Category: Uncategorized

Celebrating a Meaningful Milestone in East Garfield Park 

Powers & Sons Construction proudly joined Breakthrough, community leaders, partners, and supporters to celebrate the ribbon cutting of The Residences at 3340 W. Carroll Ave, a new affordable family housing development in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood. 

The event marked more than the completion of a building. It celebrated new opportunities, fresh beginnings, and a lasting investment in families and the surrounding community. 

Building Housing With Purpose 

Powers & Sons Construction served as General Contractor for the new construction of the three-story, U-shaped multifamily residential development located on a formerly vacant lot in East Garfield Park. 

The 24,000-square-foot building features 14 affordable two- and three-bedroom apartments designed to provide families with safe, welcoming, and stable housing opportunities. Rents for the residences are set at 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI), helping create accessible housing for families who need it most. 

The supportive housing development was thoughtfully designed to foster comfort, connection, and a true sense of community. The building includes welcoming gathering spaces and amenities intended to support families experiencing homelessness by creating an environment centered around stability, dignity, and opportunity. 

 

Housing Has Always Been Part of Our Story 

At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Powers & Sons Construction Executive Vice President Kelly Powers Baria reflected on the company’s longstanding connection to housing projects and the deeper meaning behind developments like The Residences. 

“Housing has always been at the heart of where our company began,” Kelly shared during her remarks. “My grandfather started this company as a homebuilder by trade, building houses for families who were placing their trust in him during some of the most important moments of their lives.” 

“That trust became the foundation of Powers & Sons Construction and continues to guide the work we do today. More than buildings, we’re helping create the spaces where life happens — where communities are strengthened, and futures are built.” 

Her remarks reflected the purpose behind projects like The Residences — developments designed not only to provide housing, but to create lasting impact for families and neighborhoods alike. 

More Than a Building 

The Residences at 3340 W. Carroll Ave represents far more than housing units. It represents stability, support, and hope for the families who will call this place home. 

For many families, this development will become the setting for everyday moments and lifelong memories — where children grow up, milestones are celebrated, neighbors become friends, and brighter futures begin to take shape. 

Projects like this are a reminder that construction is ultimately about people. While buildings may stand as the visible result of the work, the true impact is found in the lives and communities strengthened within them. 

A Collaborative Effort 

Powers & Sons Construction extends its gratitude to Alderman Jason Ervin, John Smith and the Breakthrough team, Kevin McKinney, donors, funding organizations, community leaders, trade partners, and everyone whose dedication and collaboration helped bring this vision to life. 

The completion of The Residences at 3340 W. Carroll Ave reflects what can happen when organizations and communities come together with a shared purpose — creating housing, opportunity, and lasting impact for families across Chicago. 

At Powers & Sons Construction, we are honored to have played a role in helping bring this meaningful development to life and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the community for years to come.

A Milestone for the Chicago’s South Loop 

At Powers & Sons Construction, we believe construction is about more than buildings—it’s about creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and building spaces that leave a lasting impact. 

We were proud to join our partners, community leaders, and stakeholders to celebrate the groundbreaking of Southbridge 1C in Chicago’s South Loop. Alongside The Community Builders and McHugh Construction, we are honored to help bring the next phase of the Southbridge redevelopment vision to life. 

A Collaborative Vision for Community Growth 

The ceremony brought together leaders and organizations committed to advancing equitable development and expanding access to quality housing opportunities throughout the South Loop community. Among those in attendance were Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderman Pat Dowell, representatives from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), and many of the partners helping move the Southbridge vision forward. 

Their presence reflected the strong collaboration behind the project and the shared commitment to creating spaces that foster long-term growth, connection, and opportunity for residents and the surrounding community. 

About Southbridge 1C 

Located at 2305 S. State Street, Southbridge 1C will be a new 12-story mixed-income residential development delivering 80 apartments and ground-floor retail space in a transit-connected area near schools, parks, and community resources. The development will include a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, along with amenities designed to support residents and strengthen community connection. 

