2026 General Contractor of the Year – Commercial

2026 General Contractor of the Year – Commercial

McShane was named Commercial General Contractor of the Year at the 2026 Illinois Real Estate Journal Awards. McShane had an active year with 27 projects underway nationally. The firm was ranked as the fourth largest multi-family construction firm by Building Design + Construction and named General Contractor of the Year at the Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards. Additionally, the company and its employees were recognized for achievements with awards from Associated Builders and Contractors, Chicago Building Congress, Connect CRE, and GlobeSt.

2026 Affordable Housing Project of the Year

Westhaven Park Station received an award in the affordable housing category at the 2026 Illinois Real Estate Journal Awards. Westhaven Park Station is a 96-unit mixed-income apartment community and the final phase of a 20-year transformation of the former Henry Horner Homes on Chicago’s West Side.

Spanning 121,800 square feet, the precast concrete structure rises 12 stories and includes three ground-floor retail spaces. Units are thoughtfully designed in one- and two-bedroom floor plans, featuring open layouts, designer finishes, Energy Star appliances, and in-unit laundry. Residents enjoy premium amenities such as a fitness center, rooftop deck, secure parking, and conference facilities, all steps from the new CTA Green Line station for unmatched transit access.

2026 CBC Merit Award

Westhaven Park Station received a Merit Award from Chicago Building Congress. The 96-unit mixed-income apartment community is the final phase of a 20-year transformation of the former Henry Horner Homes on Chicago’s West Side. Spanning 121,800 square feet, the precast concrete structure rises 12 stories and includes three ground-floor retail spaces and thoughtfully designed one- and two-bedroom residences featuring open layouts, designer finishes, Energy Star appliances, and in-unit laundry. Residents enjoy premium amenities such as a fitness center, rooftop deck, secure parking, and conference facilities, all steps from the new CTA Green Line station for unmatched transit access.

With 66 percent of units designated affordable, Westhaven Park Station restored a lack of affordable housing while fostering inclusion through 29 percent MBE, seven percent WBE, and 43 percent local labor participation. Outreach events, job fairs, and Section 3 hires strengthened workforce development, making this project a catalyst for equity, mobility, and neighborhood vitality.

The Daily Reporter Top Projects of 2025

Schuetz Container Systems was named one of the Top Projects of 2025 by The Daily Reporter. The 372,000-square-foot build-to-suit manufacturing and distribution facility was designed for streamlined distribution with 48 truck docks, four drive-in doors, and 245 trailer parking spaces.

Unlike a typical warehouse or light manufacturing facility, Schuetz Container Systems’ facility was designed specifically around their advanced production processes. The building integrates a full mezzanine system with interconnected machinery and conveyor networks, four interior cranes, and rail service with three on-site rail lines, creating a vertically and horizontally integrated manufacturing and logistics environment. These features enable raw materials to arrive by rail, move efficiently through production, and exit on tractor trailers with maximum efficiency.

2026 Women of Influence

Alison Gorham, Vice President & Director of Wisconsin Operations, was named one of GlobeSt.’s 2026 Women of Influence. This list honors top female leaders for their accomplishments in the commercial real estate industry. Over the course of her 14-year career at McShane, she has worked on 18 projects in the multi-family and commercial sectors with a total of 1,800 multi-family units and 2.3 million square feet. She is known for operating with a client service-focused mindset and consistently exceeding her clients’ expectations, which has led them to return to McShane for project after project.

Julius Hughes Joins The McShane Companies as Chief Technology Officer

The McShane Companies, a national real estate development and construction organization, is pleased to announce that Julius Hughes joined the firm as Chief Technology Officer. In this role, Hughes will lead the technology vision across The McShane Companies’ portfolio, driving initiatives in cloud infrastructure, modernization and optimization of core business applications, cybersecurity, and the strategic adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

“Julius brings a consistent track record of aligning technology strategy with business outcomes, making him an ideal addition to our leadership team,” said Molly McShane, CEO of The McShane Companies. “His leadership, discipline, and forward-thinking perspective will be invaluable as we continue to evolve.”

Hughes has two decades of enterprise IT leadership experience spanning construction, engineering, energy, manufacturing, and transportation. Most recently, he served as Vice President of IT at Matrix Service Company, a global EPC firm, where he oversaw enterprise-wide infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives across domestic and international operations.

“I’m excited to join The McShane Companies and be part of a team that values innovation and collaboration,” Hughes commented. “I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to strengthen our technology foundation, support our people, and align our technology strategy with the firm’s long-term business goals.”

Hughes earned a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M-Commerce and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Oklahoma State University. He holds professional certifications including CISSP, PMP, and ITIL 4 and has been recognized among Tulsa’s 40 under 40 and Movers & Shakers honorees. Additionally, he serves as a board member at Tulsa Boys’ Home.

Daniel Sprague Joins McShane as Director – Business Development

McShane Construction Company is pleased to announce that Daniel Sprague joined the firm as Director – Business Development. In this role, he will procure build-to-suit opportunities in the manufacturing, distribution, cold storage, and food and beverage sectors across the country.

“Daniel’s proven ability to drive strategic growth and cultivate long-term client relationships makes him an excellent addition to our industrial team,” commented Tom Beres, Regional Vice President – Industrial at McShane. “His hire supports the continued expansion of our build-to-suit industrial business as we broaden our presence and client relationships nationally.”

Sprague comes to McShane with a decade of experience leading high-value pursuits, managing project pipelines, and supporting construction projects across the Midwest and Southeast. He previously served as Senior Business Development Manager at Wieland where he managed an opportunity pipeline of 25 assignments with a volume of $400 million.

