2020 List of Houston's Largest Commercial Construction Firms - Lumicre Group

Even in the midst of pandemic-induced economic turmoil, Houston is a hotbed for a wide range of commercial construction projects. Around Houston, new commercial construction projects continue to reshape the metro area. For example, a nearly-40-year-old apartment building in the Museum District is undergoing a huge renovation project. When completed, the building will have smart technology-capable wiring, balconies for each resident, and designer finishes. Plus, the property offers sweeping views of adjacent Hermann park with floor-to-ceiling windows in each apartment. It will feature 195 residential units, a sky lounge, amenity decks, a conference area, a cafe bar, and a fitness area. Though the project got off to a slow start due to the Coronavirus shutdown, construction is now underway and slated to finish in December 2021

On November 21, the Museum of Fine Arts completed its 8-year renovation, opening the $476 million expansion.

Houston’s Largest Commercial Construction Firms

Construction continued to forge ahead during 2020, even as a global pandemic presented significant logistical and economic challenges. Here, we are revealing 2020’s largest commercial construction companies in Houston. These firms are ranked by their 2019 local gross billings, 2020 construction projections, and estimated projects for 2021. 

As you’ll see, the list features commercial construction firms in Houston as well as interior office build-out contractors.

David E. Harvey Builders Inc.

2019 local gross billings – $890 million

Since 1957, when founded by David E. Harvey, Sr. and Gerald D. Hines, this company has solidified itself as one of the largest commercial construction companies in Houston. These days, Harvey Construction Company (Harvey-Cleary) constructs commercial office buildings, retail centers, and recreation facilities. As trusted interior office build-out contractors, the firm also specializes in office renovation projects. A few of Harvey’s notable Houston projects include Market Square Tower, the ExxonMobil campus, and the Lake Houston Family YMCA.

The company recently completed a ten-story facility in Kingwood, TX.

https://www.harveycleary.com/

Tellepsen Commercial Construction

2019 local gross billings – $620.89 million

This fourth-generation, family-run construction firm was founded in 1909. Based in Houston, Tellepsen focuses on commercial buildings that span a wide variety of market sectors. In addition to its commercial construction projects, the firm’s services include work on industrial facilities, infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and concrete structures. Tellespen is a giant in the Houston commercial construction arena, continually working on projects throughout Texas and beyond.

Notable projects include Texas Children’s Hospital, Hermann Park Centennial Gardens, and the GID Investments Regent Square Development.

https://tellepsen.com/

Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co. Inc.

2019 local gross billings – $494.90 million

Since 1898, Burns & McDonnell Engineering has designed and built client-focused commercial construction projects. One of the largest commercial construction firms in Houston, Burns & McDonnell is actually a family of companies with an unmatched team of engineers, architects, construction professionals, and technologists. Recent projects include award-winning improvements to the Texas Medical Center Campus.

Most recently, the company announced a partnership with Bladt Industries to develop and manufacture offshore wind technology projects. The partnership hopes to expand green energy, as well as create new jobs along the eastern seaboard of the United States.

https://www.burnsmcd.com/

Arch-Con(R) Corp.

2019 local gross billings – $411.32 million

Arch-Con is one of the largest general contractors in Houston.  The company specializes in commercial design and construction services. Furthermore, the firm works with a range of professionals—developers, architects, brokers, owners, and tenants. Arch-Con works on different types of projects including office, hospitality, corporate interiors, healthcare, retail, industrial, and even community projects. Completed projects include the Houston Farmer’s Market, Riverstone Retail Center, and the Mansfield Towncenter shopping complex. 

In 2018, the commercial construction company began work on a headquarters for affordable housing programs in Houston. Arch-Con is also building a 38,000+ square foot addition for Houston Physician’s Hospital, scheduled to be completed in September 2021. Most recently, Arch-Con completed a dual-brand hospitality complex near Galleria, scheduled to open its doors in February.

https://www.arch-con.com/

Gamma Construction Co.

