum in the state.

Maine

Consigli

15 Franklin St., Portland, ME 04101

Consigli is one of Maine’s premier general contractors for cultural projects. The heavyweight firm has worked on several landmark projects for clients around the state including multiple restorations and renovations for Bowdoin College.

One of its projects for the liberal arts college in Brunswick is an addition and restoration of the Bowdoin College Museum of Art. The addition for the 126-year old McKim, Mead, and White-designed museum involved the construction of a bronze and glass entry pavilion. Consigli also prioritized the preservation of the historic building’s character and made it considerably more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The project features a glass and bronze entry pavilion, steel and stone stairs, and seven new art galleries.

Maryland

HITT Contracting

2900 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church, VA 23230

HITT Contracting is a nationally ranked general contractor with 12 offices across the country. The company has more than eight decades of industry experience, providing construction services and building award-winning structures alike. The firm specializes in a broad range of building types—from mixed-use industrial campuses to corporate offices, but it extends its capabilities to the cultural and entertainment sectors as well. The company has received awards from NAIOP, ABC, and Engineering News-Record.

The company’s award-winning projects includes The Pavilions at the Glenstone Museum. Designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners, the structure now includes 50,000 square feet of exhibition space, as well as an additional 30,000 square feet reserved solely for the institution’s large collection of post-World War II art. In 2019, the project received an IIDA Merit Award, an Excellence in Interior Architecture Award from AIA-DC, and a Craftsmanship Award from the Washington Building Congress.

Massachusetts

Gilbane Building Co.

10 Channel Center St. Suite #100, Boston, MA 02210

Gilbane Building Co. has been delivering high-quality projects in Massachusetts since 1946. Globally, it is known as a family-owned organization with over 140 years of building experience. The company has more than 50 offices in the US, Japan, Ireland, and the UAE. Its work in the country has also received critical acclaim and awards from prestigious industry organizations and publications, including Engineering News-Record and Building Design+Construction. The company is also a ten-time AGC Award winner.

In 2017, Gilbane led the much-awaited 120,000 square-foot expansion of the MASS MoCA. Upon completion, the project became the country’s largest contemporary art museum, with a total of 250,000-square-foot of exhibition areas spread across its 16-acre campus. One of the addition’s highlights is a two-story mullioned window that faces the Berkshire and Taconic Mountains. It also houses new art fabrication workshops and performance arts facilities.

Michigan

Barton Malow

21090 Fern St., Oak Park, MI 48237

Barton Malow is one of the United States’s top-performing general contractors in the education, federal, and special events sectors. The company’s 96-year history includes a number of exemplary and award-winning buildings. The firm has received awards from the AGC of Michigan, Associated Builders and Contractors, and Engineering News-Record Southeast.

The firm’s most important work in the museum space is arguably the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Typical of the practice’s designs, the museum’s architectural plan challenged the conventions of construction. It features a sloping steel and concrete exterior that is decked by pleated metal and glass. The museum provides an intriguing, beautiful contrast with the red brickwork of the University of Michigan’s campus.

Minnesota

JE Dunn Construction

800 Washington Ave. N Suite #600, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Family and employee-owned JE Dunn Construction has been a leader in the United States’ commercial construction industry since 1924. The firm specializes in design-build delivery and has also found success through its commitment to sustainability and the wise stewardship of limited construction resources. The Kansas City company has grown throughout the years; today it has over 2,500 employees in 20 offices across the country. The firm’s work has figured prominently in industry publications, including Building Design+Construction, Construction Dive, and Engineering News-Record.

Its Minnesota office is the company behind the expansion work for the University of Minnesota’s Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum. The 7,900-square-foot building stands out for its striking steel and brick exterior. It added five new galleries, which nearly doubled the exhibition areas in the museum. JE Dunn Construction thoughtfully preserved the existing character of the historic Gehry-designed building, installing a pedestrian bridge skirt that emulates the famed architect’s iconic design.

Missouri

JE Dunn Construction

1001 Locust St, Kansas City, MO 64106

In its home state, JE Dunn Construction has worked with multiple high-profile clients, including the University of Missouri, City of Kansas, Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Federal Courthouse, and the National Nuclear Security Administration. Among these notables is the Nelson-Atkins Museum, which hired JE Dunn to build the acclaimed Bloch Building in 2006.

The Bloch Building is the first-ever major addition to the Beaux-Arts style museum since its opening in 1933. JE Dunn Construction worked with award-winning architect Steven Holl to complete the iconic building. It features five glass lenses that stand prominently against the museum’s undulating east terrain. The lenses provide a modern façade, contrasting directly with the original structure’s neoclassical aesthetic. The building has since become a symbol for Kansas City’s rising reputation for design and performing arts.

