Santa Cruz has its own unique market. It has a small-town atmosphere and a supportive community that is great for startups and local businesses. With a diverse, natural landscape, the area is ideal for the tourism, extreme sports, and marine science industries. A number of different industries take advantage of Santa Cruz’s culture and environment; thanks to the broad infrastructure support, many tech companies have made the community their base.
To build excellent commercial facilities for these various industries, outstanding commercial contractors are required. Our editors have gathered five of the most impressive commercial contractors in Santa Cruz, each boasting numerous recognitions. These experienced contractors have a wealth of experience in the industry, having been in the business anywhere from three decades to a century.
XL Construction
851 Buckeye Court, Milpitas, CA 95035
Established in 1992, XL Construction has built a great reputation within almost three decades. It has received several awards and recognitions from different publications. The San Francisco Business Times, Modern Healthcare’s Construction & Design, and Sacramento Business Journal have all featured the firm. The Silicon Valley Business Journal has even included it on the list of the largest general contractors in Silicon Valley.
One of XL Construction’s award-winning projects is Kaiser Permanente Santa Cruz. Recognized as the DBIA Western Pacific Region 2018 Design-Build Project Award Winner, this project has earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification. Providing design-build services for the client, the company has created a medical office facility by repurposing three existing buildings. At a size of 47,500 square feet, the firm has masterfully provided new MEP systems and accessibility upgrades for the facility.
The Kaiser Permanente Santa Cruz is proof of XL Construction’s expertise in constructing facilities for the healthcare and life sciences industries. The firm is also a go-to for the construction of technological and educational facilities. The firm’s outstanding reputation is the natural result of its commitment to producing quality output. As a founding member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Silicon Valley Chapter, it is committed to sustainability as well. Through close collaboration with clients and partners, the company’s goals are consistently achieved.
Ausonio Inc.
11420 A Commercial Parkway, Castroville, CA 95012
Another award-winning firm, Ausonio Incorporated is a 62-year-old firm that has been passed on for two generations. Built by Andrew E. Ausonio in 1959, the company is now led by Andrew P. Ausonio. After over six decades, Ausonio continues to motivate his team of professionals in practicing integrity, teamwork, and communication. These core values have allowed the company to continue to stand strong after all these years.
The company’s work has been published in Design Curial and Armanasco. The firm has also received several awards, including the 2021 Excellence in Design for Roar Wine Under the Agriculture Category from the ABC (American Buildings Company). The company employs sustainable practices in each construction project as a member of the USGBC. With extensive experience gathered over the years, Ausonio Incorporated has established itself as a great provider of single-source design and construction. Serving Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties, the firm delivers excellence in each aspect of the construction process.
Slatter Construction
126 Fern Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Based in Santa Cruz, Slatter Construction is a family-run business that started in 1984. For over 37 years, the company has made a name for itself in the Bay area for its great customer service and high-quality finished products. Since its foundation, the company has always invested in client partnerships. For the company, the key to lasting customer relationships is open and honest communication. Having a team that pays attention to details is an important factor in any long-term building relationship as well.
As a licensed engineering and licensed general building contractor, Slatter Construction has the expertise to handle a wide array of projects. Proof of its extensive expertise and lasting client partnership is the Santa Cruz Seaside Company. Since 1984, the firm has been partners with this client. Over the years, the company has helped develop Seaside Company’s several attractions, including the Haunted Castle. Within four months, the firm successfully demolished and rebuilt the facility. Aside from building the ride, the firm has also built office space, an ice cream parlor, and a game room for the facility.
Slatter Construction finishes projects fast and at a reduced cost. As a multi-licensed firm, it hires fewer subcontractors resulting in a more cost-efficient, and high-quality build.
Bogard Construction, Inc.
350-A Coral Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Bogard Construction is dedicated to sustainable and human-friendly practices. The firm is a member of the USGBC and its President, Jared Bogard, is LEED AP BD+C certified. In addition, the firm is Lead-Safe certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. The firm’s concern for client safety and the environment is one of the reasons for the firm’s success.
Established in 1947, the firm has over 74 years of experience in constructing for the hospitality, retail, and office sectors. The firm is an expert in the healthcare, education, and industrial construction sectors. Serving California and Central Colorado, the company has handled several projects in Santa Cruz. One of these projects is the McPherson Center for Art & History. For this project, the company had to overcome the challenge of having a foundation resting on a former riverbed. The company solved the problem by installing floating slabs that can withstand environmental challenges.
From commercial to residential construction, Bogard Construction is a firm to trust. Running for over three generations, that firm maintains its tradition of providing excellence in every phase of the construction process.
