Category: News

Powers & Sons Construction is proud to celebrate Mamon Powers Jr., who was honored with the Legend Award at the 2026 Leaders & Legends Gala, presented by Black Contractors Owners & Executives (BCOE). 

This distinguished recognition honors individuals whose careers have shaped industries, opened doors for others, and left a lasting impact through leadership, integrity, and service. 

Carrying a Legacy Forward 

A civil engineer by training, Mamon Powers Jr. built upon the foundation of Powers & Sons Construction as the second-generation leader, guiding the company through decades of growth, diversification, and national recognition. Under his leadership, the firm expanded its footprint across Indiana and Chicago and became one of the nation’s most respected minority-owned construction companies. 

During this period, Powers & Sons earned repeated industry recognition, including honors from Black Enterprise, and was named Black Enterprise Company of the Year—an achievement that reflects sustained excellence, discipline, and long-term vision. 

Transformative Partnerships and Industry Leadership 

Mr. Powers’ influence extends beyond company growth to shaping the future of the construction industry through transformative partnerships. His leadership played a pivotal role in initiatives such as Lakeside Alliance, the historic joint venture delivering the Obama Presidential Center. 

Through this work, Mr. Powers helped redefine how large-scale, complex projects are delivered—demonstrating the power of collaboration, technical excellence, and bold leadership. These efforts set new standards for partnership, innovation, and long-term impact across the construction industry. 

A True Legend 

At the heart of Mamon Powers Jr.’s legacy is stewardship—of people, partnerships, and possibility. His leadership has opened doors, created opportunity, and set a standard of excellence that continues to guide Powers & Sons Construction today. 

This recognition at the 2026 Leaders & Legends Gala honors not only a remarkable career, but a lasting legacy that continues to shape the construction industry and the communities it serves. 

Powers & Sons Construction is proud to share that Mamon Powers III, President and CEO of Powers & Sons Construction, has been named a 2026 Champions of Impact honoree, receiving the William G. Mays Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award. 

The honor is presented by Recorder Media Group as part of its 19th Annual Champions of Impact Awards, an annual celebration recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and innovation drive meaningful progress across business, education, health, culture, and community development. 

Mamon was recognized for carrying forward a family legacy of excellence while leading one of the Midwest’s most respected construction firms. His success honors the entrepreneurial spirit of William G. Mays—one grounded in hard work, integrity, and building both strong businesses and stronger communities. Under Mamon’s leadership, Powers & Sons Construction has continued to grow with purpose, prioritizing people, partnerships, and long-term community investment beyond the jobsite. 

As Recorder Media Group President and CEO Robert Shegog shared, Champions of Impact is not about recognition alone—it is about documenting real work, real outcomes, and leadership that leaves communities better than they were found. We are proud to see Mamon’s leadership recognized among those setting the standard for excellence and impact. 

Lakeview Landing was designed with intention from the ground up. The six-story residential building delivers 37 fully accessible apartments, thoughtfully created with universal ADA design features to support residents of all abilities. Located within close proximity to healthcare services and community resources, the development promotes independence, dignity, and long-term stability for every individual who calls it home. 

In addition to residential spaces, the ground-floor community room was designed to serve the broader neighborhood. The space will host church services through Lakeview Lutheran Church and be available to other neighborhood groups on a scheduled basis—reinforcing Lakeview Landing’s role as a place that brings people together and strengthens community connections. 

A Milestone Worth Celebrating 

The ribbon cutting marked an important milestone not only for the project team, but for the future residents who will soon call Lakeview Landing home. We’re proud to have contributed our expertise to a development that truly makes a difference. 

Congratulations to Over the Rainbow Association and the City of Chicago on this remarkable achievement—and thank you for trusting Powers & Sons Construction to help build a place where independence and opportunity can thrive. 

Building What Matters—Together 

Projects like Lakeview Landing exemplify why we do what we do. At Powers & Sons Construction, we are proud to partner on developments that strengthen communities and expand access to safe, inclusive spaces. We extend our congratulations to Over the Rainbow Association and the City of Chicago on this important achievement—and to the future residents who will call Lakeview Landing home. 

We look forward to seeing the positive impact this building will have for years to come. 