Montana

Sirius Construction

2500 Murphy St., Missoula, Montana 59808

Founded in 1979, Sirius Construction is known for its multi-faceted approach to project management and delivery, ensuring that their projects are completed within budget and on time. The firm specializes in building for clients in the education, government, and retail industries, while also being recognized as one of Montana’s best historic renovation contractors.

Because of its reputation for high-quality projects, the firm has worked with notable clients: Wells Fargo, University of Montana, and The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. It also worked on the Copper Village Museum, a free museum located in Anaconda, Montana. It features visual art exhibits of traditional and contemporary art from local artists.

Nebraska

Sampson Construction

5825 S 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68512

Sampson Construction is a trusted national general contractor headquartered in Nebraska. The company has taken on projects in a variety of markets, with clients from the education, corporate, community, and cultural sectors. The firm is known for providing creative construction solutions to complex projects. Combining this reputation with its commitment to client trust, Sampson Construction enjoys a high rate of repeat clients.

In 2017, the company completed the comprehensive rehabilitation of The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, an Edward Durell Stone-designed museum from the 1960s. Sampson Construction worked on preserving the building’s classical design.

Nevada

Clark/Sullivan

905 Industrial Way, Sparks, NV 89431

Clark/Sullivan is one of Nevada and California’s premier general contractors. With an office in both states, the company has built public facilities, hotels, and commercial buildings in the areas. With a goal to be “The partner to build with,” it provides tailored services to meet its clients specific needs. It’s an expert in collaborative delivery methods, specializing in design-build, design-assist, and construction management at risk.

In Nevada, the company was responsible for the original construction of the Nevada Museum of Art in 2004 as well as several expansions and modernization including the addition of the Museum School (2014) and fourth floor Sky Room (2016). The museum and additions were designed by internationally known architect, William P. Bruder. It features metal and concrete finishes, an open air layout, and numerous spacious galleries. Its exterior is decked with an artificially coated zinc cladding with a black patina, which was custom made for the project.

New Hampshire

Harvey Construction

10 Harvey Rd., Bedford, NH 03110

New Hampshire-based Harvey Construction is one of New England’s best builders of cultural and entertainment spaces. The firm was founded in 1939 by Paul H. Harvey, who led the operational growth of the company. By the 1960s, it began to offer a broader scope of services, finally catering to clients in need of construction and renovation of hospitals, schools, and office buildings among others. These days, the firm is better known as the general contractor of landmark projects St. Paul’s Church, Manchester City Hall Plaza, and Currier Museum of Art.

Currier Museum of Art is one of Harvey Construction’s repeat clients. The institution hired the construction company to lead several projects between 2004 to 2008. The company’s team worked closely with the museum’s staff to complete the renovations, the relocation of Kennard House, and the major gallery additions to the 1929 building. The result: Currier Museum of Art was able to expand its cultural arts programs and improve the experience of its visitors.

New Mexico

Bradbury Stamm

7110 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107

Bradbury Stamm is New Mexico’s oldest general contractor. For nearly a century, it has been offering high-quality construction services to clients in a broad spectrum of markets. It has built several landmark sites, including the Albuquerque Regional Sports Complex, ABQ Botanic Gardens & Aquarium, and the renovations for Paramount Theater.

In 1978, Bradbury Stamm was hired to work with nationally renowned architect Antoine Predcock to build The Albuquerque Museum. The company was also the museum’s chosen contractor for its 42,000-square-foot expansions. Bradbury Stamm added new public areas that include the grand lobby, a special events space, and a new viewing deck that overlooks the sculpture garden.

New York

Turner Construction

375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014

Turner Construction has contributed significantly to the famed skyline of New York State. Its most striking work is inarguably the expansion and renovation for the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

Built in collaboration with Taniguchi & Associates and Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the MoMA expansion measures 630,000 square-feet and features five buildings that include an office tower and education centers. Today, the Midtown Manhattan museum is regarded as one of the most influential art institutions in the world. It is home to historic and important work from artists like Frida Kahlo, Vincent van Gogh, and Salvador Dali among others.

North Carolina

Barnhill Contracting

800 Tiffany Blvd. Suite #200, Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Founded in 1949, Barnhill Contracting is one of North Carolina’s largest general contractors. The firm is currently led by Rob Barnhill, who represents the third generation of management, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Since its founding date, the company has garnered several industry awards and distinctions, including rankings in Triangle Business Journal’s Largest General Contractors in North Carolina and in Engineering News-Record’s lists of Top Contractors in the Southeast and Top Contractors in the US.

Barnhill Contracting is also known for leading the renovations and expansion of the North Carolina Museum of Art. A major component of the project is the construction of the West Building, which features the museum’s permanent art collection, a gift shop, and an increased art and mechanical storage area.

Ohio

Gilbane Building Co.