2019 local gross billings – $401.12 million

Based in Houston, Gamma was established in 1985. This design/build firm engages in a wide range of projects. Over the years, Gamma has become known for its specialization in retail renovation. As a result, the firm has a strong relationship with retailers like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus along with restaurant chain Outback Steakhouse. Gamma has constructed or remodeled over 750 of Outback’s restaurants nationwide.

http://www.gammaconst.com/

Webber

2019 local gross billings – $383.56 million

What began as a rail and waterway construction company in the 1950s has blossomed into one of the largest commercial construction companies in Houston. The company is a leader in sustainability, winning awards for its commitment to sustainable construction projects for the past 18 years. Notable Houston-area projects include renovations of US 290 through Houston and the Catalyst Houston, a 28-story high rise luxury condominium complex in the Central Business District.

The company recently won a $70 million contract to expand and rehabilitate FM 1960 in Houston. The project is expected to be completed in 2023.

https://www.ferrovial.com/en-us/webber/

Austin Industries

2019 local gross billings – $304.42 million

Austin Industries is one of the nation’s largest commercial construction companies. They provide a wide range of services, from bridge and road engineering and construction to commercial construction and industrial building development and construction. Notable projects include an expansion of the Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital, Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, and the University of Houston’s Clear Lake Pearland Health Sciences Building.

Most recently, Austin Industries completed a 108,000-square-foot expansion of the Texas Health Allen campus. 

http://www.austin-ind.com/

Gilbane Building Company

2019 local gross billings – $284.01 million

In addition to being one of the nation’s largest construction and development firms, Gilbane is one of the largest General Contractors in Houston. Founded in 1873, the firm is also one of the nation’s most successful privately-held, family-owned firms. Currently, Gilbane provides full construction and facilities-related services across several sectors: college/university, healthcare, office, industrial, and mixed-use residential. Past projects include the Houston Parks and Recreation Headquarters Building renovations, Hines Block 58 Tower in downtown Houston, and the Philipps 66 Headquarters Campus.

Moving into 2021, Gilbane continues to be a leader in the Houston commercial construction market. Two notable projects are slated for completion in 2021 and 2023, both within the Texas Medical Center campus.

https://www.gilbaneco.com/

Burton Construction

2019 local gross billings – $281.78 million

Headquartered in Houston, this firm focuses on high-end commercial construction and interior build-outs. Founded by Brad Burton in 2004, it is one of the largest commercial construction companies in Houston. This full-service company handles a variety of projects including office, healthcare, mixed-use, retail, industrial, hospitality, and multi-family. Burton’s key projects include the 125,000 SF, five-story, Class A CityCentre One office building, and the 150,000 SF six-story Class A CityCentre Two office building.

Burton Construction recently won a 2020 Houston Business Journal Landmark Award for its work on The Cannon, a “modern, flexible workspace.” The $25 million project included renovating a 1940s-era industrial complex into 120,000 square feet of space designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners collaborate and expand.

https://burtonconstruction.com/

Hoar Construction LLC

2019 local gross billings – $279.41 million

Hoar works in several market sectors including healthcare, office, cultural and entertainment, civic, education, and others. For example, the Science Teaching Lab (University Of Houston), River Oaks Medical Center, and the Parks at Arlington Mall are a few of Hoar’s Houston notable projects. Hoar’s work on Houston Methodist’s Central Utility Plant won ENR’s Best Project in the Under $10 million category.

Despite a pandemic, Hoar Construction continues to see growth moving into 2021.

http://hoar.com/

E.E. Reed Construction, L.P.

2019 local gross billings – $269 million

E.E. Reed is a commercial construction company handling projects since its founding in 1977. The firm has a vast array of project experience, including office construction, residential, industrial facilities, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and institutional projects. In addition, E. E, Reed also has a separate arm that focuses on designing and delivering new and renovated corporate interiors.

The company has many projects in the works for 2021, including a 1 million square foot industrial complex – the largest of its kind – in the greater Houston area.

http://www.eereed.com/

SpawGlass Construction Corp.

2019 local gross billings – $262.76 million

SpawGlass is a prominent commercial construction firm. The company is a design/build firm that handles construction management for various commercial projects. This employee-owned construction firm offers a full range of services. Previous projects include aviation, campus housing, performing arts centers, healthcare, hospitality, civil projects, senior living, corporate offices, and parking garages.

