Fort La Play Porte volunteers

Larson-Danielson supports La Porte Parks, Fort La Play Porte

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On Friday, September 1st, Larson-Danielson Construction volunteers arrived at Kesling Park to put their skills to work for the La Porte Parks and Recreation Department at Fort La Play Porte. Twelve volunteers each donated three hours of their time to the maintenance of one of La Porte’s premier parks.

The volunteers were tasked with upkeep of the children’s playground, including spreading new mulch and staining the perimeter fence. The project brought back memories of the 2019 Fort La Play Porte rebuild project for some, including Larson-Danielson president, Brian Larson.

Larson participated in the 2019 rebuild project, along with other Larson-Danielson employees. The company also donated the tools for the project.

Four years later, Fort La Play Porte needed maintenance to keep it in tip top shape for the community. At the same time, Larson-Danielson was looking for a service project to complete. The timing worked out just right for the La Porte Parks Department and Larson-Danielson.

Fort La Play Porte Service Project

A History of Service

Larson-Danielson organizes multiple opportunities each year for employees to participate in company-sponsored service projects. These opportunities help the company’s efforts to be a great place to work and continue its tradition of community involvement.

Throughout the company’s history, Larson-Danielson employees have viewed their work as a community affair. Many facilities built by the company continue to serve the needs of the people in the community.

We also support the communities where we live and work by being active members of local organizations, providing monetary donations, and by volunteering. Larson-Danielson employees have been on hospital boards, bank boards, YMCA boards, Red Cross boards, and other community organizations boards.

 

Chesterton Police Station groundbreaking

Construction of new Chesterton Police Station begins

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Larson-Danielson has begun construction of a new, two-story, 11,000 square foot police station for the Town of Chesterton.

On Thursday, July 6, Larson-Danielson representatives joined officials from the Town of Chesterton and others at a groundbreaking ceremony for the project.

An Auspicious Occasion

“This is an auspicious occasion but a near-run occasion as well,” said Town Attorney Chuck Lukmann. “That we’re standing here at all this morning is an improbable thing and a testament to one person’s tenacity and to a family and its company’s generosity.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by members of the Town Council and municipal department heads, as well as special guests including Elizabeth Johnson from the office of U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan, D-1st; State Sen. Rodney Pol Jr.; Porter County Council Member Ronald “Red” Stone; Porter County Commissioner Jim Biggs; Porter County Prosecutor Gary Germann; Porter County Sheriff Jeff Balon; Portage Police Chief Mike Candiano; Valparaiso Police Chief Andrew McIntyre; NICTD Transit Police Chief Jessie Watts Jr.; retired CPD chief George Nelson; and retired Chesterton town manager Bernie Doyle.

“This new police station is the foundation of an entire town, to forge a commitment together to maintain our historically safe community and to allow the Chesterton Police Department (CPD) to grow with our community, as well as to further forge our community-based partnership with residents and businesses,” said Chesterton Police Chief Tim Richardson.

Groundbreaking for the Chesterton Police Station

L-D in Chesterton

Larson-Danielson is no stranger to the Chesterton community. The firm recently completed construction of the new Ken Allen Law multi-tenant office building and is involved in several projects for the Duneland School Corporation.

“We have a long and rich history of completed projects in Chesterton, and are very excited to have the opportunity to continue our contribution to the community’s built environment,” Dave Merkel, vice president of Larson-Danielson said. “We understand that it takes a lot of hard work and determination to get a project such as the Chesterton Police Station to groundbreaking, and appreciate the efforts of the town and its leadership in getting to this point. We are excited to play a part in making their vision a reality.”

The New Police Station

The new police station features a training room, male and female restrooms, patrol room, processing room with interview, holding rooms and armory, and a sally port on the first floor. The second floor includes the police chief and assistant chief’s offices, investigative department bullpen and offices, interview rooms, evidence storage, a fitness center with separate locker rooms, showers and restrooms (for male and female officers) and a kitchenette/breakroom.

“The new structure allows us to further our programs and partnerships with the community, as well as a training hub for our officers,” Richardson said. “Our new building features a 28-person training room that will allow CPD to host professional trainings not only for our officers, but officers from other area departments as well. Most importantly, the new building has separate private locker rooms, restrooms and shower facilities for both our male and female officers, something our current building was lacking.”

Construction of the new Chesterton Police Station is scheduled for completion in approximately 15 months.

Related News

Larson-Danielson and Chesterton Community help make new police station a reality – LaPorte County Life

Ground officially broken on a new Chesterton police station – WIMS Radio

Chesterton officials break ground on a new police station – Chicago Tribune

Chesterton breaks ground on new police station – NWI Times

 

 

L-D Contractor of the Year Award

Larson-Danielson awarded at annual construction banquet

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NWIBRT/CAF Awards Banquet ProgramLarson-Danielson Construction Company was honored by the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) at the annual CAF/NWIBRT Awards Banquet on May 10. The firm was named the Commercial Contractor of the Year and was given the Commercial Project of the Year award for the Northwest Health – La Porte medical office building, which was completed in 2022.

