Acrisure Amphitheater

Story

The crew laid over 55,000 eight-inch CMU blocks to construct robust stair and elevator shafts, backstage areas, and a 300-foot-long fire wall for a premier concert venue. Working efficiently on an accelerated timeline, the team installed more than 45,000 SF of stone across the facility. This extensive masonry work featured 1,600 SF of hand-split radius stone, ultimately delivering a timeless full-stone veneer that creates a welcoming, visually striking atmosphere for concert-goers.

Facts

Submitter: Integrated Exteriors

Architect: Progressive Companies

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Date contract completed: March 2026

Final contract value: $4,467,000

Project manager’s name: Jeff Schipper

Superintendent’s name(s): Scott Donze

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

St. Peter Cathedral

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

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%

WINNER: Corewell Health — Center for Transformation and Innovation

Story

Using masonry for all its worth! Eight-foot structural CMU created a two-hour firewall between the CTI tower and the adjacent hotel. Over 187,000 bricks in a variety of sizes and unique patterns helped create a beautiful, lasting exterior that will stand the test of time.

Facts

Submitter: Integrated Exteriors

Architect: NBBJ

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Date contract completed: July 2024

Final contract value: $2,400,000

Project manager’s name: Jeff Schipper

Superintendent’s name(s): Joe Glass

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

Ada Hotel

Story

The work completed on this project included stair and elevator shafts, brick veneer, precast, and a fancy thin brick accent in the restaurant. All of the best were on site to complete the work, from the manpower to the equipment to the suppliers and materials.

Facts

Submitter: Kortman Masonry, Inc

Architect: OTJ Architects

Location: Ada, MI

Date contract completed: April 2024

Final contract value: $617,000

Project manager’s name: Nick Kortman

Superintendent’s name(s): Aaron Reichert

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

WINNER: Ada Village – A3 Building

Story

Ada Village – A3 Building was the first contract in a large section of buildings and this building became a restaurant. The work on this project included an elevator shaft, firewall, stairwell, and brick veneer. The team used EZ Scaffold to help complete this project. This project had its challenges with tight working spaces due to the location, number of different mortar and brick colors and arches.

Facts

Submitter: Kortman Masonry

Title: Ada Village – A3 Building

Location: Ada, MI

Date contract completed: May 2023

Final contract value: $345,000

Project manager’s name: Nick Kortman

Superintendent’s name(s): Aaron Reichert

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