Current projects include an apartment and retail mixed-use building in San Antonio and several HEB grocery store construction or renovation projects.

https://www.spawglass.com/

Turner Construction

2019 local gross billings – $240 million

Turner has worked on prominent Houston landmarks like the Bank of America Building, Chase Tower, and Wells Fargo Plaza. Also, this firm works with both public and private sector clients including the University of Houston, British Petroleum, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Harris County, and the City of Houston. Turner Construction recently finished the two premiere projects – Hilton Americas Houston Hotel & Convention Center and the 717 Texas building. The company is recognized for its innovative design/build approaches that embrace emerging technologies.

Moving into 2021, Turner will be working on several large-scale projects, including a contract with the U.S. Army to construct a new aircraft hangar facility. Additionally, the company is one partner in the renovation of 1001 Fannin in downtown Houston.

http://www.turnerconstruction.com/office-network/houston

Level Construction

2019 local gross billings – $240 million

Level Construction is one of the largest General Contractors in Houston, providing full-service commercial construction to clients in the Houston and Chicago areas. For over 15 years, Level Construction has partnered with some of the nation’s biggest brands to provide new construction and build-out projects. Recent projects include multiple well-known restaurant chains in the Houston area, Hilton, Marriott, and Holiday Inn hotels, and several medical centers in Houston and the surrounding area.

The company is recognized by the Houston Business Journal as one of the fastest-growing Houston area companies in 2020.

https://levelconstruction.net/

O’Donnell/Snider Construction

2019 local gross billings – $230.83

This firm works in several sectors: corporate interiors, capital improvements, healthcare, hospitality, and retail. In addition to construction and post-construction services, O’Donnell/Snider offers a full range of pre-construction services: budgeting, estimating, scheduling, design, site safety, sustainability, and others. Additionally, the firm is one of Houston’s top interior office build-out contractors.

http://www.odonnellsnider.com/

JE Dunn Construction

2019 local gross billings – $226.29 million

JE Dunn Construction is an employee and community-focused commercial construction firm committed to improving the lives of residents through inspired spaces. The company focuses on many sectors including higher education, aviation, federal and military, corrections and justice centers, hospitality, healthcare, industrial, and historic preservation. In addition, JE Dunn is one of the most notable interior office build-out contractors in the Houston area.  The company continues to win contracts in Houston and throughout the country, signaling growth moving into 2021.

https://www.jedunn.com/

McCarthy Building Companies Inc.

2019 local gross billings – $210 million

Founded in 1864, this firm has a storied history of successful projects. Located in Channelview, McCarthy’s Houston office is adjacent to the Houston Ship Channel. Because of this ideal location, McCarthy is positioned to manage infrastructure, port, and marine projects. McCarthy’s Houston branch specifically focuses on energy work (oil, gas, and petrochemical) along with civil projects, docks, wharfs, and container yards.

https://www.mccarthy.com/

Durotech Inc.

2019 local gross billings – $196.30 million

Durotech is a Houston-based commercial construction firm and is one of the largest general contractors in the city. Since it opened for business in 1988, the firm has won numerous awards. These include a 2005 award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation/HGTV Restore America Award for its work on Jefferson Davis Hospital Artist Lofts.

Durotech is currently building several educational facilities and completed two major education construction projects in the past year.

http://www.durotechgc.com/

Rosenberger Construction LLC

2019 local gross billings – $187 million

Headquartered in Katy, Rosenberger does both negotiated and design/build work. As one of the top commercial construction firms in Houston, the firm manages every aspect of each project, from planning to closeout. Not surprisingly, Rosenberger has won several awards over the years, including the Metal Architecture Design Award for its Intermarine project, a 20,000 SF, five-story, steel-framed office building.

Rosenberger is currently involved in several large projects throughout Texas.

http://www.rosenbergerconstruction.com/

Manhattan Construction Company

2019 local gross billings – $154.49 million
This firm offers a full range of services – preconstruction, construction management, general contracting, design/build, green building, and even virtual construction. Overall, Manhattan has a diverse Houston portfolio. The firm has worked on unique projects like the Automated People Mover Extension in Terminal A at Bush Intercontinental Airport, Energy Center Office Building – Phase II, and BBVA Compass Stadium.