A Community-Driven Project Rooted in Gary, Indiana.

At Powers & Sons Construction, we believe the most meaningful projects are the ones that strengthen communities—and the Tolleston Opportunity Campus is a powerful example of that mission in action.

Located in Gary, IN, directly across from our Gary office and in the neighborhood Powers & Sons has proudly called home since 1967, this project carries special significance for our team. It’s not just a jobsite—it’s a chance to invest in the very community that has supported our company for generations.

From Vision to Reality: A Campus Taking Shape

This joint venture with Berglund is quickly taking shape and already reflects the vision behind it: a space designed to foster wellness, recreation, connection, and opportunity for generations to come. Developed in partnership with Crossroads YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, and Methodist Hospitals, the campus is emerging as a transformative community hub. As construction progresses, it’s exciting to see the campus transform from plans on paper into a place that will serve as a true community anchor. 

The new facility will feature a multi-purpose gymnasium to support sports, recreation, and community events, along with classrooms and meeting spaces dedicated to educational workshops, job training, and youth programming. A dedicated wellness center will offer fitness equipment and group exercise classes, while a child development center will provide high-quality early childhood education and after-school care for local families. The campus will also include a teaching kitchen, creating opportunities for nutrition education and healthy cooking classes that support overall well-being. 

Beyond the building itself, the exterior scope of work further extends the campus’s impact. Outdoor recreational spaces will include playgrounds and sports fields, along with thoughtfully designed community gathering areas that encourage connection, engagement, and shared experiences. 

Designed for Lasting Community Impact

As construction advances, the vision behind the campus is becoming tangible. Each phase reflects the dedication of the many organizations, partners, and supporters who believe in the power of community-driven development. We are honored to play a role in bringing this impactful project to life and to work alongside teams who share a common goal: creating lasting, positive change. 

At Powers & Sons Construction, projects like the Tolleston Opportunity Campus underscore why we do what we do—building spaces that go beyond bricks and mortar to support people, possibility, and progress. 

Progress you can see. Impact that will last. 

Powers & Sons Construction is proud to celebrate the completion of two significant middle school projects for MSD Lawrence Township as part of the district’s multi-year K–12 Blue Ribbon Facilities initiative. The completed renovations and improvements at Fall Creek Valley Middle School and Belzer Middle School reflect a shared commitment to maintaining safe, modern facilities that meet student capacity and support high-quality education. 

Together, these projects represent a combined investment of almost $72,000,000 strengthening learning environments for students, staff, and the broader Lawrence Township community. 

 

Fall Creek Valley Middle School 

Powers & Sons Construction served as Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) for renovations and site improvements at Fall Creek Valley Middle School. 

The project included approximately 250,000 square feet of interior renovations featuring new finishes throughout classrooms and offices, including updated cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and fixtures. Major interior renovations and upgrades were also completed in key shared spaces, including the media center, cafeteria, music areas, and gymnasiums. 

Exterior scope of work included new sidewalks and parking lots, a redesigned main entrance drive, and a new bus turnaround. Masonry and EIFS restoration work was also performed as part of the project. 

Athletic improvements were completed to support student activities and campus use, including renovations to the existing softball and baseball fields with new dugouts and a remodeled concessions building. In addition, a new soccer field was constructed south of the baseball diamond. 

 

Belzer Middle School 

At Belzer Middle School, Powers & Sons Construction served as Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) for both building renovations and the construction of a new building addition. 

Interior renovations encompassed approximately 250,000 square feet of space and included new cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and fixtures throughout classrooms and offices. In addition to these updates, major interior renovations and upgrades were completed in the existing media center, cafeteria, music areas, and gymnasiums. 

Alongside the interior work, the project included the construction of a 16,000-square-foot multi-purpose addition. To support this new space, a new underground retention system was installed as part of the site infrastructure improvements. 

Exterior work completed at the campus included new sidewalks and a new bus turnaround, as well as masonry and EIFS restoration work. The north parking lot was also redesigned to modify traffic patterns as part of the overall site improvements. 

