News

High Construction 2024 Year in Review

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re proud to reflect on a year filled with growth, community impact, and remarkable achievements. From groundbreaking projects to meaningful partnerships, High Construction has remained dedicated to building trustworthy relationships and delivering exceptional results.

Building Excellence

This year, we’ve continued to excel in the construction industry, completing notable projects such as:

• New Apartment Development in Greenfield, Lancaster: As the general contractor for this exciting project led by High Real Estate Group LLC, we’re contributing to the growth and revitalization of our community.

• AC Marriott, Newtown Square, PA: Our work on this project, featured in the Philadelphia Business Journal, highlights our expertise in higher education and hospitality construction.

Strengthening Our Team

At High Construction, we understand the importance of investing in our people. This year, we hosted several initiatives to foster health, wellness, and team spirit, including our Walking Challenge event in December and a fun Halloween costume contest.

Giving Back to the Community

Community impact remains at the heart of what we do. In October, we hosted our 15th annual charity golf outing at the Hershey Country Club, raising a record-breaking $63,267 for Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity. Since the event’s inception, we’ve raised over $530,000 for charitable organizations.

Engaging the Next Generation

High Construction is committed to supporting future leaders in construction. This year, we attended career fairs at Penn State, Millersville University, and other institutions to connect with aspiring professionals. Additionally, Greg Spaulding, one of our VPs, was elected as Chair of the Advisory Board for the Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology (SCDET) program at Penn State Harrisburg, further solidifying our role in shaping the industry’s future.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for 2025, we remain focused on delivering innovative solutions, strengthening our relationships, and making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Thank you to our clients, partners, and employees for being part of an incredible 2024. Here’s to another successful year ahead!

Happy New Year from all of us at High Construction!

Thank You

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this year extraordinary. To our clients, thank you for your trust and partnership. To our employees, thank you for your hard work and dedication. To our community partners, thank you for inspiring us to give back and make a difference. Together, we’ve accomplished so much, and we look forward to building on this momentum in 2025.

High Construction hosted its 15th annual charity golf outing on October 14, 2024, at the Hershey Country Club in Hershey, PA. This year’s event brought together professionals from the architecture, engineering, and construction industries to support Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity.

Through the generosity of our participants and sponsors, the outing raised a record-breaking $63,267. Since the event’s inception in 2008, High Construction has raised over $465,000 for charitable organizations, reinforcing our commitment to building stronger communities.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this success and helped support Habitat’s mission to provide safe, affordable housing for families in need.

We are honored to announce our involvement as the general contractor for an exciting new apartment development in Lancaster. Led by our partners at High Real Estate Group LLC, this transformative project aims to enhance the local housing landscape and contribute to the vibrant mixed-use community of Greenfield.

The development, the largest residential project ever approved in East Lampeter Township, will feature 600 apartments across four, five-story buildings. Phase 1 will include 311 apartments, complete with a pool and clubhouse, while Phase 2 will add 289 more apartments and 28 townhomes along Willow Road.

As we begin construction, we are deeply privileged to help bring this vision to life. This project embodies the spirit of Building Trustworthy Relationships and is a testament to what can be achieved when dedicated teams work together toward a common goal: creating homes and fostering community.

We look forward to sharing updates as construction progresses and to seeing the positive impact this development will bring to the Greenfield community and Lancaster County as a whole.

High Construction Company (HCC) is proud to announce the completion of the new AC Hotel by Marriott in Newtown Square, PA. This 140-room hotel is a testament to HCC's commitment to quality and excellence in construction. Developed by Equus Development Group and designed by Nehmer Architects, the hotel features a range of amenities, including a lounge/bar, fitness center, and four luxurious king suites. HCC’s team, supported by Bohler Engineering, worked collaboratively to overcome unique challenges and deliver the project on time.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Michael J. Kreider, President of HCC, remarked, “Construction is a team sport, and the successful execution of the Marriott AC Hotel project is a testament to the quality of the teammates we were fortunate enough to partner with. Steve Spaeder and his team at Equus Capital Partners, along with Scott Rosenberg and the talented folks at Nehmer, embraced a spirit of collaboration that was essential to this project’s success.”

Construction began on June 5, 2023, and was completed by August 21, 2024. The hotel’s design emphasizes modern comfort and style, with notable amenities such as a vibrant lounge/bar, spacious fitness center, and four 700-square-foot king suites featuring private balconies and luxurious finishes.

HCC took great care to integrate high-end finishes throughout the hotel, including the prominent AC logo, exterior wood-look EIFS finishes, and large floor-to-ceiling aluminum windows in every guestroom. The result is a sleek, contemporary hotel offering guests a luxurious stay with thoughtful details throughout.

Kreider emphasized the importance of careful planning: “Investing in the planning stage allowed us to forge meaningful relationships with all major project stakeholders, which in turn enabled us to remain laser-focused on delivering this project on time, on budget, and with award-winning quality.”