As part of the larger Southbridge redevelopment effort, this project continues the vision of creating high-quality mixed-income housing and neighborhood-serving spaces in the South Loop. When completed, the overall Southbridge development will provide more than 800 mixed-income homes and over 50,000 square feet of commercial and community space. 

Building Stronger Communities 

We’re grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our partners and contribute to a project that will have a lasting impact on the community.  

We look forward to seeing Southbridge 1C continue to take shape over the months ahead. Construction on Southbridge 1C is expected to be completed in June 2027.

At Powers & Sons Construction, we believe the most meaningful work goes far beyond the projects we complete. It’s reflected in the people we impact, the communities we invest in, and the legacy we continue to build every day. 

That’s why we are incredibly proud to celebrate Mamon Powers III, who was recently honored with the Be Better Award by Indiana Business Journal, in partnership with the NCAA and Indiana Sports Corp. 

The recognition took place during the inaugural Jim Morris Day of Service at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, kicking off a weekend focused on service, community impact, and giving back as Indianapolis welcomed the NCAA Final Four.

 

A Recognition Rooted in Service 

What makes this recognition especially meaningful is the legacy behind it. 

The Be Better Award celebrates the life and impact of Jim Morris, a leader known for his unwavering commitment to service, community, and lifting others along the way. Those same values continue to shape the way Mamon leads today—both within Powers & Sons Construction and throughout the communities we serve. 

 

Building More Than Projects 

For Mamon, leadership goes beyond what we build—it’s about who we build up. 

While Powers & Sons has helped shape critical infrastructure across Indianapolis—from schools and parks to housing developments—our impact is just as focused on people and opportunity. 

That commitment shows up through: 

• Education initiatives and scholarship opportunities  

• Workforce development and inclusive hiring practices  

• Youth sports and recreation programs  

• Arts and entertainment initiatives  

• Community partnerships and volunteer service opportunities 

Whether it’s serving meals, supporting neighborhood improvements, or mentoring the next generation, the focus remains the same: show up, give back, and make a lasting impact. 

As Mamon shared, true leadership is rooted in stewardship—leaving people, places, and opportunities better than we found them. 

 

A Leadership Philosophy That Starts at Home 

Mamon credits much of his leadership approach to one of his greatest inspirations—his grandmother, Leolean Powers. 

She helped lay the foundation for the family business while instilling a philosophy that continues to guide the company today: “lift as you climb.” 

That belief in helping others rise alongside you has become deeply embedded within the culture of Powers & Sons Construction and continues to influence the way the company serves employees, partners, and communities alike. 

 

A Moment of Pride 

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Mamon on this well-deserved recognition. His leadership reflects the very best of who we are as a company—purpose-driven, community-focused, and committed to making a difference. 

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what we build. It’s about how we show up, who we impact, and the legacy we leave behind. 

For more on Mamon’s recognition and impact, read the full feature from the Indiana Business Journal:
👉 Read the IBJ article 

Construction on the new Obama Presidential Center (OPC) continues. The campus featuring a world-class museum, public library, and an outdoor plaza for community gatherings is changing the landscape of Chicago’s south side.

It’s hard to believe two years have passed. In September of 2021, Powers & Sons joined the Lakeside Alliance team, former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama, City of Chicago officials, and community and Obama Foundation leaders to break ground on the landmark project. Fast-forward to September of 2023 and the campus is rising.

PROJECT UPDATE: Mid-Point Milestones

We are proud to report that Team OPC has reached the half-way point in construction. As of today, about 50% of the workforce are City of Chicago residents. Excellent progress has been and continues to be made.

• Cornell Drive was closed this summer to make way for an eventual connection between the campus and Jackson Park lagoons. The entire east side of the campus is designed to create bird and wildlife habitats. It will feature new walking and bike paths that follow the water’s edge.
• Rising along South Stony Island are stairwells and elevator shafts for the Museum Building standing over 100 feet tall. The building’s concrete walls and floors are following closely behind. The Museum Plaza Deck has been placed. Granite and glass that will clad part of the exterior are being readied for installation.
• MEP systems across the campus continue to be installed.
• Roofs have been framed for the Library Building and the Forum. Crews have begun pouring concrete. Here’s a link to a time-lapsed video of the Forum’s building concrete pour with some interesting facts and statistics about this key project milestone.
• Work on the parking garage also continues.