“I’m excited to join McShane and be part of a team known for its collaborative culture and strong industrial expertise,” said Sprague. “I look forward to partnering with our clients to deliver customized solutions that support their long-term success.”

Sprague is a graduate of Calvin University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Marketing.

Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn.

McShane Completes Senior Living Residence in Mukwonago, WI

McShane Construction Company is pleased to announce that construction is completed at Azura Mukwonago, a 72-unit assisted living and memory care community in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, for client Azura Living.

“We’re excited to complete another residence designed to meet the needs of seniors in Wisconsin,” commented Alison Gorham, Vice President & Director of Wisconsin Operations at McShane. “Azura Mukwonago was built with a focus on quality craftsmanship and resident well-being, ensuring a comfortable, supportive environment for seniors.”

Designed by EUA, Azura Mukwonago integrates two assisted living buildings and one memory care building on a 6.4-acre site. The single-story wood frame buildings’ exteriors are comprised of full stone veneer masonry and Hardie board. There is also a 35-foot barn spanning 1,100 square feet that serves as a storage facility.

Units boast contemporary finishes and features including resilient flooring, Smart cabinets, ceramic tile bathrooms, quartz countertops, and roller shades. To maximize resident safety and comfortability, Azura Mukwonago offers three household models that provide short hallways and clear sight lines. The buildings also utilize circadian lighting systems and calm and continuous colors to promote resident independence and confidence.

Residents can enjoy an array of amenities including community rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and sunrooms, along with a fitness area, spa, and salon. Outdoors, there is a community garden, walking paths, a putting green, bocce ball courts, and extensive courtyard amenities.

McShane Completes Affordable Senior Living Development Near Atlanta

McShane Construction Company is pleased to announce the completion of Crossing Pointe on behalf of repeat client National Church Residences. Located on the Christian City campus in Union City, Georgia, Crossing Pointe offers 80 affordable apartments for seniors ages 55+.

“We’re excited to mark the completion of another project with National Church Residences,” remarked Dave Meadows, Vice President and Regional Manager at McShane. “This development reflects our commitment to delivering quality, thoughtfully designed spaces for seniors, and we look forward to the benefits this property will bring to Atlanta’s suburbs.”

Positioned on a 4.48-acre site at 7422 Red Oak Road, the residence features a four-story wood-frame building accented by a brick veneer and siding façade.

Each unit offers a one-bedroom, one-bathroom layout designed for comfort and accessibility. Homes feature contemporary kitchens with solid surface countertops and black appliances, accessible bathrooms with zero threshold showers, spacious closets, in-unit laundry hook-ups, and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout.

The community provides a selection of amenities that support vibrant lifestyles including a community club room with a full kitchen, a fitness studio designed for active seniors, a computer center, an on-site laundry room, and a dedicated mail room.

Crossing Pointe achieved National Green Building Standard Bronze Certification and incorporates sustainable materials and features including Energy Star dishwashers and washing machines, water-efficient bath accessories, and composite cabinetry.

The architect of record is Foley Design.

McShane to Build 278-unit Workforce Housing Community in Chattanooga

McShane Construction Company was selected by The Atlantic Companies to build a 278-unit workforce housing community in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Located on a 7.3-acre site at 702 Manufacturers Road, the development will bring modern homes to a highly desirable location along the Tennessee River. Forty-two units will be designated as affordable, serving essential members of the workforce such as teachers, nurses, and first responders.

“We are excited to partner with The Atlantic Companies on this development, which brings together high-quality design, first-class amenities, and a premier riverfront location,” commented Dave Meadows, Vice President & Regional Manager at McShane Construction Company. “Our team looks forward to delivering a community that elevates the living experience for future residents while contributing to the continued growth and vibrancy of Chattanooga.”

The project will consist of four wood-frame apartment buildings with four stories each and one podium-style apartment building with four wood-frame stories atop a single-story cast-in-place concrete parking garage. The buildings’ exteriors will feature a blend of stone and Hardie siding.

Residents will be able to choose from studio, one-, and two-bedroom layouts with one to two bathrooms. Each unit will include elevated finishes such as stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, showers with frameless doors, luxury vinyl-tile floors, and balconies.

Taking advantage of its riverfront setting, the community will feature a sky lounge and terrace with views of the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga. Additional amenities will include a swimming pool, a clubroom with a fireplace, an entertainment bar, a fitness center, a yoga room, coffee bars, and a pet spa.

The development is designed to achieve NGBS Silver certification.

Completion of the property is expected for November 2027. Brock Hudgins Architects is the architect.

McShane Completes Mixed-Income Housing Community in Atlanta

McShane Construction Company is pleased to announce the completion of Ashley Scholars Landing II on behalf of repeat client The Integral Group. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Ashley Scholars Landing II offers 212 mixed-income apartment units complemented by a precast parking garage.

“Our long-standing relationship with The Integral Group has been instrumental in bringing phase II of Ashley Scholars Landing to life,” shared Dave Meadows, Vice President and Regional Manager at McShane. “We are proud to deliver a project that not only meets the residents’ needs but also supports the ongoing revitalization efforts in Atlanta.”

Interior units boast stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, and in-unit washers and dryers. The community incorporates 4,500 square feet of amenity space, including a clubroom, fitness center, micro-offices, and an activity space. Outdoors, residents can enjoy a pool area with cabanas and a walking park.

Positioned on a 5.9-acre site, the three- and four-story building features an exterior of Hardie siding and brick masonry. The building was designed to achieve EarthCraft Gold Certification.

Ashley Scholars Landing II is part of the master-planned Ashley Scholars Landing mixed-use community. The architect of record is JHP Architecture.