 

Celebrating Completion: Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies 

The completion of both projects was marked by ribbon cutting ceremonies attended by MSD Lawrence Township leadership, school administrators, project partners, and members of the community. These events celebrated the collaboration and shared vision that brought each project to life and officially welcomed students and staff into their updated learning environments. 

The ribbon cuttings served as a meaningful milestone—recognizing not only the physical transformation of the campuses, but the collective investment in education and the future of Lawrence Township 

Community Impact 

These completed projects go beyond building improvements. They enhance safety, accessibility, and functionality across both campuses while creating environments that support collaboration, creativity, and student engagement. From improved traffic flow and building performance to upgraded athletic and gathering spaces, the work completed at Fall Creek Valley and Belzer Middle Schools will benefit students, families, and the community for years to come. 

Supporting the Future of Learning 

Powers & Sons Construction is honored to have partnered with MSD Lawrence Township on these impactful projects. The successful completion of Fall Creek Valley Middle School and Belzer Middle School represents a lasting investment in education—one that supports student growth, educator success, and strong community connections well into the future. 

Powers & Sons Construction has completed a new 7,500 SF dental clinic at the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center campus in Chicago’s Lakeview district.

One of just eight programs of its kind in the nation, Advocate’s Department of Dentistry diagnoses and treats an average of 2,500 children, adolescents, and adults each year. Patients include those experiencing homelessness, low-income families, and individuals with special needs, many of whom have profound developmental and intellectual disabilities like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism.

The clinic also serves as an advanced teaching, training, and research facility. Students accepted into Advocate’s dental program pursue careers as general practice dentists, pediatric dentists, dental anesthesiologists, and oral surgeons.

“Since its founding in 1970, the department has grown dramatically,” reported Dr. James Benz, department chair and residency program director. “It became a challenge to access busy hospital operating rooms when we needed them, even for a long-standing department like ours. Now that we have three of our own surgical suites—as well as a three-bay recovery area with a full-time nurse—we will cut the wait time for patients to receive care, increase our capacity to treat patients, eliminate scheduling problems, and reduce overall expenses.”

While the upper levels of the building were already occupied, the first level was unfinished shell space. Benz said Powers & Sons was very engaged throughout the preconstruction and construction process, especially on the design and installation side. “They worked closely with our architects, engineers, and specialty equipment manufacturers and installers.”

Advocate’s new Dental Center features ten treatment rooms, three hygiene rooms, and three anesthesia suites, one of which is dedicated to special needs patients. Other spaces include labs and sterilization rooms. A reception area, waiting rooms, offices for faculty and staff, and student spaces were also built.

As we reflect on all that Powers & Sons Construction accomplished in 2024, we are grateful for our clients, partners, and team. We’re excited about the opportunities a new year will bring.

Check out our video reel that documents a few highlights from the past 12 months.

In 2025, Powers & Sons will remain committed to creating positive impacts for the communities we serve. Our team will endeavor to raise and lift others as we climb. Together, we will achieve new heights.

Our long-standing commitment to building new affordable multi-family homes in the Chicago market continues.

This fall, Powers & Sons Construction began work on a new three-story, 14-unit community for Breakthrough Urban Ministries. The nonprofit organization provides transitional and permanent housing, as well as a range of support services, for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability in East Garfield Park.

“This project is an opportunity to help address Chicago’s affordable housing crisis,” said Yolanda Fields, executive director. “Our mission is to help local families live with dignity in a stable environment while removing barriers that prevent them from moving forward in life. We call this new building The Turning Point because our goal is help residents turn the page on past challenges and create secure futures,” Fields reported. Breakthrough serves about 21,000 Chicagoans each year.

The project will help address a critical shortage of affordable homes in East Garfield Park. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, 88% of low-income Chicago families making under $35,000 a year face burdensome housing costs, which cause 56% to spend over half of their monthly income for housing. Rents for the two- and three-bedroom units at The Turning Point will be capped at 30% of each household’s monthly income.

Residents can choose to participate in a range of comprehensive programs and services, including high school and post-secondary education for adults. Breakthrough also offers career development programs, job training and placement services, and financial counseling to help residents increase their incomes.

“Many of the people we serve want to pursue new career paths and jobs with better pay, but they need skills training, childcare assistance, and other support to prepare them for new opportunities,” Fields explained.