“We are extremely honored and humbled to receive these prestigious construction awards from the Construction Advancement Foundation,” said Nick Larson, vice president of Larson-Danielson. “The awards serve as a testament to our incredible team and partners, without whom these achievements would not be possible.”

Founded in 1967, CAF is a regional trade organization for the construction industry which includes more than 500 members across Northwest Indiana. Each year, CAF awards companies that have demonstrated excellence in safety, craftsmanship, teamwork, quality, innovation, consideration for the environment, community support, and training. There were five categories of winning contractors, based on the nature of their services.

CAF Contractor of the Year

Commercial Contractor of the Year

The award for Commercial Contractor of the Year went to Larson-Danielson for work on commercial public and private-sector facilities completed in 2022, including:

  • Trailyard, Café and Restaurant – Valparaiso, IN
  • MAAC Foundation, Tactical Village and Training Building – Valparaiso, IN
  • Phoenix Metals, Office Renovations – Hammond, IN
  • Ivy Tech East Chicago, Welding Lab Renovations – East Chicago, IN
  • Hanover Community School Corporation, Hanover Middle School General Trades & Masonry Packages – Cedar Lake, IN
  • City of South Bend, Morris Performing Arts Center Slab Replacement – South Bend, IN
  • New Prairie School Corporation, New Halftime Building – New Carlisle, IN
  • People’s Bank, Banking Center 2nd Floor Renovations – Munster, IN

CAF Commercial Project of the Year

Commercial Project of the Year

CAF also gives Project of the Year awards each year across five categories. Nominees are evaluated based on the contractor’s ability to deliver a quality project within the owner’s budget and schedule while exhibiting a firm commitment to safety.

Larson-Danielson was also awarded the Commercial Project of the Year Award for the Northwest Health – La Porte medical office building. The 45,800 square foot, three-story facility is owned by Catalyst Healthcare Real Estate and was designed by Gresham Smith.

The building is multi-tenant medical facility that took approximately 15 months to complete from beginning to end. Construction began with Geopier foundation stabilization in early December 2020 and foundation construction at the end of December.

Site construction included parking for the public and doctors surrounding the new building, and a remote parking lot for additional hospital employee parking across the street. The building was completed and ready for occupancy to begin by the end of December 2021.

The building features a combination of physician offices and other hospital-based services, and is connected to the hospital on the first and second floors. The project was fully completed, and the hospital officially opened operations in the medical office building in January 2022.

Larson-Danielson 2023 CAF Awards

Related News

CAF Celebrates NWI’s Top Contractors and Projects – Building Indiana

Construction companies earn honors for performance, safety – Northwest Indiana Business Magazine

Solid Platforms, Hasse Construction, Falk PLI and Cargill among 60 winners of construction awards – MBNC Business Daily News & Updates

60 Companies Honored for Outstanding Performance in Safety and Construction – NewsBreak

Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable Honors Companies for Outstanding Performance – Construction Equipment Guide

Larson-Danielson, Facet Architecture among 2023 Best of Business

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(La Porte, Ind.) – The votes are in, and Larson-Danielson Construction has been named “best commercial construction firm for new construction” and “best commercial construction firm for remodeling or expansion” in Northwest Indiana and Michiana by the readers of the Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.

2022 was an exciting yet challenging year for Larson-Danielson, with several projects completed and awarded to the company.

“While there were many rewarding opportunities for us in 2022, being selected as the general contractor for a new residence hall at the University of Notre Dame was certainly one of the highlights,” said Nick Larson, Vice President at Larson-Danielson. “We’ve been fortunate to have a strong relationship with the University over the years, as well as the subcontractors and suppliers we work with and rely upon when developing our bids. We believe that these relationships, along with the hard work and dedication of our own staff in preparing our proposal, is what led to L-D being awarded this project.”

Larson-Danielson has consistently appeared on the Best of Business Awards list since its inception in 2005. This award reflects the firm’s overall goals and approach to future challenges.

“Although there is certainly no shortage of uncertainty for what lies ahead in 2023, we are focused on capturing the right opportunities that will promote further growth for the company and our employees while making sure we continue to provide the quality construction services we have built our reputation on over the past 115 years,” Larson said. “We are excited to be recognized by Northwest Indiana Business Magazine as the best in our industry, and remain committed to the goal of being the best for many years to come.”

Facet Architecture – Best Commercial Architectural Firm

In addition to Larson-Danielson’s Best of Business awards, Facet Architecture, the firm’s in-house architecture and design firm, earned its first award, “best commercial architectural design firm” in Northwest Indiana. Facet Architecture is a growing commercial architecture firm providing interior design and architecture solutions.

