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Excellence in Construction Awards

Spring Lake Public Schools — Laker Athletic Center

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

The exterior of the Spring Lake Public Schools — Laker Athletic Center
The interior of the Spring Lake Public Schools — Laker Athletic Center
The interior of the Spring Lake Public Schools — Laker Athletic Center
The interior of the Spring Lake Public Schools — Laker Athletic Center

Story

Pioneer Construction supplied and erected the pre-engineered metal building for the Spring Lake Fieldhouse, including the primary steel structure, 198-foot clear-span system, mezzanine, insulated roof and wall panels, and interior liner panels. The project also includes Kalwall daylighting panels and durable metal systems designed for long-term performance.

Facts

Submitter: Pioneer Construction

Architect: TMP Architecture

Size: 60,000 SF

Location: Spring Lake, MI

Date contract completed: August 2025

Final contract value: $3,000,000

Project manager’s name: Adam Wheeler

Superintendent’s name(s): Steve Suchowian, Danny Clayton

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 100%

Junkers Aircraft Factory

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

Story

The Junkers Aircraft manufacturing facility expansion at the Battle Creek Executive Airport added approximately 45,000 SF of specialized manufacturing space to support the assembly of high-end aircraft. The project involved the installation of a pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) system designed to meet the structural and operational demands of precision aircraft manufacturing.

Facts

Submitter: Veneklasen Construction

Size: 45,000 SF

Location: Battle Creek, MI

Date contract completed: September 2025

Final contract value: $1,940,000

Project manager’s name: Dave Sacheck

Superintendent’s name(s): John Karafa

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 100%

Dinks & Dingers Social Club

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

Story

Dinks & Dingers grew from owner Andy Anderson’s COVID-era pickleball passion into a casual “play and stay” social club in Kentwood. Newco Design Build served as GC, with Veneklasen Construction as steel erector on the PEMB structure. The facility opened in July 2025 with pickleball, Wiffle Ball, and dining.

Facts

Submitter: Veneklasen Construction

Architect: Newco Design-Build

Size: 22,000 SF

Location: Kentwood, MI

Date contract completed: May 2025

Final contract value: $820,000

Project manager’s name: Dave Sacheck

Superintendent’s name(s): John Karafa

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 100%

St. Peter Cathedral

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

Story

RAM Construction Services is restoring the St. Peter Cathedral using historic-matching mortars, new terracotta and limestone, lead coated copper flashing, and structural repairs. Work spans multiple seasons due to weather and material lead times, with challenges including height, bird-waste abatement, and fragile materials, managed through strict sequencing and quality control.

Facts

Submitter: RAM Construction Services

Location: Marquette, MI

Date contract completed: October 2026

Final contract value: $2,590,000

Project manager’s name: Christopher Huff

Superintendent’s name(s): Kevin Brown

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 95%

River Street Commons

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

Story

The project began in May 2023 with the construction of structural shafts. Through Michigan’s changing seasons, the team installed brick, glass block, and precast. As with any project, this had its challenges, but through a wonderful partnership with First Companies, they were able to accomplish something they are very proud of.

Facts

Submitter: Kortman Masonry

Architect: Dixon Architecture

Size: 20,182 SF

Location: Ada, MI

Date contract completed: June 2025

Final contract value: $889,000

Project manager’s name: Nick Kortman

Superintendent’s name(s): Aaron Reichert, Ken Kortman

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 100%

Holland Charter Township Community Center

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

Story

Originally a vacant mall anchor, the Holland Community Center was transformed into a vibrant civic hub through precise execution and specialized flooring expertise. Ritsema Associates overcame extreme tolerances, elevation challenges, and complex sequencing to deliver seamless, high”‘performance flooring that supports both athletic use and long”‘term community engagement.

Facts

Submitter: Ritsema Associates

Location: Holland, MI

Date contract completed: October 2025

Final contract value: $703,000

Project manager’s name: Todd Rich

Superintendent’s name(s): Rick Whitener

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 60%

McGraw Estate

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

Story

Working alongside a business affiliate on their personal project was an inspiring journey built on trust, creativity, and a shared vision. Together, they shaped ideas into reality, designing with intention and function. Through precision and collaboration, they delivered a result that truly reflected purpose, partnership, and pride.

Facts

Submitter: Lakeside Surfaces Inc

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Date contract completed: October 2025

Final contract value: $16,000

Project manager’s name: Ashleigh Rowe, Jocelyn Velazquez

Superintendent’s name(s): Cade Colley, Kari Chase

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 100%

Cedar Springs Public Schools — Beach Elementary

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

The HVAC for Cedar Springs Public Schools — Beach Elementary
The HVAC for Cedar Springs Public Schools — Beach Elementary
The HVAC for Cedar Springs Public Schools — Beach Elementary
The HVAC for Cedar Springs Public Schools — Beach Elementary
The HVAC for Cedar Springs Public Schools — Beach Elementary
The HVAC for Cedar Springs Public Schools — Beach Elementary

Story

Cedar Springs Beach Elementary has been completely transformed. Keeping little from its original 1960 structure, the school now features a brand-new, two-story academic wing built on the same footprint. While the gymnasium’s HVAC unit was retained, students and staff now enjoy the comfort of an entirely new system throughout the rest of the school.

Facts

Submitter: Northwest Kent Mechanical Company

Location: Cedar Springs, MI

Date contract completed: November 2023

Final contract value: $4,014,000

Project manager’s name: Derek Larson

Superintendent’s name(s): Rick Arends

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 85%

Ernst & Young

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

Story

Carbon Builders provided General Trades services for tenant improvements in a downtown Grand Rapids high-rise, completing the project on a tight three-month schedule. The result is a modern, highly functional workspace tailored to the client’s needs.

Facts

Submitter: CarbonSix Construction

Architect: Perkins&Will

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Date contract completed: April 2025

Final contract value: $1,500,000

Project manager’s name: Amy Shakarjian

Superintendent’s name(s): Corey Hall, Dan Brown

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 25%

John Ball Zoo — Boardwalk

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

Excellence in Construction Awards

Story

The John Ball Zoo Boardwalk connects the chimpanzee plaza to the zoo’s new African expansion along a steep wooded hillside. Built with more than 20,000 feet of wood decking and minimal tree removal, the elevated structure required careful material handling, continuous fall protection, and precise carpentry throughout construction.

Facts

Submitter: Triangle Constructors

Architect: Classic Engineering

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Date contract completed: April 2026

Final contract value: $651,000

Project manager’s name: Steve Johnson

Superintendent’s name(s): Adam Buys

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 95%