“Everything will be within easy walking distance for local residents, including a food pantry that is next door. Down the block residents can access our preschool and after-school programs, a health clinic with fitness center, and other services,” Fields added.

Learn more about Breakthrough’s programs, its impact in the community, and how you can get involved at breakthrough.org.

Powers & Sons Construction is pleased to share that Cynthia Powers is the recipient of a well-deserved new honor. Powers was recognized by the YWCA of Northwest Indiana with its inaugural Earline Rogers Trailblazer Award.

The late Earline Rogers—a former Indiana Senator, YWCA board member emerita, and long-time Gary, Indiana K-12 educator—was a trailblazer and role model for women throughout the state. Rogers was a community stalwart who represented her district for over 30 years and served in both the Indiana House of Representatives and the Indiana State Senate.

As a community advocate and civic leader, Powers shares many of the same passions and qualities as Rogers had during her lifetime. Throughout her career, she has dedicated countless hours of volunteer service to mentoring youth and young professionals.

Powers is actively engaged with diverse educational, civic, and charitable groups in Northwest Indiana and throughout the state.  A member of the Board of Trustees for Indiana State University and the Board of Advisors for Indiana University Northwest, she has held board positions for organizations including:

• Northwest Indiana Council of the UNCF, for which she was also a co-founder
• YWCA of Northwest Indiana, where she also served as board chair
• Lubeznick Center for the Arts
• Indiana Advisory Committee on Career & Technical Education
• Bank Calumet
• Drifting Dunes Girl Scouts
• Willowglen Academy
• Tradewinds Rehabilitation Center
• Hospice of the Calumet Area
• United Way of Northwest Indiana
• Legacy Foundation
• The Discovery Alliance
• Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council
• Greater Northwest Indiana Board of Realtors
• Northwest Indiana Regional Development Council
• South Shore Arts
• Friends of Emerson School for the Visual & Performing Arts

Born and raised in Gary, Cynthia (Berry) Powers graduated from Tolleston High School and went on to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Indiana State University in Terre Haute.

Along with husband Mamon Powers Jr., her professional career included co-founding Powers Realty in Gary. She later purchased a Century 21 franchise which she operated for a number of years. Powers is a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta and a member of the Northern Indiana Chapter of The Links, Inc.

Beloved by everyone on the Powers & Sons team, we celebrate her efforts to make a difference in the lives of others. Powers’ work has improved our community, making it a better place to live, learn, work, and raise strong families.

 

 

Powers & Sons Construction helped transform the nation’s largest NBA arena into a high-tech, high-impact venue for the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC).

What did organizers need to make Chicago’s United Center a dynamic multimedia space for 50,000 convention-goers, elected officials, VIP guests, DNC staff, and journalists from around the world?

Reliable power sources, fast networks, and secure data connections were a key focus, along with building and decommissioning temporary, custom-built offices, meeting spaces, media suites, and news studios.

How did we do it?

In partnership with McHugh Construction, Powers & Sons Construction got to work in January. Collectively, we dove into collaboration and preconstruction planning with DNC stakeholders to prepare for the August 19-22 event.

The preconstruction phase included finalizing the drawings and designs for all built spaces, developing well-defined scopes of work for subcontractors, estimating all costs, and developing a detailed schedule for mobilization and execution.

• With tight security and an eight-week construction deadline, leveraging the technical knowledge and expertise of key suppliers and subcontractors was essential.
• Temporary generators, power banks, transformers, and distributors were staged in exterior utility trailers outside of the venue.
• Components including lighting, sound systems, digital display boards, and temporary stand-up stations for journalists were installed throughout the arena and in several nearby buildings.
• Temporary media suites and news studios were built in order to keep miles of electrical wiring tucked away from view, as well as protect the FFE in the facility’s permanent suites. A temporary structure on the arena floor also housed technical components and included an upper-deck media platform to facilitate live broadcasting.
• After the convention, the team decommissioned all temporary event staging, spaces, and suites in three weeks.

Powers & Sons is proud to have helped prepare the United Center for hosting this historic event. It was an honor to facilitate an important part of the nation’s democratic process and help the City of Chicago prepare for one of the most high-profile events of the year.