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McShane Opens Central Florida Regional Office in Orlando

McShane Opens Central Florida Regional Office in Orlando

McShane Construction Company is pleased to announce that it is expanding its Southeast construction operations with the opening of a Central Florida Regional Office in Orlando.

“Opening an office in Orlando represents an exciting milestone for McShane,” commented Scott Hoppa, Executive Vice President at McShane. “Central Florida continues to experience tremendous growth, creating opportunities across multiple market sectors. With decades of experience throughout the Southeast, McShane is well-positioned to meet the needs of developers across Florida.”

The office will be led by Elliott Jackson, Director of Florida Operations. Jackson brings more than a decade of experience managing multi-family and commercial construction projects across the Southeast. He joined McShane in 2017 and holds a Master of Real Estate Development and a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from Auburn University.

“I am excited to lead our efforts in Central Florida and deliver the service and construction expertise that define McShane,” Jackson stated. “Establishing a local presence reinforces our long-term commitment to the region and positions us to better serve clients as we continue to grow alongside the market.”

McShane has been active in the Southeast since 2005 and has had a presence in Florida since 2017. Most recently in Florida, the firm completed Springs at Hibiscus Crossing, a 288-unit multi-family community in Melbourne.

McShane’s Central Florida Regional Office is located at:
122 W. Pine Street, Suite 300
Orlando, FL 32801

For more information, contact Elliott Jackson at ejackson@mcshane.com or (689) 350-7971.

McShane Completes Construction of The Duncan in Madison

McShane has completed The Duncan, a 309-unit apartment community located near downtown Madison, Wisconsin, on behalf of client Vermilion Development.

“The Duncan is a standout addition to Madison’s growing residential market, combining modern amenities with an unparalleled lakeside setting,” remarked Alison Gorham, Vice President & Director of Wisconsin Operations at McShane. “As our first project with Vermilion, we are proud to celebrate the strong partnership that brought this project from concept to completion.”

The Duncan is comprised of five total buildings, including two podium-style apartment buildings and three two-story townhome buildings on an 8.5-acre site. The podium buildings contain four stories of wood-frame construction atop a two-story precast parking garage.

Located at 1625 Lock Lane, this prime location adjacent to both Tenney Park and Lake Mendota gives tenants access to numerous trails, parks, and open spaces.

Designed by Potter Lawson, units are offered in studio and one- to three-bedroom floorplans, and are equipped with energy-efficient appliances, quartz countertops, luxury vinyl tile floors, and in-unit laundry. Select units house double vanity sinks, attached private garages, balconies or outdoor patios, and lake, park, or capitol views.

Residents can enjoy an array of amenities including an indoor/outdoor fitness center, coworking space with private offices, top floor sky lounges, and resident social spaces. Outdoors, there are two green spaces that offer sun decks, grills, and fire pits, community gardens, and a dog park.

The project was designed in compliance with several Focus on Energy initiatives.

McShane to Build 52 Affordable Apartments in Portage, Wisconsin

McShane Construction Company was selected by repeat client Impact Seven in partnership with Harmony Housing Partners to build Rivers Crossing, a 52-unit affordable housing community in Portage, Wisconsin.

“We are proud to once again partner with Impact Seven to bring Rivers Crossing to Portage,” commented Alison Gorham, Vice President & Director of Wisconsin Operations at McShane. “This development will provide high-quality, affordable housing designed to support residents with modern amenities and accessible living options.”

Positioned on a 2.12-acre site at 2941 Hunters Trail, the development will consist of a podium-style building with three stories of wood frame construction atop a one-level underground concrete parking garage with 52 spaces. The building’s façade will feature a mix of masonry and fiber cement board.

The community will offer eight one-bedroom, one-bathroom units, 32 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units, and 12 three-bedroom, two-bathroom units. Residences will boast granite kitchen countertops, in-unit washers and dryers, and balconies in select units. A portion of the units are designed to accommodate adults with disabilities.

Residents will have access to 13,000 square feet of amenities including a community room with a kitchen, a quiet lounge, a media room, a pet spa, a fitness center, and storage lockers.

The project is designed to achieve Wisconsin Green Built Homes Zero LEED Low-rise Equivalence certification.

Completion of Rivers Crossing is expected for October 2027. Continuum Architects + Planners is the architect and General Engineering Company is the civil engineer.

How Pre-construction Helps Mitigate Change

Written By: Tom Beres, Regional Vice President – Industrial 

It is crucial to manage change in construction to ensure it does not negatively impact a project’s budget or schedule. Pre-construction services play a vital role in this by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, optimize costs, and streamline construction before any physical work begins.

Pre-construction is more than just planning. By performing value engineering, we find better ways to build and select the most efficient systems to avoid unnecessary costs or delays once construction begins. During the review of early architectural conceptual plans, our experienced pre-construction teams assess potential design alternatives and make recommendations that align with project goals.