Most notably, Manhattan Construction is serving as the contractor on the Alief Facilities at the $54 million mixed-use property in southwest Houston. The project should be completed in 2022.

http://www.manhattanconstructiongroup.com/manhattan-construction/contact/houston

HITT Contracting Inc.

2019 local gross billings – $134.06 million

What began in 1930 as a small, family-owned business has expanded into one of the most prominent commercial construction firms in the country. The company provides a wide range of services, from design/build capabilities to commercial construction, office build-outs, and even emergency work. Notable Houston-area projects include the Baylor St. Luke’s Emergency Center build-out, and the Pan-Atlantic oil and gas headquarters building.

Moving into the new year, HITT recently announced it will be expanding to the data services and storage sector going into 2021.

https://hitt.com/

Anslow Bryant Construction Ltd.

Anslow Bryant is a Houston-based commercial construction company focused on uniquely-designed spaces for diverse clients. The company focuses on quality over quantity, making it one of the most trusted commercial construction firms in Houston. Notable projects include the BP Center for High Performance Computing and “The Treehouse,” an innovative eco office building in Houston dedicated to sustainability.

Anslow Bryant is also the contractor on the luxury Houston high rise, the McKinley Memorial City, scheduled for completion Q4 2021.

http://www.anslowbryant.com/

Linbeck Group LLC

2019 local gross billings – $123 million

This family-run firm specializes in construction management, design/build, and integrated project delivery services. Since its founding in 1938, Linbeck has won 15 Build America Awards from The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Linbeck operates under a Houston Lean Operating System in sectors like healthcare, cultural, and education.

Most notably, Linbeck Group recently announced it will construct two new medical towers at the Texas A&M Medical Center, a project estimated at $546 million overall.

https://www.linbeck.com/

W. S. Bellows Construction Corp.

2019 local gross billings – $116.02 million

Another family-owned firm, W. S. Bellows Construction Corporation handles both large-scale and smaller-scale projects. Bellows offers a full range of pre-construction and commercial construction services. Since its founding in 1914, this firm has completed and renovated a number of high-profile Houston projects like 1, 2, and 3 Houston Center Office Towers, Bank One Center, and the ExxonMobil Building.

http://wsbellows.com/

DPR Construction

2019 local gross billings – $110 million

This firm has a team of technical builders who work on all sorts of projects. DPR’s Houston commercial construction projects include many medical and education projects. Specifically, the firm worked on the Houston Methodist Hospital Operating Room Renovation, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Campus Expansion, and the Texas Children’s Outpatient Therapy and Specialty Care Clinics. Also, the firm worked on the Rice University New Emerging Science & Technology Center.

2021 projects include a major renovation of the HCA Houston Healthcare Complex.

https://www.dpr.com/company/locations/houston-texas

 

Ready to Invest or Lease Commercial Construction Space?

Interested in investing in Houston commercial real estate or finding space to lease in the Houston area? Lumicre’s team of commercial real estate pros can provide a full range of services to both investors and owners.

Investor Services

From offices to industrial warehouses, we know the assets and the markets. If you’re looking to invest, then we can search for the best assets to fit your portfolio. Since we know the Houston market so well, and people know us, we often hear about deals before others do. On the other hand, if you’re ready to sell, our investment team creates a comprehensive Property Marketing Program customized just for your assets. In both cases, deal speed is one of our priorities.

Regardless, whether you’re a buyer or a seller, we broker deals quickly and always treat all parties with respect.

Owner Services

If you need to lease your property, then Lumicre is the proactive property management team you need. Our team never sits and waits for potential tenants to call. Instead, we look for them. In fact, each year we talk to over 15,000 prospective tenants on behalf of our landlord clients. On top of that, hundreds of tenants visit our website each month to learn about the over 1,000 properties we list for lease. We will also list your property on other major listing sites (Loopnet, CoStar, etc.) and private sites geared towards industry experts.

Lumicre also provides construction project management for owners, investors, and tenants. Learn more about these services here. 

Contact us today to learn about opportunities throughout the Houston area.