With Chicago’s hotel industry booming, there has been an increase in the demand for new construction particularly for boutique hotels. Many travelers are not just looking for comfortability and convenience but are also keen on getting a personalized local experience. With this, location plays a huge factor in establishing a hotel.
Chicago offers plenty of accommodations catering to different types of travelers whether they are looking for budget, mid-price, or high-end hotels. Visitors will find over a hundred hotel properties across Chicago’s Central Business District alone. Meanwhile, a lot of hotels are still scheduled to open in the coming months and years.
Hence, we gathered 10 of the best hotel contractors in Chicago to help businesses take the first step in transforming their vision into reality. The contractors featured in this list have the same goal of exceeding customer satisfaction through unique applications in aesthetics, functionality, safety, and quality. Most of the contractors have been in the business for a long time and are regarded as industry experts.
Hotel Rehabs
560 W. Washington Blvd. Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661
Hotel Rehabs is a hotel renovation company that focuses on independent and branded boutique projects across the U.S. Since its establishment in 2010, the company has worked on over 60 hotels and thousands of guestrooms nationwide. Some of its notable works in the hospitality industry include IHG, Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott/Starwood hotels. Over the years, Hotel Rehabs has built a strong business relationship with its clients, architects, and suppliers.
From interior remodeling to exterior renovations, Hotel Rehabs offers a variety of services for construction needs in public areas such as hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants, and function rooms. The firm has perfected its construction process using a streamlined approach while keeping everyone in the loop updated with the status of the project. As the CEO and co-founder, Chris Winterhalter takes care of the firm’s business operations. He also co-founded Sustainable Ventures and has worked on numerous projects particularly major-branded hotels.
Known for its turnkey projects, Hotel Rehabs believes in finding solutions to problems while striving to achieve perfection in every job. The team under the direction of Chris is driven to succeed and embodies the core values of honesty, integrity, and transparency. Hotel Rehabs understands the significance of developing a trustworthy relationship with the client more than making a profit.
Cicero Construction Group
10038 Clow Creek Drive Suite A, Plainfield, IL 60585
As a general contracting firm, Cicero Construction Group was established in 1970 to provide commercial construction and hotel renovations nationwide. The family-owned business was founded by Sam Cicero Sr. and is now operated by his son, Sam Cicero Jr. who serves as the firm’s president. Sam Jr. continues to uphold the core principles his father has built. The company is run by experts in renovation with deep roots in project management, design-build, and construction.
The firm is made up of innovative thinkers and follows a “Best Value Approach” in each project. This system is the foundation of the firm’s success for the past 50 years. Rich in knowledge and experience in the construction business, the tenured Cicero Construction Group has become a leading contractor for hospitality and commercial renovations.
As a design-build firm, Cicero Construction acts as a single point of contact for clients to make the process simple, convenient, and straightforward. The firm also offers pre-construction services from demolition to construction. The firm’s past projects include a mix of small businesses and major hotel brands. Wyndham Fairfield Inn, Doubletree Hotel, Marriott, Hilton, and Embassy Suites are just some of its projects in the hospitality industry worth mentioning.
Weis Builders
8420 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Suite 1010, Chicago, IL 60631
Chicago-based Weis Builders has been providing commercial construction and hotel building services across the country since 1939. The firm operates in various locations particularly in Minneapolis, Rochester, Chicago, and Dallas. The third-generation, family-owned general contracting firm has received numerous awards for its outstanding performance. Some of its recognitions include the 2018 Multifamily Executive Award and the 2016 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Minnesota Affordable Housing Design Award. Its works have received recognition in the press namely The Minneapolis, St. Paul Business Journal, and Engineering News Record.
Weis Builders has worked with several world-renowned hotel chains such as Hilton, IHG, and Marriott. As a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Weis Builders continue to exceed customer satisfaction by providing high-quality workmanship and service. The firm offers preconstruction and construction needs with a team of highly-skilled associates using progressive and forward-thinking approaches. Other services offered are design-build solutions, construction management, and general contracting services.
Over the years, Weis Builders has developed strong business relationships with its clients and subcontractors. Many of its projects are focused on hospitality, retail, senior living, and multifamily projects. Having been in business for decades, the company has earned its spot as one of the top general contracting firms in Chicago.