950 Main Ave. Suite #1410, Cleveland, OH 44113

In Ohio, Gilbane Building Co. stands as one of its top commercial construction contractors. With a 50-year presence in the state, the firm has an intimate understanding of local requirements for construction, whether it is for commercial buildings or cultural and public spaces.

Among its most important projects in the state is the expansion and renovation of the Cleveland Museum of Art campus. The project stands out for its Venetian charm and the modern transformation of its original Breuer buildings. Gilbane also installed interactive visual art in Gallery One and a 70-foot high skylight that covers the new 39,000-square-foot atrium. The new atrium was designed by Rafel Vinoly who took inspiration from the streets of Venice, Italy.

Oklahoma

Flintco

2302 S. Prospect Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73129

Founded in 1908, Flintco has over a century of experience in the construction industry. It maintains eight full-service offices, is licensed in 35 states and offers a wide range of construction services. In Oklahoma, the firm has built numerous university buildings, sports arenas, and skyscrapers. Because of its excellence in construction, it won several awards, including 12 Excellence in Construction Awards from ABC in 2019.

Flintco was the chosen general contractor for the construction of the University of Oklahoma-Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Built in collaboration with Hugh Newell Jacobson, the project was built to house The Weitzenhoffer Collection—the largest collection of art ever donated to a public museum. A portion of the museum replicates parts of the Weitzenhoffer family’s home to honor the generous donation.

Pennsylvania

PJ Dick

225 North Shore Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Founded in 1979, PJ Dick performs general contracting in a variety of markets, including commercial, government, education, and retail. The firm specializes in design-build and construction management, making the company a great choice for clients in need of a wide variety of services. The company and its work have been featured in both local and national publications. It has appeared in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Business News, The Times, and Engineering News-Record.

In 2015, PJ Dick finished the construction of the Seton Hill Arts Center for Seton Hill University. It features a foundry, graphic design laboratories, and galleries. The project received a Building Excellence Award for New Construction in the $10 million to $25 million range from the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania.

South Carolina

MB Kahn Construction

101 Flintlake Rd., Columbia, SC 29223

With nine decades of construction experience, MB Kahn Construction is one of the Southeast’s most respected general contractors. The firm offers its services to all market sectors, with nine offices spread across its service area. Because of its distinguished expertise, the company has ranked in several Engineering News-Record lists and received awards from the ABC of the Carolinas.

Among MB Kahn Construction’s award-winning work is the Columbia Museum of Art. The renovation of the downtown location involved updating the building with new fixtures and finishes. The company built a new entrance, a new gallery, and a meeting area. It was also impressive how MB Kahn carried out construction while the museum remained operational. The project earned the construction company an Award of Merit from ABC of the Carolinas.

Tennessee

EMJ Corporation

2034 Hamilton Place Blvd., Suite #400, Chattanooga, TN 37421

Edgar M. Jolley founded EMJ Corporation in 1968 to deliver exceptional construction services with great customer service. Since then, the firm has finished more than 280 million square feet of projects across the nation. It is currently headed by President and CEO Burt Odom, who actively serves as an Advisory Board Member of the ABC. Under his leadership, the company received several awards, including Fast Company’s Innovation Award for Design and Development and a Building Recognition Award. The firm’s work has also been featured in The Real Deal, POWER Magazine, and The Chattanooga Times.

EMJ Corporation was the contractor chosen for a renovation and expansion of the Hunter Museum of Art. The project included a 30,000 square-foot expansion, a 9,800 square-foot storage facility addition, and a new sculpture garden that complements the city’s riverfront system. The expansion consists of a new lobby, a cafe, a retail shop, and new terraces where guests can view the outdoors.

Texas

Byrne Construction Services

551 E. Berry St., Fort Worth, TX 76110

Known for excellent construction and customer service, Byrne Construction Services has been building in Texas since 1923. Throughout its history, the firm has contributed several landmarks to the state’s landscape, helping shape how Texas looks like today. The firm worked on the Lila Cockrell Theater, the Rough Creek Lodge, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, and the Old Red Courthouse — all of which are award-winning. Byrne has also been featured in Building Design+Construction, Engineering News-Record, D Magazine, and San Antonio Business Journal.

In Fort Worth, Byrne Construction built the Kimbell Art Museum, which was designed by the late renowned architect Louis I. Kahn. The project stands out in the area because of its unique architectural design, which is highlighted by 16 cycloid vaults. The Kimbell features high-end finishes, including Italian travertine imported from Bagni di Tivoli, quarter-sawn white oak, slate, and ceramic tiles. For this outstanding museum, Byrne received the inaugural Build America Award from the AGC for the innovative building techniques used during construction.