COMMUNITY IMPACT: Intentional & Lasting

Engaging local residents as well as members of the construction community has been a focus since the Lakeside Alliance was formed.

One area in which we have had success is providing and promoting the availability of resources for subcontractors, suppliers, and others who want to help build the OPC. The Lakeside Alliance hosts virtual and in-person information sessions and workshops targeting local small business owners.

In addition, the Lakeside Alliance actively promotes area trade apprenticeship and training programs. The team also hosts free, hands-on workshops for local youth interested in construction careers.

The Lakeside Alliance is also committed to facilitating and fostering an inclusive construction environment in Chicago that is sustainable and thriving well beyond the construction period. Scheduled to open in late 2025, the Obama Presidential Center will inspire, empower, and connect people around the world.

Powers & Sons continues to learn something new from this amazing experience every day. We are honored to help bring the project to life in a way that will make a positive impact in the community for years to come!

• Read the stories of talented local men and women who are building the OPC.
• Find the latest Lakeside Alliance news at lakesidealliance.com/media.
• Discover the latest updates about construction at obama.org/presidential-center/construction-updates.
• Traffic updates from the Chicago Department of Transportation are posted at jacksonparkimprovements.org.

Those visiting the Indianapolis Zoo this summer can experience the zoo’s new Kangaroo Crossing. Powers & Sons Construction delivered the design-build project, which opened on Saturday, June 18. It is the first time since 2009 the zoo has had a dedicated kangaroo exhibit.

The new habitat for the red kangaroos provides visitors with an interactive experience with free-roaming kangaroos and other unique Australian species. There is no fencing or barriers between the seven female and six male kangaroos and visitors. The exhibit includes an aviary with cockatoos that fly overhead.

Visitors follow a paved walking path through the exhibit. Some may be able to gently pet the ‘roos on the back (never near their face or ears). Guests can snap a selfie or two just feet away from the animals while learning about the threats they face in the wild.

According to Project Manager Jeremy Sadler, the kangaroo’s home is waterproof inside so zookeepers can easily spray it down and keep it clean. The 3,000 SF concrete-block structure features a water retardant in the mortar and a water sealant on the block with very little regular drywall anywhere in the holding area.

The caging system is unique with sliding doors that open and close via a pulley system rather than door handles, which could be opened by the animals. Metal columns support stainless steel welded-wire mesh netting that forms a canopy over the aviary, which is attached to the building on two sides. Net sidewalls come down to the fence to keep the birds enclosed.

Learn more about the exhibit on the zoo’s website at indianapoliszoo.com/meet-our-mob.

Building the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) is about local, sustainable change and partnership.

CEO & Chair of the Board Mamon Powers, Jr. and Vice President Kelly Powers Baria are featured in a new video released by the Obama Foundation about the Lakeside Alliance initiative.

Lakeside Alliance is a joint venture between Powers & Sons Construction Company, UJAMAA Construction, Inc., Brown & Momen, Inc., Safeway Construction Company, and Turner Construction Company. “Our primary mission is to be transformative,” says Kelly. “We want to leave the construction landscape different than when when we first began.”

The five firms form an innovative team of experienced construction management specialists. Together, the alliance will execute a new paradigm in the industry where community and capability merge. At least 50 percent of the workforce hired for this historic project will live in the area surrounding Chicago’s Jackson Park.

The multi-year OPC project will be a catalyst for substantial investment in the area. Located on the south side of the city near the University of Chicago, the OPC will feature a presidential library, a museum, a forum (event) building, an athletic center, and a spacious plaza with green space. The majority of these facilities will be free and open to the public.

Kelly, Mamon, and partners discuss the vision for honoring our nation’s first Black president in the video at https://lnkd.in/eZmPfFk.