Two Southbridge buildings (Buildings B3 and B4) are nearing completion in the first phase of this new mixed-use development located at the intersection of Cermak and State in Chicago. The project is intended to bridge the South Loop, Chinatown, and Bronzeville.
Each Phase 1 building includes ground-level retail spaces with 103 mixed-income apartments on the upper floors.
Amenities include a fitness center, community dining space and common areas, and outdoor terraces with city views.
Surface-level parking is located behind each building, both located near CTA Green and Red Line Stations.
As noted by Chicago YIMBY, Powers & Sons’ work is part of a joint venture with McShane Construction.
When all phases are complete, Southbridge will feature:
Over 877 residential units across income levels
65,000 SF of retail business space
Multiple recreational areas and green spaces
A design that meets best-in-class urban and sustainable standards.
Developers are McCaffrey and The Community Builders. Public partners include the Chicago Housing Authority, Illinois Housing Development Authority, and the City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development.
Congratulations to our CEO & Chairman Mamon Powers, Jr., who was recognized today by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of 30 Notable Executives of Color in Construction & Commercial Real Estate in 2022.
His role on the new Obama Presidential Center, his history in affordable housing and healthcare projects, and long-standing support of educational attainment and post-secondary education for young people of color were noted.
A member of the Indiana Society of Professional Engineers, Mamon Powers, Jr. has served on the boards for the Associated General Contractors of Indiana, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, the Chicago Regional Board for Fifth Third Bank, and Methodist Hospitals. He has served four terms on the Purdue University Board of Trustees.
Together, Powers and all those recognized were honored for their efforts to bring new life to Chicago’s South and West Sides. They lead multi-million-dollar initiatives in the community, at major universities, and for municipal and state government agencies. In addition, they volunteer their time and talent for causes that advance affordable housing and accessible, equitable educational opportunities. They encourage and mentor the next generation of construction, architecture, and real estate professionals. Their efforts help build a stronger Chicago.
Powers & Sons Indianapolis is at work on its second CM project for the Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL). On April 22, Senior Project Manager Russell Lewis (pictured above, second from left) joined 150 civic leaders and community members for a celebratory groundbreaking on site at the new Glendale Branch.
Senior Project Manager Russell Lewis led the successful construction of IndyPL’s West Perry Branch library, which opened last June.
More accessible to those in nearby Broad Ripple, Allisonville, and Meridian Kessler, the stand-alone new library will serve about 250,000 Indianapolis residents each year.
The 25,000 SF facility is being built on the 5.5-acre site of the former John Strange Elementary School.
The property includes established heritage trees that will be preserved and open green space, much of which will be retained. A 1,500 SF outdoor program area is included in the project.
The facility, designed by krM Architecture, will feature a drive-up materials return, public transportation access, and surface parking for 95 cars.
Inside, the library will include study rooms, activity areas, a computer lab, and a community meeting room large enough to seat 100 people.
Like the West Perry Library, another CM project delivered by Powers & Sons, the Glendale Branch will be energy efficient. Lewis notes that LEEDv4 Silver Certification is being pursued.
Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, roof-top solar panels, and sustainable construction materials are included in the design.
The solar panels will provide power for a substantial portion of the library’s energy needs and the building will include other energy-efficient systems.
Due to continued supply-chain challenges, Lewis said the structural steel package was bid and procured last year well in advance of when it would be needed.
The project is being funded by a bond initiative approved by the Indianapolis City-County Council without an increase in the library’s current debt service tax rate. The target date for opening is late summer 2023.
Other members of the Powers team include Assistant Project Manager Dylan Etheridge, Project Engineer Jose Valdes, and Project Superintendent Phil Hadley.
As Powers & Sons celebrates its 55th year in business, COO & President Claude Powers shares thoughts about the changes he has experienced in general contracting and construction management—and what he expects in the future.
“We have reached 55 years in a competitive industry because we stand on the shoulders of our founder and early leaders. We continue to evolve and adapt to new opportunities as we consider our most productive areas of service,” Powers says.