Constructing the AC Hotel presented unique challenges due to the complexity of the site and simultaneous construction of adjacent buildings. HCC coordinated closely with other contractors and the client to ensure safety and avoid delays.

The use of a tower crane alongside mobile cranes from neighboring projects required specialized safety plans and scheduling. The hotel shares an exterior wall with a nearby restaurant, which will eventually connect to the hotel via a shared door. At one point, three cranes operated simultaneously across the site, making safety and coordination paramount.

Despite these challenges, HCC ensured that all buildings remained on schedule, with no safety incidents reported. The team’s commitment to precise planning, including the use of 3D BIM coordination for MEP+S trades, allowed them to identify and resolve potential issues before they impacted the project timeline.

Kreider reflected on the obstacles, noting, “Like most projects, this one was not without its challenges, but thanks to our extremely hard-working and dedicated trade partners, we overcame those obstacles and honored our commitments.”

The AC Hotel by Marriott in Newtown Square stands out for its sleek design and attention to detail. HCC worked closely with Nehmer Architects to ensure that the hotel’s modern aesthetic was brought to life through high-quality finishes.

In addition to the spacious king suites, the hotel boasts large, floor-to-ceiling aluminum windows in every guestroom, allowing natural light to flood the interiors. The exterior of the hotel is clad in wood-look EIFS finishes, adding warmth to the contemporary design. Inside, guests will find a large, open fitness center and luxurious common areas, all designed to provide a comfortable and stylish experience.

The hotel is poised to make a positive impact on the Newtown Square community by providing additional accommodations that support local businesses and wedding venues.

Throughout the construction process, HCC remained mindful of the surrounding community, which includes an active apartment and townhome development. Ensuring the safety of nearby residents was a top priority, and HCC implemented strict protocols to keep the construction site clean and secure. This approach not only maintained safety but also demonstrated HCC's commitment to being a responsible partner in the local area.

Kreider shared his gratitude for the support from all stakeholders, saying, “On behalf of everyone at High Construction Company, thank you for entrusting us with this project, supporting us along the way, and helping us to serve our mission of Building Trustworthy Relationships.”

The completion of the AC Hotel by Marriott in Newtown Square marks another milestone for HCC. By overcoming complex challenges and coordinating with multiple teams, HCC successfully delivered a modern, high-quality hotel that enhances the local community and provides a new level of comfort and style for travelers.

As HCC looks forward to future projects, this success stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to quality, safety, and Building Trustworthy Relationships in every community it serves.

What a fantastic day celebrating our incredible team and our partnership with United Way! We had a blast playing kickball with an Olympics theme, and the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie was truly inspiring. From friendly competition to shared laughter, it was a perfect reminder of the amazing people we work with every day.

We're also thrilled to announce that our 2023 United Way campaign benefiting Lancaster United Way exceeded our goal, raising an incredible $226,390! This event was not only a coworker appreciation day but also a celebration and thank you for everyone's hard work and generosity in supporting this important cause.

Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event a huge success. Together, we not only achieve great things at work but also make a positive impact in our community. Here’s to many more moments of appreciation and giving back!

High Construction Company, alongside Newcomer Associates, announces the development and construction of an expansive hotel project in Lancaster, PA, commissioned by Springwood Hospitality. Positioned off Manheim Pike, this upcoming establishment is set to redefine comfort and convenience in the area. With an anticipated opening in spring 2025, the hotel, spanning 80,000 square feet and offering 145 rooms, aims to provide a welcoming and accessible accommodation option for visitors to Lancaster.

Reflecting High Construction Company's commitment to trustworthy relationships, the project emphasizes functionality and affordability without compromising on quality. Collaborating with Newcomer Associates, known for their practical and innovative designs, the hotel ensures a seamless integration of modern amenities with Lancaster's local charm. As construction progresses, excitement builds for the debut of this inclusive hospitality venue, promising guests a comfortable and hassle-free stay in Lancaster.

On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the High Environmental Health and Safety Team hosted its annual Safety Summit at the S. Dale High Leadership Center.  The event recognizes and celebrates Safety Circle Award winners who were selected based on outstanding safety performance for 2023. We are immensely proud to have been honored with the President's Safety Circle Award for 2023! Safety stands as a priority within High Construction, and we extend our thanks to our site superintendents and project teams for their unwavering commitment to surpassing industry safety standards.

For the past 14 years, High Construction has supported the Children's Miracle Network Hershey through our annual golf invitational. This year, we were genuinely humbled by the overwhelming response from our sponsors, with golf spots selling out well in advance of the scheduled event. Moreover, the response of volunteers surpassed any previous year, significantly amplifying the success of this remarkable occasion.

We are thrilled to announce that, with the wholehearted support of our dedicated volunteer team members, valued subcontractors, and generous donors, we successfully raised an astounding $42,766.60 during this event. Their unwavering commitment played a pivotal role in making this gathering a resounding success. This annual event holds profound significance for us, symbolizing our commitment to ensuring that the families of the Children's Miracle Network receive the essential support required to care for their loved ones during challenging times.

