It’s clear to see how Gateway Cities got its name, as this urbanized region serves as a gateway between Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Aside from its predominantly urban fabric of single-family homes and low-rise, multifamily residential structures in the area, the city is also home to many thriving commercial activities.

Our team of editors has compiled a list of eight of the top commercial contractors serving Gateway Cities, California. These contractors have extensive experience in construction for the manufacturing, retail, and hospitality industries. Most are award-winning companies with multiple accreditations. Their outstanding portfolios support their ranking as the best in the area.

KPRS

2850 Saturn Street, Brea CA 92821

Established in 1998, KPRS is a full-service general contractor that strives to perfect service and quality. The firm aims to build deeper relationships with its clients, peers, and communities. It is the mission of KPRS to develop its communities by providing unrivaled services and maximizing its clients’ objectives.

KPRS oversees a project from pre-design to post-construction. It not only adds value through every project, but it exceeds clients’ expectations, gaining their long-term trust. Because of its excellent work, the firm has received several awards and distinctions, including the Silver Award for the 2020 Mixed-Use Project of the Year: The Culver Steps – Los Angeles Business Journal. It also received an Award of Merit from The Culver Steps for Best Regional Projects: Office, Retail, Mixed-Use during that same year. KPRS ranks among the Top 100 Green Contractors, the Top 100 Design-Build Firms, and the ENR Top 400 General Contractors.

Shangri-La Construction

660 S Figueroa St. Suite 1888, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Shangri-La Construction (SLC) is a general commercial contractor committed to delivering the highest quality work and superior client service. It ensures that every project is delivered with careful attention to safety and cost. It is guided by its mission of designing and constructing high-quality projects with total project accountability, safety, and efficiency. Since its founding in 2008, SLC has offered a diverse range of services, including tenant improvements, design-build construction, and historic restorations. 

SLC is committed to building long-term relationships with its clients. Coming from a real estate ownership and development platform, the company treats each project as its own. With established accreditations from the U.S. Green Building Council, Building Industry Association of Southern California, and Central City Association of Los Angeles, it remains at the forefront of new construction technologies.

Howard CDM

17434 Bellflower Blvd. Suite 300, Bellflower CA 90706

Howard CDM has worked throughout California since 1972. Formed under the leadership of CEO and President Martin Howard, its focus is on commercial construction and development management. The firm has created a tangible legacy for almost five decades while focusing on clients’ needs. It has also successfully built a name in the industry by fostering long-term relationships and successfully bringing each project plan to fruition. The firm’s success is attributable to the expertise of its team members, who bring decades of skilled design and construction experience, professionalism, and enthusiasm to every detail.

Howard CDM’s success lies in its consistent provision of the highest quality service while exceeding each client’s expectations. The firm adheres strictly to budgets and timelines, one of the most vital components of the process.

The company’s awards include the latest 2021 Award of Merit for SteelCraft Bellflower from the PCBC Gold Nugget Award, under “Best Commercial Project 20,000 Sq. Ft. & Over.”

A.J. Padelford & Son, Inc.

13255 South St., Cerritos, CA 90703

A.J. Padelford & Son, Inc. exemplifies tradition and quality. Built by the current president’s grandfather and great-grandfather, the firm was started 87 years ago during the Depression. It was initially created to help build barns in the Dairy Valley. Now, four generations later, it is one of the most respected general contractors in Southern California. Although it no longer builds dairies today, it continues to exemplify experience and dependability with its many projects. 

The firm’s services include construction of car dealerships, retail centers, and industrial complexes. It has built more than 60 Home Depot stores in the Southland and beyond. It is also responsible for the construction of nearly every dealership in Cerritos Auto Square. 

The firm believes that quality is not developed overnight or even in a few years. This is why it has strived to build its reputation for quality and on-time work for the past eight decades. While the firm feels honored by every industry award and distinction it has received, it is prouder of its hard-earned reputation.

Excel Construction Services, Inc.

1950 Raymer Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92833

Established in 2004, Excel Construction Services, Inc. provides a complete line of commercial maintenance and construction services. The firm is an owner-managed company with 18 years of accumulated experience. It has structured its operations and multiple branches throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada. Their presence permits the team to respond to client service requests and emergencies quickly. 

Excel operates under the leadership of CEO Karen Ratzlaff and President Don Jurado. Karen previously served as an owner/project manager for a nonprofit organization completing several phases of improvements, including a 50+% expansion project. Don brings 15 years of Project Management experience, leading numerous projects for Xerox Corporation and Praxair Corporation.

The firm’s services range from simple lock replacements to roll-outs of multi-million-dollar improvement projects. It operates with the mission of providing extraordinary construction service solutions, resulting in seamless partnerships and value beyond building. It is also committed to evolving as its clients and business environments progress. It utilizes cost-saving methods for its clients’ maximum benefit.

Brascia Builders Inc.

100 E. Wardlow Road, Long Beach, CA 90807

Founded in 2009 by construction industry veteran Mike Brascia, Brascia Builders quickly earned a reputation for delivering quality projects on time and within budget. The firm is a general contractor serving the healthcare, hospitality, education, and commercial industries throughout Southern and Northern California. It is also qualified in LEED projects, and many of its staff are LEED-certified. 

The firm is a trusted general contractor across the commercial real estate industry. Its expertise ranges from simple corporate office remodels to more complex infrastructure improvement projects. Brascia Builders also specializes in lighting upgrades, air handler replacement, and roofing. The firm understands that clients often need their upgraded spaces delivered with speed. This is why it remains deeply committed to delivering all projects on time and within budget.

Cal-City Construction, Inc.

16605 Norwalk Blvd., Cerritos, CA 90703

Cal-City Construction, Inc. has worked in the construction industry in Southern California for more than three decades, serving a variety of clients. Since its founding in 1986, it has been involved in various building types, occupancies, and services. Its strong work ethic and good working relationships with its stakeholders have brought success to every project. Cal-City upholds the highest professional standards, not only with its clients but also with government agencies, design professionals, subcontractors, and lenders. 

The firm strives for customer satisfaction through identifying the best practices in the industry and incorporating them to improve its own processes and systems. Its field personnel, office support staff, subcontractors, and suppliers work closely to coordinate their efforts and meet the clients’ needs. It has received media attention, including from the Daily Pilot in 2020 and Korea Daily in 2017.