Built to Last
Berglund Construction’s continuing story is a compelling one. The third-generation, family owned firm is one of the Midwest’s leading construction companies, with a reputation for successfully tackling the most challenging projects.
Established in 1911, our remarkable growth and solid reputation span nearly a century. Select a year on the timeline to see why Berglund Construction has been in the vanguard of construction since we were founded.
1911 • 1946 • 1960 • 1996 • 2001 • 2005 • 2007 • 2009 • 2010 • 2011 •
1911
Founder, Fred Berglund emigrates from Sweden to the United States and forms Berglund Maintenance Co., a masonry maintenance business, on Chicago’s southeast side. The first clients included the Aurora Post Office, the city of Chicago and local area businesses.
1946
Fred Berglund’s oldest son, Roger, comes to Chicago after serving in World War II and assumes a leadership position in Berglund Maintenance Co. A few years later, his younger brother, Norman, joins him. Together, in the early 1950s, Roger and Norman form Fred Berglund & Sons Inc., a general contractor that specializes in self-performing many of the trades that are critical to a project's success.
1960
Berglund begins a long-standing relationship with the University of Chicago. Beginning with the award winning construction of the University of Chicago's Henry Hinds Laboratory for Geophysical Sciences. The honor was presented to Norman Berglund by the AIA Chicago Chapter.
1996
Berglund expands its regional geographic reach into Indiana by opening it’s Chesterton headquarters and making a commitment to Northern Indiana.
2001
Berglund Construction ranked one of the top 400 Contractors in the United States by ENR Publications.
2005
In its 97th year of operation, Berglund Construction realizes significant annual growth and completes more than $200 million worth of projects.
2007
Berglund Construction is currently serving the General Services Administration with projects at the Harold Washington SSC, EMD Courthouse and JCK Federal Building Chicago, Illinois and the Potter Stewart US Courthouse, Cincinnati, Ohio. The Indiana Division completed both the Preconstruction and Construction Phase of the Hartsfield Village Senior Living Center in Munster, Indiana.
2009
Berglund Construction was founded in 1911 by my grandfather Fred Berglund on the principles of hard work and integrity. Subsequent leadership by Roger and Norman Berglund saw our company expand and diversify. Today, we are a full service builder and restoration facade specialist. While the core values remain intact, we also look to take safety and quality to its’ highest level. Berglund strives to be the contractor of choice for all of our clients and to provide a workplace which fosters opportunity and growth.
Fred Berglund, President
2010
Berglund's Restoration Division is in the final phase of completing the Historic Preservation of the Sullivan Center, a Chicago Iconic building. “…the old Carson Pirie Scott & Co. store looks better than it has in a century. It’s pure structure, stripped of clutter, a potentially vital organism—in short, a landmark ready to be reborn” Blair Kamin Architecture Critic Chicago Tribune - Jan. 24, 2010.
2011
This year marks the 100 year anniversary for Berglund Construction! As a family business, this accomplishment could not have been met without tremendous leadership from preceding generations: company founder Fred Berglund, Roger Berglund and Norman Berglund, along with the support of many great employees, both past and present. You’ll note on our letterhead our new logo and tagline. Whether it is new construction or restoration, we want our employees and clients to know that, the experience with Berglund goes “Beyond Building”. The “unclosed” perimeter of the B symbolizes that greater opportunity exists and the potential knows no boundaries. How far can we go individually, and as a company? Thank you for helping Berglund Construction reach this tremendous milestone!
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