An example of this is a multi-story manufacturing facility that was initially designed as an all-precast structure. Through pre-construction analysis, it became evident that switching to a structural steel system would not only be more cost effective but would also speed up the installation process. By making this adjustment early, our client saved tens of millions of dollars and significantly reduced the project timeline. This proactive approach added immense value at little to no additional cost during pre-construction.

For build-to-suit clients, pre-construction services are particularly beneficial because they allow for a customized approach that aligns with the specific operational needs of the business. Whether it’s new construction, a build-out within an existing building, or an expansion of an existing space, understanding these needs from the outset ensures the building is tailored to support business objectives, thereby reducing costly revisions later in the construction process.

Ultimately, pre-construction mitigates change by ensuring value-driven alternatives are identified and informed decisions are made early in the development process. The result is schedule and cost savings, enhanced project efficiency, and buildings optimized to meet businesses’ long-term needs.

Jack Sommer Joins McShane as Vice President

McShane Construction Company is pleased to announce that Jack Sommer joined the firm’s Southeast Regional Office in Auburn, Alabama, as Vice President. In this role, he will spearhead McShane’s commercial pursuits across the Southeast.

“Jack’s collaborative leadership approach, operational expertise, and commitment to client success have established him as a trusted construction professional and industry partner,” commented Dave Meadows, Vice President & Regional Manager at McShane. “As we continue to expand our commercial portfolio, Jack’s experience and strategic perspective will play an important role.”

Sommer comes to McShane with more than 20 years of commercial construction experience spanning operations, project management, pre-construction, and strategic growth. Throughout his career, he has successfully led the delivery of complex projects across a diverse range of markets, including hospitality, mixed-use, healthcare, higher education, K-12, research, industrial, and commercial facilities.

Most recently, he served as Project Director at Bailey-Harris where he played a key role in delivering successful projects and developing lasting partnerships with clients.

“McShane has built an outstanding reputation for quality, integrity, and client service,” said Sommer. “I’m thrilled to join the team and look forward to leveraging my experience and relationships to support continued growth and strengthen the company’s commercial presence throughout the Southeast.”

Sommer earned a Master of Science in Building Construction from Auburn University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Tennessee. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional.

Sommer calls Auburn, Alabama, home where he resides with his wife, Kelly, and four children.

McShane Completes Ellison Cool Springs in Franklin, Tennessee

McShane Construction Company is pleased to announce the completion of Ellison Cool Springs, a luxury multi-family development in Franklin, Tennessee, built on behalf of repeat client Flournoy Development Group in partnership with National Healthcare Corporation (NHC).

The community integrates 332 apartments and 15 ground-floor retail spaces across three buildings.

“We’re thrilled to deliver this outstanding community in partnership with Flournoy Development Group,” said Jason Breden, Vice President and Director of Nashville Operations. “From high-end unit finishes to a unique mix of amenities, Ellison Cool Springs is designed to appeal to a wide range of residents.”

Units are configured in one- to three-bedroom open-concept layouts with contemporary finishes including quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, stainless-steel appliances, and tile backsplashes. Select units offer private balconies or patios, walk-in showers, and flex den or home office spaces.

“The completion of Ellison Cool Springs is a proud moment for our team,” commented Ryan Foster, Senior Vice President for Flournoy Development Group. “From day one, our goal was to create more than an apartment community. We wanted to deliver a true live-work-play destination that reflects the energy and character of Cool Springs. Seeing these residences and amenities come to life is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved, and we’re thrilled to see the community thriving and embraced so quickly by residents.”

Residents can enjoy an extensive list of amenities, including a heated saltwater pool with an indoor-outdoor entertainment pavilion, outdoor courtyards, a hammock garden, a dog park and pet spa, and a fitness and wellness center with a yoga and meditation studio. There is also a content creation studio, grab-and-go market, coworking lounge, and an expansive clubhouse with live performance space.

Additionally, there are two two-story precast parking decks on site along with five stand-alone garages incorporating six bays each.

The architect of record is Dynamik Design.

Ellison Cool Springs represents one of five projects built in partnership with Flournoy Development Group, with Declan Hermitage and District South currently underway.

McShane to Build 93-unit Affordable Housing Community in Madison

McShane Construction Company was selected by repeat client Lincoln Avenue Communities to build Timberline Terrace, a 93-unit affordable housing community in Madison, Wisconsin.

“Timberline Terrace marks our fifth collaboration with Lincoln Avenue Communities, and we value the strong partnership we’ve built over the years,” commented Alison Gorham, Vice President & Director of Wisconsin Operations at McShane. “We are poised to deliver a high-quality, sustainable community that will provide lasting value for Madison residents.”