Claude Powers is COO & President of Powers & Sons Construction, a position he has held for nearly 20 years. The Purdue University graduate is active in the industry. He is working to develop the next generation of construction talent in Northwest Indiana through apprenticeship programs.
Continued Trends
Demand for multi-family housing throughout the region is strong as the need for affordable apartments continues to grow.
As of 2021, Powers & Sons has built about 2,600 housing units across Indiana and Illinois. The company will continue its legacy of producing quality multi-family housing to meet community needs.
In addition to housing, Powers sees continued growth in the life science and healthcare market as well as opportunities for hotels and entertainment venues like casinos.
New & Emerging Trends
Powers points to emerging trends he expects will become even more important in the next five to ten years.
Some corporate owners are moving toward invited bids from prequalified pools of preferred contractors. Contractors who are prequalified can reduce variability in quality and outcomes. These relationships facilitate a more collaborative environment, resulting in partnerships that are a win-win for both parties.
Integration of lean business principles with construction best practices will continue to grow. Lean approaches require constant analysis, evaluation, and implementation on the part of contractors for best-in-class construction production and delivery. Finding more ways to apply lean approaches is a focus area for the firm.
As construction technologies and methodologies evolve, skills training for team members to update and gain new skills is critical for growth. Taking advantage of training opportunities is a priority across all levels of the company.
Focus on Customer Care & Service is Unchanged
Despite an ever-evolving industry, Powers says one thing remains the same. “We want to be the firm of choice for both existing and new clients, so our focus on building strong relationships is unchanged. We have always taken the time to understand client needs and will continue to remain client-focused. We will deliver quality projects that enable clients to achieve their goals because this is what makes future opportunities possible,” he notes.
Powers points to a recently awarded project as one example. “We were chosen over another firm who submitted a lower bid based on our reputation and past performance.”
What Would the Company’s Founder Think of the Industry Today?
While Powers says his father and company founder would not have imagined some of the changes that have taken place in recent decades, one thing is certain.
Powers & Sons’ founder Mamon Powers headed north by train during the Great Migration. He settled in Gary Indiana, where he and wife Leolean raised four sons. He started Powers & Sons Construction as home builder in 1967. By 1979, he had built his last home and diversified the business to focus on commercial projects.
“He would understand that adapting to changing markets, continued versatility, and diversification is essential for continued success and survival,” Powers says.
Contractor responsibilities to meet rigorous safety, environmental, and other requirements have expanded. Competence in areas like infection control when working in hospitals is expected. Safety training and certifications for superintendents are more stringent than in the firm’s early years.
The firm’s founder also might not have imagined the technology changes that have streamlined processes and enabled the team to be productive working from home, in the field, and the office with fewer people. Real-time virtual communication with instant access to construction visuals and documents was not something he and other contractors probably envisioned.
When Powers looks ahead to the future of the company and the industry, he is optimistic.
“As we continue to hire staff who more technologically adept, they will help us continue to grow and take our operations to the next level. I think our founder would be excited by the possibilities.”
Powers & Sons has relationships with a number of banks and financial service firms. Over the past decade, we have partnered with U.S. Bank and their representatives at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) to deliver about one dozen new construction and major renovation projects.
Our most recently completed U.S. Bank project is located in Chinatown Square. More than one third of Chicago’s Chinese population lives and works in and around this cultural quarter.
Project Manager Rob Kennedy (left) and Superintendent Kevin Sparks were the primary leads for the Powers & Sons project.
Unlike other metropolitan areas such as San Francisco and New York, residents of Chicago’s Chinatown often remain in the area for two, three, or more generations.
The neighborhood has drawn immigrants from China and other parts of Asia for over 100 years. Census data from 2020 show Asian-Americans comprise about seven percent of Chicago’s 2.7 million residents.
Powers & Sons was excited to modernize this busy, high-volume bank with renovations that represent the heritage of the community. Signage, graphics, and artwork on the interior and exterior reflect the Mandarin language and Asian culture.
“It was important to U.S. Bank and their design team for the bank to fit the culture of their customers and the identity of the local neighborhood,” explains Project Manager Rob Kennedy.