Utah

Layton Construction

9090 S Sandy Pkwy., Sandy, UT 84070

Layton Construction is a nationally-operated construction company with 11 regional offices from coast to coast. With 66 years of experience in building for clients across 40 states, the company has cemented its reputation as one of the most reliable companies for quality construction services. It has won numerous awards, including the General Contractor of the Year Award from AZRE in 2019, General Contractor of the Year from NAIOP in 2018, and Mountain States Contractor of the Year Award from Engineering News-Record in 2016. The firm is also the chosen contractor of several high-profile clients in the state, including the University of Utah, Utah Cultural Celebration Center, and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

In the cultural and arts industry, Layton has worked with several museums and performing arts centers. We were especially impressed with the Brigham Young University Museum of Art. The three-story project is decked with high-end finishes, including Brazilian cherry wood, granite, and glass. It also has special lighting, and temperature and humidity control. The museum features ten galleries, a library, an auditorium, and a small theater.

Vermont

PC Construction

193 Tilley Dr., South Burlington, VT 05403

PC Construction is one of the nation’s top 200 construction firms, and the largest in Vermont. The firm offers general contracting, construction management, and design-build services and specializes in the commercial, education, health care, hospitality, manufacturing and water treatment sectors. The employee-owned company is known for its innovative construction methods, environmentally-friendly projects, and ability to execute on some of the nation’s largest and most cutting-edge projects. In addition to its Vermont headquarters, PC also has offices in Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and North Carolina.

Among its portfolio of museum projects is the Center for Art and Education at Shelburne Museum. The 17,000 square-foot multi-purpose art and education facility includes new gallery exhibition spaces, classrooms, and a lecture and performance enter. The interior features local slate, beechwood flooring and high-efficiency HVAC and LED lighting systems. The project expanded Shelburne Museum’s educational programs and transformed museum operations from seasonal to year-round. The facility achieved LEED Silver accreditation, and received an Honor Award from the Boston Society of Architects and a Merit Award from AIA Vermont.

Virginia

Balfour Beatty

11325 Random Hills Rd. Suite #500, Fairfax, VA 22030,

Balfour Beatty is one of the country’s industry leaders in general contracting and design-build construction. Over the years, the company has performed heavy civil and vertical construction for clients in the commercial, federal, and cultural sectors among others, and it has also brought home awards from AGC, DBIA, and ABC for its most outstanding projects. The company is also ranked among the country’s best general contractors in Engineering News-Record and Building Design+Construction.

In 2010, Balfour Beatty completed the construction of the $45-million Taubman Museum of Art in the historic Roanoke district of Virginia. The contemporary museum contrasts with the rustic, mountainous landscape of the area. The company worked with Zahner engineers to build the Randall Stout Architects-designed art facility, which features a custom-patina exterior material specially made for the project. The project won an International Architect Award which was co-presented by The Chicago Athenaeum in 2009.

Washington

Sellen

227 Westlake Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109

Founded in Seattle’s Lake Union neighborhood in 1944, Sellen has grown into one of the area’s most successful construction companies. Today, it operates throughout the Pacific Northwest, where it specializes in building projects for clients in the cultural, educational, and historic markets. With more than 75 years of industry experience, Sellen has completed more than 700 projects, around 50 of which are LEED certified. The company has also won a number of awards, including an Award of Merit from Engineering News-Record and the Community Impact Award from Seattle Business Magazine in 2018.

In 2014, Sellen finished the construction of the 16,000-square-foot addition to the Tacoma Art Museum. The project made space for the Haub Family Collection of Western Art, which includes nearly 300 works of art from 1790 to the present. Sellen also doubled the gallery space and transformed the museum’s main entrance to enhance its presence in Tacoma.

Wisconsin

Hunzinger Builders

21100 Enterprise Ave. , Brookfield, WI 53045

Founded in 1907, Hunzinger Builders is one of the oldest general contracting companies in the Midwest. It is a family and employee-owned company that offers construction management, general contracting, and design-building services. The company has worked on some of Wisconsin’s most complex and notable projects, including the renewal of the Riverfront Plaza and the Pabst Theater restoration.

In 2015, Hunzinger Builders completed the $15 million addition and renovation of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Part of the project is the relocation of its entrance at the lakefront, facing Lake Michigan. The addition is cantilevered onto the old 1970s wing, above an all-glass lower level, which allows visual transparency between the building and the lakefront. The project also involved the construction of new lounges and sculpture galleries.

Wyoming

Groathouse Construction

1239 Rumsey Ave. Suite #4, Cody, WY 82414

Groathouse Construction has been servicing Wyoming exclusively for over 65 years. Its portfolio is diverse, with projects from a variety of industries, including sports, entertainment, and education. The company also specializes in construction management-at-risk, a service that has earned it over $750 million worth of projects in the previous two decades.

In 2015, Groathouse Construction wrapped up its work on the Brinton Museum. The museum stands out because of its alignment with the natural geography of its environment. Part of the building is underground, hidden in the hills of Big Horn. It features humidity and temperature-controlled galleries and spacious storage for the museum’s collection of American Indian art.