Construction is among the most important sectors in Illinois, with $8.7 billion and $3.8 billion in non-residential and residential (respectively) projects completed annually, according to IBISWorld.
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Keep reading to learn more about the top construction companies in Illinois that are driving this economic activity.
Top construction companies in Illinois
We’ve ranked these companies based on their regional revenue, as reported by Engineering News-Record.
1. Clayco
Location: Chicago
Regional revenue (2019) in millions: 3,250
Clayco is a full-service design-build firm founded in 1984. According to Engineering News-Record, it is the largest contractor based in the midwest and the fourth largest design-build firm in America. Clayco is also using our workforce intelligence platform, Bridgit Bench, to get the most out of their workforce and forecast future project demand with proper construction resource management.
In May 2021, three Clayco developments were named Chicago Building Congress Merit Award Finalists. See the company’s other accolades.
2. Turner Construction
Location: Chicago
Regional revenue (2019) in millions: 2,990
Turner Construction is among the top general contractors in Chicago, employing 10,000 workers and completing $12 billion in projects annually. Turner Construction’s awards include “Company of the Year” by Construction Dive.
The firm has been in existence for more than a century, meaning it’s not only one of the best general contractors in Chicago but also ranks among the oldest.
3. The Walsh Group
Location: Chicago
Regional revenue (2019) in millions: 1,582
The Walsh Group is a construction management service company founded in 1898. It has been owned and operated by the same family for four generations.
The Walsh Group’s extensive range of services includes:
- preconstruction
- design-build
- public-private partnership management
- maintenance
- lean construction
Bridgit is proud to have The Walsh Group using our workforce intelligence platform, Bridgit Bench, to help drive workforce productivity and profitability.
4. Pepper Construction
Location: Chicago
Regional revenue (2019) in millions: 1,246
Pepper Construction is a construction company founded in 1920. It is routinely recognized as one of the best contractors in Chicago and was named Interior Contractor of the Year at the 32nd Annual Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards.
Sectors Pepper Construction services include:
- civic
- corporate
- entertainment
- healthcare
- higher education
- hospitality
- manufacturing
5. Gilbane Building Company
Location: Chicago
Regional revenue (2019) in millions: 1,241
Gilbane Building Company is a family of firms that includes:
- Gilbane, Inc.
- Gilbane Development Company
The firm started as a small carpentry company in 1870 and has since grown into one of the top general contractors in Chicago, with services including:
- building information modelling
- design-build
- facility management
- preconstruction
- schedule risk analysis
6. Power Construction Company
Location: Chicago
Regional revenue (2019) in millions: 1,009
Power Construction is a family-owned construction company founded in 1926. It is dedicated to serving the Chicago community. Power Construction’s areas of focus include:
- science
- aviation
- education
- healthcare
- hospitality
- luxury residencies
- multifamily residences
- senior living
Locally, Power Construction is also known for giving back. Each year, the company contributes more than 2,000 volunteer hours to local organizations and groups in the Northern Illinois area. Power has also partnered with Bridgit to improve workforce planning across the project lifecycle. Learn about Power’s experience with Bridgit Bench below.
7. F.H. Paschen
Location: Chicago
Regional revenue (2019) in millions: 669.56
F.H. Paschen is an industry leader in Illinois’ infrastructure construction and rehabilitation space. Its services include:
- pre-construction
- building information modelling
- self-perform
- LEED construction
- value engineering
F.H. Paschen has also received numerous awards for its work, including:
- General Contractor of the Year (Federation of Women Contractors)
- Most Inclusive Prime Contractor of the Year (Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association)
- Contractor of the Year (African-American Contractor’s Association)
8. Clark Group
Location: Chicago
Regional revenue (2019) in millions: 513.44
Clark Construction has been an industry leader in the civil construction space for more than 100 years. It services many sectors, including:
- aviation
- correctional
- education
- government
- healthcare
- hospitality
- mass transportation
- residential
- science
- entertainment
Clark Group’s awards include:
- Best Commercial Construction Over $50 Million (2021 Chicago Building Congress Merit Award)
- Commercial Development of the Year (2021 Chicago Commercial Real Estate Award)
- Best Government/Public Building Project (2020 ENR Best of the Best Award)
- Best Sports/Entertainment Project (2020 ENR Best of the Best Award)
- Best Mixed-Use Project (2020 NAIOP Northern Virginia Award of Excellence)
The Clark Construction Group also uses Bridgit Bench to forecast project demand and identify pinch points where demand exceeds the supply of workers, which helps to inform recruitment strategies.