Work on the two-story, 3,175 SF bank was completed over about four months. During construction, safety signage in and around the bank was posted in both Mandarin and English.
Kennedy says the renovations were completed in three phases because the bank remained open during the project period. “We met with the owner’s team weekly to sequence our work around their operations and business hours,” he adds.
Superintendent Kevin Sparks oversaw installation of new MEP and HVAC systems and new flooring, wall panels, ceilings, LED fixtures, sliding and hinged glass doors, and updated finishes. Kennedy and Sparks coordinated IT and security work with the bank’s direct subcontractors.
The renovated facility is now positioned to serve Chinatown Square and local residents for years to come.
Powers & Sons is nearing completion of Governor Park, a new three-story, 71,880 SF apartment community in southern Indiana. Located in Ellettsville, the housing is designated for low-income seniors and adults with special needs.
Apartments include 70 one-bedroom, one-bath units at 675 SF each and 20 two-bedroom, two-bath units at 857 SF each. Some units are ADA compliant, with others adaptable for residents with mobility challenges.
Two wings connect to a central common with fitness center, community room, laundry, and business/computer center. Surface parking accommodates 100 vehicles.
Although not a LEED project, the development utilizes energy-efficient appliances and meets other green building requirements, including above-average insulation in the roof and walls.
Senior Project Manager Russell Lewis (top), Superintendent Tom Kimmel (bottom left), and Project Engineer Tyler Moffat (bottom right) have been integral to the project’s success.
COVID-Related Delays and Price Increases Senior Project Manager Russell Lewis says preconstruction planning focused on value engineering to keep the project within budget.
“The original budget and design, completed before COVID caused price increases and supply chain challenges, called for exterior balconies and a cost-prohibitive central heating and cooling system. By recommending alternatives and design modifications, we reduced costs substantially and brought the project within budget,” Lewis notes.
While there were significant material delays, the Powers team worked around them.
“Lumber availability was a serious challenge with a delay of about 45 days. Delivery of roofing material from the manufacturer was also delayed. When framing was complete, we installed a temporary roof to shield the interior from water infiltration, which kept work moving until permanent roofing materials were available,” says Lewis.
Creative Solutions Kept the Project on Track Other creative solutions were implemented to make progress.
“We normally build apartment buildings one floor at a time in sequence. Because of material shortages, we took a different approach. In analyzing the structural design, a central firewall provided a natural demarcation point. To avoid having to shut the job down until supplies arrived, we proposed working in halves. The owner approved, so we built the right side first then the left side. This enabled us do the rough-ins sooner and kept us from losing more time.”
Site work included removal of existing infrastructure on the property, which was a former mobile home park. An underground storm water detention system to collect run-off and release it slowly was installed.
Although not a requirement, local Monroe County subcontractors were utilized when possible. Lewis says developing smaller scopes of work for local firms whose companies are based in Southern Indiana also kept costs down. Powers & Sons has managed over 30 subcontractors, not including material suppliers, for the project.
For the second consecutive year, Powers & Sons Construction Indianapolis was recognized by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce as one of 125 Hoosier businesses named to its annual “Best Places to Work in Indiana” list for 2022. The company was also recognized by the chamber on its 2021 list. Businesses are selected based on feedback collected from employee surveys and reports compiled by the Workforce Research Group.
From golf outings to chili cook-offs, office game days, recognitions of birthdays and service anniversaries, departmental dinners at local restaurants, and free snacks and drinks in the company kitchen, Powers & Sons employees say they value the company’s culture.
According to Indiana Chamber Chief Executive Officer Kevin Brinegar, this effort not only recognizes outstanding employers around the state but it encourages other companies to realize the importance of evaluating their own workplaces.
“It is clear that a positive work environment that makes employees more engaged in their jobs and the company, which is what every employer wants and can greatly aid in employee retention, is something on the minds of many businesses right now.”
Honorees are divided into four groups: small, medium, large, and major companies. Powers & Sons is among 53 companies listed with the small business group, which is the largest of the four categories.
Representatives from the companies recognized in 2022 are invited to an awards event that will be held in Indianapolis on May 12.