Mortenson
300 Park Blvd, STE 100, Itasca, IL 60143
A family-owned business established in 1954, Mortenson is currently ranked as the 8th largest hospitality builder by Engineering News-Record (ENR), providing hotel and commercial construction and development services on a nationwide level. From five-star luxury resorts to exclusive boutique properties, they’ve worked alongside the most trusted brands in hospitality including Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, Starwood, Omni, and Intercontinental. Mortenson’s Chicago office has also been consecutively awarded by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) as the National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For since 2004. In addition to its many recognitions, Mortenson is currently ranked by Engineering News Record (ENR) Midwest as the number three Top Contractor.
The firm is known for its high standards and competency in tackling every project. Its process is centered on the team’s efficient planning and innovative solutions as well as the collaborative effort between the company and their customers. This ensures that all aspects of the project are properly managed with schedule and budget.
Mortenson’s team of professionals has the experience and know-how, especially when it comes to managing complicated jobs. No matter the scale of the project, the firm’s goal is to deliver high-quality workmanship with zero injuries, which contributes to the overall success of each project. Mortenson is steadfast in their commitment to making a difference – focused on building for the greater good and making a positive social, economic and environmental impact in the communities they serve.
Forefront Structural Engineering
25 E. Washington Suite 1450, Chicago, IL 60602
Forefront Structural Engineering was founded in 2009 and since then has been providing hotel and commercial construction services across Chicago. The firm is operated by Josh Dortzbach who has more than 20 years of experience in constructing new buildings. Josh also specializes in projects that focus on structural ingenuity. Under his helm, the firm’s team of builders is composed of professionals who each have a comprehensive background in the construction industry.
The name “Forefront” embodies the firm’s commitment to becoming Chicago’s leading contracting firm in the hotel and commercial industry. The company’s goal is to provide solutions to clients using modern practices and innovative techniques while upholding high standards of structural engineering. Forefront Structural Engineering highlights the importance of creating solutions for all types of projects while achieving excellence in the technical aspect of structural engineering. By working with the industry’s top experts, the company was able to produce numerous award-winning projects.
Forefront Structural Engineering has earned several awards such as the AIA Distinguished Building Award and the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI) Merit Award. Its prominent works include the Viceroy Hotel, Hoxton Chicago Hotel, Virgin Hotel Chicago, and The Robey and Hollander Hotel. The firm is accredited with AIA and SEAOI.
Power Construction
8750 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60631
As one of the most tenured general contractors in Chicago, Power Construction has been providing a wide range of building and construction services in the greater Chicago metro area for nearly a century. Founded in 1926, the family-owned and managed firm has worked on major hotel chains in various locations such as Marriott, Hyatt Regency, and Hampton among many others. Since 1985, the firm has worked on 28 hotel projects with $1 billion in construction works.
The company operates under a unique business model which has become the foundation of its success. By keeping the clients engaged and building strong relationships with its customers, architects, and subcontractors, the firm is able to develop a solid portfolio of diverse projects. The firm’s team of talented and dedicated professionals have the same goal of exceeding client expectations. The team tackles each project using a personalized and hands-on approach to establish communication and transparency.
Power Construction is a well-respected and trustworthy firm with a pristine track record and exceptionally high customer ratings. With its success, the firm makes it a point to give back to the Chicago community. Every year, the team volunteers to assist chosen organizations through its initiative, “Power with Purpose.”
McHugh Construction
1737 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616
Since its founding in 1897, James McHugh Construction Co. has earned its reputation as a builder of landmark, one-of-a-kind structures in Chicago and other areas of the country. The company specializes in managing multimillion-dollar projects, from ground-up new construction to complex renovations and high-end interiors. As a multi-faceted general contractor, McHugh constructs high-rise concrete towers; steel structures; and buildings using alternative materials such as cold-formed steel, heavy timber, and cross-laminated timber.