9. Clune Construction
Location: Chicago
Regional revenue (2019) in millions: 447.4
Clune Construction is an employee-owned construction company that has been in operation since 1997. It employs more than 600 professionals in six offices throughout the United States.
At the helm of Clune Construction is Mike Clune, who founded the company with the intention of not only providing top quality construction and construction management services but also creating a family-like bond between all employees.
Clune Construction’s services include:
- construction management
- virtual construction
- sustainability planning
Clune Construction uses Bridgit Bench to centralize their workforce data and improve collaboration across the organization..
10. James McHugh Construction Company
Location: Chicago
Regional revenue (2019) in millions: 391.08
Next on our list of construction companies in Illinois, we have the James McHugh Construction Company.
McHugh Construction Company’s services include:
- preconstruction
- consulting
- construction management
- general contracting
- design-build
- concrete
- self-perform
- structural engineering
The company’s portfolio is equally impressive, including numerous hotels, residential properties, corporate headquarters, and entertainment complex additions. James McHugh is also using Bridgit Bench to track resources from estimating to warranty. Read more about their experience with us, or watch their success story below.
11. Lendlease
Location: Chicago
Regional revenue (2019) in millions: 375.12
Lendlease is an award-winning global construction company with offices throughout the United States, including New York, Boston, and Chicago.
The company was founded in 1973 by Dick Dusseldorp and services a wide range of sectors, including:
- arts and culture
- aviation
- commercial
- education
- energy
- government
- hospitality
- industrial
- life science
- mixed use
- entertainment
- residential
Lendlease’s awards include:
- Workplace Safety and Health Council’s bizSAFE Partner Award
- 2020 Gold Award for Customer Satisfaction
- BREEAM Awards
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Gold Award
12. O’Neil Industries Incorporated
Location: Chicago
Regional revenue (2019) in millions: 174.94
Last but certainly not least on our list of construction companies in Illinois, we have O’Neil Industries Incorporated, a firm founded in 1925. It has been led by the same family for four generations and has locations throughout the United States, including Phoenix, Tucson, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
O’Neil Industries’ services include:
- construction management
- general contracting
- design-build
The company’s awards include:
- Project of the Year (Cisco)
- 2020 HREI Insights Awards (Healthcare Real Estate Insights)
- Design Award (A+Awards)
- Best Project Award – Renovation & Restoration (ENR Mountain States)
Bridgit Bench is the workforce management software of choice among construction companies in Illinois
Would be awesome to put our Illinois client logos here.
Bridgit Bench is an industry-leading workforce management solution for general contractors and subcontractors alike. With Bridgit Bench, construction companies can:
- easily visualize resource allocations
- track projects as they move towards completion
- create workforce utilization reports at the click of a button
Learn more about Bridgit Bench.
Construction Estimating Software FAQ
What is digital construction estimating software?
Construction estimating software is used by estimating teams to calculate and predict costs for a construction project. These digital tools help streamline the estimation process from bid creation to cost analysis to ensure proposals are as precise as possible and help put forward successful bids. Getting estimates right up front is a key part of managing project scope creep in construction.
How does construction estimating software work?
Construction estimating software works by allowing users to input project details and then use built-in databases to forecast expenses. Advanced estimating software may use algorithms and machine learning to help forecast expenses. It’s important that when you evaluate your construction estimating software, you consider how it integrates with your process. You will want to pull in data from tools, like your CRM and workforce planning software, as well as information from project documents.
What is estimating in construction?
Estimating in construction involves calculating the costs for a project including items like materials, wages, equipment, and real-estate costs. Forecasting line-by-line expenses accurately is key to creating successful bids that win contracts and also ensuring your project is profitable. Estimating is an important skill in construction, as it’s a balance act between what you think will happen and what will happen.
For more articles about North American construction companies and construction management processes, visit the Bridgit blog.
Brandon-Richard Austin
Brandon-Richard Austin is a writer and content strategist focused on the construction sector. He’s passionate about educating readers on construction management techniques and best practices.