“Facet Architecture has been blessed to work with several clients, on multiple projects, over the years. We designed a 3-story medical office building in Michigan City for HealthLinc, a regional community health center, that will allow for expanded service to their clients and the growing needs of the city. This project is currently under construction and will be completed in early 2024,” said Robin Witte, AIA, Facet Architecture’s lead architect. “Another client, The MAAC Foundation, recently celebrated the expansion of their emergency service training campus through the newly designed and constructed Residential Tactical Village. This new area of the campus focused on creating a realistic residential environment for first responders to train in.”

Facet Architecture faced its share of challenges in 2022. Maintaining the highest levels of communication and a dedication to quality helped the firm overcome each challenge successfully.

“Our clients, frequently, have project deadlines that require a quick pace for building design. Our goal is to design a beautiful and functional building for our clients, within their budget and their required timeline needs,” said Witte. “Facet Architecture was able meet these challenges in 2022 by expanding our workforce and working as a team, with our clients, to meet our shared project goals.”

The Best of Business Awards were created to give readers the opportunity to acknowledge local businesses who are excelling in their service to the community. The awards promote excellence in innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership in the business community.

Visit our awards page for a list of other awards and honors.

Fifth generation of Larson-Danielson leaders takes the helm

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2023 marks a major milestone for Larson-Danielson Construction Company. The firm is celebrating 115 years in business and is now under its fifth generation of leadership.

Known as G5, or Generation Five, the company’s leaders include Brian Larson, President; Nick Larson, VP-Business Development; Dave Merkel, VP-Office Operations; Pat Lockwood, VP-Field Operations; and Jeff Jensen, VP-Administration.

Generation Four

Generation Four circa 1998

Generation Four celebrates L-D’s 100-year anniversary in 1998

The transition began several years ago with Generation Four, including Tim Larson, Terry Larson, Mark Danielson, and Tom Walter, mentoring the G5 partners.

“The process involved handing off responsibilities in steps to get people trained in what they’re doing and then taking over,” Tom Walter, Generation Four member, said. “The thoughtful transition also helps other people in the company become more comfortable with new leaders.”

With four previous leadership transitions under its belt, Larson-Danielson is no stranger to the pitfalls and perils of organizational changes. The firm’s experience and the expertise of its employees and leaders came into play during the latest ownership shift.

Generation Five

G5 leaders

Generation Five

“We’ve been working on a long transition phase that continues through this year,” Generation Five member and President, Brian Larson said. “We’re grateful to have our former executives still on board and monitoring our performance to ensure that we make a smooth transition. We’re an experienced company. We don’t do things rashly. We like to have a steady and stable environment for our workers and for our clients.”

Larson-Danielson is known as an industry leader with a strong culture based on excellence and quality, and a reputation for treating its clients and employees well. Since the first generation of Charles Larson, Emil Danielson and Frank Larson founded the company in 1908, the focus has remained consistent.

“When people want a really well-built building, they come to us,” Generation Four member, Tim Larson said. “The culture of the company, the way we treat our employees, the way our employees work, their belief in the company and their dedication has always been the same.”

The company is driven by its established Core Values which include Safety, Relationships, Responsiveness, Reliability, Quality, Leadership and Value. The firm is among the top general contractors in the State of Indiana, with annual volumes reaching over $90 million and over 200 employees.

Related News

Great News Life – Larson-Danielson Embraces its Fifth Generation of Leaders

Best of the Best award

Larson-Danielson ranks among best Midwest construction companies

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Midwest Real Estate News has released its 2022 Best of the Best issue, and Larson-Danielson has made the list of top construction companies.

The annual Best of the Best list highlights the top commercial real estate companies located throughout the Midwest. In addition to construction companies, the issue lists the top-ranked brokerage firms, developers, direct lenders, owners, property management firms, real estate law firms, and financial intermediaries.

Midwest Real Estate News is a bi-monthly publication covering the latest news and trends in commercial real estate throughout 13 states located in the Midwest. Appearing on the list of the best commercial construction companies in the Midwest places Larson-Danielson in an elite group.

A history of excellence

Best of Northwest Indiana Business, Best Commercial Contractor Seven Years RunningLarson-Danielson is not just among the best of the best according to Midwest Real Estate News. For the last six consecutive years, we have been voted the best commercial construction firm in Northwest Indiana. In fact, we have consistently appeared on Northwest Indiana Business Magazine’s Best of Business Awards list since 2005.

Larson-Danielson Construction has over a century of commercial construction experience. We work hard to instill the core values of our company into every project that bears our name.

Our goal is to produce quality work that is second to none. This ambition is what makes us one of the top contractors in the state of Indiana and throughout the Midwest.

Our team at Larson-Danielson brings the skills and experience that defines excellence in construction. We have been building upon a solid foundation of work since 1908. Our capabilities, commitment, and expertise continue to propel us to the top of the construction industry.

If you’re looking for exceptional value and quality service, Larson-Danielson is the best team for your construction needs. Contact us today to learn more.

Visit our awards page for a list of other awards and honors.

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