This year’s effort, led by Senior Project Manager Keith Shanklin and Project Manager Rob Pinney, included Curtis Alexander, Jeff Davis, Brad Holland, Brent Klemme, and Matt Robinson.
Keith Shanklin has served as a senior project manager at Powers & Sons since 2016.
Shanklin said Powers & Sons donated materials and labor to improve Watkins Park Community Center, an inner-city facility located at 2360 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street in Indianapolis. The park’s family center was originally built in 1939. Over the years, it has hosted weddings, family reunions, civic meetings, and other gatherings.
“The goal was to get this community resource back to its usable and functional state,” Shanklin explains. “Our task focused on removing the existing ceiling and installing a modern new grid system with tiles throughout.” Matt Robinson, project engineer, notes conditions were poor. “Our team installed over 65 boxes of ceiling tiles. This minor improvement made a big difference.”
Shanklin also played a key role in a Sharing the Dream project for the city’s Frederick Douglass Park Centennial Celebration in 2021.
The 43-acre park opened in 1921 to serve the Martindale neighborhood’s African American community. In 1926, its historic golf course opened as the nation’s only course named for an African American. Powers & Sons renovated and updated the golf course club house, with the team installing new ceilings, lighting, and carpets and adding fresh paint throughout.
Many nonprofit programs that serve inner-city residents continue to struggle with obtaining the resources they need to serve local adults and youth. Shanklin says Indy Parks & Recreation facilities are vital for members of the minority community, especially children. “Kids need safe spaces where they can spend time outdoors and participate in athletic, educational, and other programs.”
Supporting programs that serve local youth is a core Powers & Sons value that has long been a focus for charitable and service activities.
CEO & Chairman Mamon Powers, Jr. is a noted Midwestern business and civic leader.
As a new year dawns, it is a good time to reflect on what we achieved in 2021.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and its variants, supply chain delays, rising prices, and related distractions, Powers & Sons Construction is looking ahead to a bright 2022.
Preconstruction planning for 2022-23 is well underway, with ground broken and work started on a number of exciting projects.
In the spirit of the season, Powers & Sons Indianapolis is adopting a family from the Edna Martin Christian Center. The mother is a survivor of a workplace shooting that happened earlier this year. The Indy office is also making charitable contributions to One Simple Wish, a nonprofit organization that serves children in the foster care system impacted by abuse, neglect, and trauma.
Powers & Sons Northwest Indiana and Chicago participated in a 20th Ward Holiday Giveaway Event in which grocery gift cards worth $50 and fresh produce were distributed to local residents. Powers & Sons is one of several businesses and nonprofit organizations, including Fresh Start Foods in Chicago, who joined forces to help provide food for neighbors on the south side of the city.
We wish you a joyous holiday season and a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2022. Let us celebrate our blessings, cherish our friends and loved ones, and take care of each other.
This week, Vice President Kelly Powers was named to Crain’s Chicago Business 2021 Notable Black Leaders & Executives list. Powers leads multimillion-dollar new business initiatives and shares key management responsibilities for general contracting and construction operations in Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
Over 70 individuals representing professions including banking, education, and real estate were recognized.
The honorees work tirelessly to lift their communities. They lead initiatives and programs that improve best practices in recruiting, hiring, and retaining diverse talent. They boost the next generation through service focused on helping youth succeed.
With broad experience, Kelly Powers co-leads the Lakeside Alliance’s Leadership Community & Citizenship Work Groups which ensures the JV brings transformative, sustainable change to Chicago and the industry.
In this role, her responsibilities include maximizing equitable and inclusive contracting opportunities for small businesses. She strengthens the apprenticeship pipeline through partnerships with groups like Chicago Women in Trades.
Find the full 2021 Notable Black Leaders & Executives list at chicagobusiness.com.
Known throughout the Midwest and across the U.S., Powers & Sons Construction is an award-winning firm specializing in general contracting, construction management, design-build, and owner’s representative projects that exceed client expectations. With three offices in Indiana and Illinois, we have completed over $1 billion in business since 1967.