McHugh has built and renovated iconic structures such as Chicago’s Marina City, St. Regis Chicago, Trump Tower, Aqua Tower, Blackstone Hotel, Navy Pier (including the 200-foot-tall Centennial Wheel and most recently, the Sable Hotel at Navy Pier, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Offshore Rooftop and Bar), as well as other noteworthy projects in regional markets such as Loring Park Tower in Minneapolis, Two Twelve Clayton and Westin Cupples Station in the St. Louis area, and multiple projects in Nashville and Miami. In the hospitality sector, the firm has worked on the renovation, adaptive reuse, and/or new construction of numerous hotels that have resulted in the delivery of over 103 total projects, 18,000+ hotel keys, and 1 Million SF of Hotel Meeting and Public Spaces. Noteworthy local projects include multiple renovations of the Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, Hilton Chicago Towers, Waldorf-Astoria, Marriott Mag Mile, Cambria Hotel, Embassy Suites, and multiple Kimpton properties; full adaptive reuse conversions for The Gray Hotel, the Virgin Hotel, and the Blackstone Hotel; and new construction of the Sable Hotel at Navy Pier, Hiltons at McCormick Place, and the WIT. McHugh’s hospitality-focused group is led by vice president Kate Ivanova, and she was named to Crain’s 2020 Notable Women in Construction and Design.
The company’s mission has always been to promote a seamless and positive project experience with excellence and innovation. It is known for its unwavering commitment to its clients, its ability to deliver exceptional results on time and within budget, and its dedication to growing and developing its partnerships with subcontractors. In 2020, McHugh Construction earned a spot on the Chicago Tribune Top Workplaces list for the fourth year in a row. For more information on the company, visit www.mchughconstruction.com.
Skender
1330 W. Fulton Market Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607
The award-winning firm, Skender, has been in business for 60 years. As a highly-experienced construction firm, Skender has built a diverse clientele in the hospitality, healthcare, retail, education, senior living, affordable housing, offices, multifamily, and interior spaces. Its team is composed of over 200 industry experts.
Its past projects have been featured in Bisnow and REJournals with Hyatt as one of its noteworthy projects. With its solid background and experience, Skender has been recognized for its impressive projects. Some of its awards include the 2018 Landmark Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award, 2018 International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Illinois RED Award and has been named as one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ Best Places to Work in 2020. Skender is accredited with AIA, the IIDA, and the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP)
The company’s core values are focused on the people and the experience. Its success is based on the collaborative effort between the firm and the client. Skender’s team is made up of dedicated individuals who are committed to providing exceptional service and outstanding results. In 2012, Skender Foundation was established to help organizations in the education and wellness sectors. The foundation has assisted over 300 charitable institutions.
Clark Construction
216 S. Jefferson Street Suite 502, Chicago, Illinois 60661
Clark Construction Group is regarded as one of the most experienced contracting firms in the U.S. Founded in 1906, the firm has been transforming hotel and commercial spaces into remarkable structures for over a century. Clark Construction Group operates as one of the oldest firms in Chicago. Even as a local builder, its services have expanded nationwide with offices located in various areas across the country.
The company’s portfolio shows its diversity in terms of industry, project scale, and complexity. Its team of builders can work with any type of renovation including civil operations. Clark Construction Group is renowned for its world-class service and impeccable craftsmanship.
The award-winning firm has earned numerous recognitions including the 2020 NAIOP DC MD Award of Excellence, 2020 Chicago Building Congress Merit Award, and 2020 Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) National Award of Merit to name a few. Its works have been featured in various publications namely the Los Angeles Times, Baltimore Business Journal, and Puget Sound Business Journal. Some of its prestigious projects in the hospitality industry can be seen at the Hyatt Regency and Marriott Marquis. Clark Construction Group is accredited with the AIA, NAIOP, DBIA, and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
Pepper Construction
643 N. Orleans St., Chicago, IL 60654
Pepper Construction is a premier construction firm in Chicago offering a wide range of commercial and hotel building services. Since its inception in 1927, the firm has developed its expertise in incorporating sustainable building methods. Pepper Construction firmly believes that the future of construction requires exploring new technologies and innovative practices that positively impact the community and the environment. Pepper Construction makes it a priority to use clean and eco-friendly materials that are safe for the environment.
When handling projects, the firm operates under one plan, one model, and one team. This approach has led to the success of numerous projects for almost a century in the business. Pepper Construction is regarded as one of the most established and well-respected contractors in the area.
The award-winning firm has amassed numerous awards namely the 2020 Illinois Green Alliance Limelight Emerald Award for Green Building Innovation and the 2013 Corporate Caring Award to mention a few. Some of its prominent works can be seen at the St. Jane Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and The Robey and Robey Hall. With its impressive portfolio, numerous publications have featured the firm’s profile including the Indianapolis Business Journal, Forbes, NKyTribune, and Construction Superintendent Magazine among many others. Pepper Construction is accredited with AIA, LEED, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