Positioned on a 1.1-acre site at 4504 Verona Road, the podium-style building will feature five wood-framed stories atop a below-grade precast garage. The building’s façade will incorporate a mix of Hardie composite panels, lap siding, and brick veneer.

Timberline Terrace will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with one to two bathrooms. Features will include stainless-steel appliances, stone countertops, vinyl plank flooring in the living areas, and carpeted bedrooms.

Amenities will include a 4,000-square-foot plaza that includes a playground and grill stations, as well as a playroom, community room, lounge, community service space, and fitness area.

The development is designed to achieve Wisconsin Green Built Homes Gold Zero certification and will incorporate a solar array on the roof, high-efficiency heat pumps, and upgraded performance windows.

Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2027. Knothe & Bruce Architects is serving as the architect and The Sigma Group is serving as the civil engineer.

McShane to Build 130 Affordable Apartments Next to Atlanta Beltline

McShane Construction Company was selected by repeat client Pennrose to build The Overlook at Garson, a new affordable housing community in Atlanta’s South Buckhead neighborhood. The six-story development will bring 130 affordable apartment homes to a prominent site adjacent to the future Atlanta Beltline and Peachtree Creek.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Pennrose on another impactful development,” commented Dave Meadows, Vice President & Regional Manager at McShane. “The property will expand access to high-quality affordable housing while supporting the continued growth and connectivity of the surrounding community.”

Positioned on a 2.94-acre site at 579 Garson Drive NE, the podium-style building will feature a contemporary exterior incorporating EIFS with brick and fiber cement panel accents.

“The financial closing of The Overlook at Garson is a proud milestone for our team, project partners, and for the Lindbergh community,” said Will Eckstein, Regional Vice President at Pennrose. “This development is about more than housing. It is about ensuring that the growth and opportunity along the Beltline remains accessible to the broader Atlanta community including the residents who have long called this neighborhood home.”

The property will integrate 3,500 square feet of amenity space including a leasing center, offices, work space, a conference room, support services, a package room, an activity area, and a fitness center. Residents will also have access to an outdoor amenity deck with seating areas and grilling stations. Additionally, the development will include 10,300 square feet of commercial space at the Beltline level and a two-level parking garage with 100 spaces.

Units will be offered in studio and one- to three-bedroom layouts with one to two bathrooms. Each apartment will feature high-end finishes including shaker-style cabinets, quartz countertops, GE appliances, and ceramic tile bath and shower surrounds.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the development will participate in the Energy Star Multifamily New Construction Program.

Completion of the project is expected for May 2028. Smith Dalia Architects is the architect and Thompson Ehle Company is the civil engineer.

This marks McShane’s third project with Pennrose. The firm is currently constructing McAuley Station – Phase II, a 97-unit affordable senior living community, and Herndon Square Phase III, a 178-unit mixed-income multi-family community, both located in Atlanta.

McShane Completes District Eastside in Greenville, South Carolina

Construction is completed at District Eastside, a 262-unit multi-family residence built by McShane Construction Company for repeat client Flournoy Development Group. Located in Greenville, South Carolina, this development integrates luxury apartment living with a first-rate amenity package.

“The completion of District Eastside reflects the strong partnership between McShane and Flournoy,” remarked Dave Meadows, Vice President & Regional Manager at McShane. “We’re thrilled to provide a thoughtfully designed community to support Greenville’s growing population.”

Positioned on a nine-acre site at the intersection of Pelham and Boiling Springs Roads, District Eastside features five four-story wood-frame buildings with attractive brick, cementitious panel, and lap siding exteriors.

Units offer one- to three-bedroom floorplans with contemporary finishes including quartz countertops, luxury vinyl-tile flooring, stainless-steel appliances, farmhouse-style sinks, and walk-in showers. Select units incorporate private French door patios and balconies. There are also ten live/work units.

District Eastside boasts extensive community amenities, including a resident lounge with gaming and entertainment areas, a fitness and wellness center, a grab-and-go market, a co-working lounge, and a hobby and art studio. Outdoors, there is a heated saltwater pool, grilling areas, fire pits, and a dog park. A separate standalone building contains a car wash and pet spa.

The architect of record is Dynamik Design.

McShane is also building Declan Hermitage, District South, and Ellison Cool Springs on behalf of Flournoy Development Group.

2026 Next Generation Award

Operations Manager Sarah Dowd was honored with the Next Generation Award from Connect CRE. This achievement recognizes young professionals for their achievements in the commercial real estate industry. As Operations Manager, Sarah drives best practices and training initiatives to enhance operational excellence. She has played a key role in several impactful projects and operational initiatives at McShane, including leading the implementation of McShane’s primary project management software across the entire company.

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.