This event symbolizes our High Philosophy of Building Trustworthy Relationships, contributing to a world of beauty, prosperity, and peace. We look forward to what 2024 brings and hope you'll join us in Building Better Communities, Together.

It was an honor to collaborate with Landis Communities and RLPS on this exceptional award-winning project. Landis Place on King is the epitome of affordable senior living, seamlessly combining style and beauty. Nestled in downtown Lancaster, this architectural gem boasts a rooftop terrace, private balconies, and inviting shared amenity spaces. Not to mention, the Rendezvous Steak Shop, a Lancaster staple, occupying the first floor. We are so proud to be Building Better Communities, Together. For more on this award, please visit the Senior Housing News Awards website: https://lnkd.in/epbgeQjw

Yesterday, members of our leadership team embarked on a heartfelt journey to visit each of our active project sites. Dubbed the "Turkey Trot", these special trips provided an opportunity to express our deep gratitude and celebrate the remarkable success achieved by our dedicated project teams.

We are genuinely thankful for the tireless efforts and unwavering devotion our team members consistently pour into keeping these projects on the path to success. As we reflect on this year, we are reminded of the strength and unity that propels us forward. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude and joy.

In a triumph that goes beyond bricks and mortar, we are thrilled to announce the prestigious Excellence in Construction Award bestowed upon our team for the construction of Penn State Health Children's Lancaster Pediatric Center, a state-of-the-art pediatric facility. This recognition is not just a testament to our construction prowess; it is a celebration of our collective dedication to building a brighter future for the youngest members of our community.

From the very beginning, our mission was clear—to create a haven of healing and hope for children facing medical challenges. The Excellence in Construction Award honors not only the architectural brilliance and structural integrity of this pediatric facility but also the compassion and vision that went into its creation. Every corner of Penn State Health Children's Lancaster Pediatric Center was designed and built with the well-being of young patients in mind, providing a nurturing environment that supports both physical and emotional healing.

Receiving this esteemed award motivates us to continue pushing boundaries in construction, with a commitment to excellence that extends far beyond industry standards. As we stand on the podium of achievement, we are reminded that our work is not just about constructing buildings; it's about constructing a future filled with hope, resilience, and building better communities, together.

In early October, we got to take the afternoon off to spend time together at the Lancaster County Park. With our spouses, kids and teammates we had a great day filled with delicious food and fun games!

Landis Place on King is an innovative project in the heart of Lancaster City. It is a mixed-use building with 79 apartments, 41 interior parking spaces, and commercial space. It is located at 239 West King Street. Landis Place on King was born out of a desire to create abundant choices, foster increased community, and provide middle market and lower income housing for adults age 55+. The diverse and flourishing downtown neighborhood of West King Street has embraced our vision for an inclusive community housing option. Adding a community like this is another step in keeping the Central Business District vibrant and growing. https://www.landisplace.org/ Landis Place on King is one part of Landis Communities who provides Comforting Live-at-Home Services and Feel-at-Home Communities® https://www.landiscommunities.org/

HCC is honored to have been involved with this project and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Landis Communities. Partnerships such as this allow us to further our mission of building better communities, together.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Michael J. Kreider to the role of President at High Construction Company.

Since joining our team in 2020 as Vice President of Estimating and Preconstruction, Mike has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to the core tenets of the High Philosophy: building trustworthy relationships and being innovative leaders. With over 25 years of experience in construction, particularly in Lancaster County and throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, he has been instrumental in driving our projects to new heights. His profound insights and strategic vision have greatly contributed to our ventures in multifamily, aging services, corporate, and institutional markets. As President, Mike will undoubtedly continue to lead with the same level of innovation, integrity, and client-focused approach that High Construction Co. is known for.

There is nothing like spending an afternoon eating ice cream and racing go-karts around the office building! In June, we celebrated our team's hard work with Coworker Appreciation Day. With beautiful weather and delicious food, this Mario Kart themed event was a great way to get out of the office and spend time together.

On June 16, we had the pleasure of attending the Blessing Ceremony at the newly finished Landis Place on King apartment building in downtown Lancaster. This building will house adults 55 and over, complete with 79 apartments, 41 interior parking spaces and a commercial space. With the ever-changing landscape of Lancaster City, we are honored to have been involved in this project and look forward to continuing our relationship with Landis Communities to build better communities, together.

For more information on this 55+ community, click here.

High Construction was proudly included in GC Magazine's article, The Best Construction Companies in Pennsylvania. 

The excerpt from the article reads:

"High Construction Company provides preconstruction, design-build, construction management, and general contracting services in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. The studio was founded in 1931 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, under the name High Welding Company. It has since grown and expanded significantly, with a current portfolio that contains more than 10 million square feet of commercial, industrial, hospitality, retail, and multifamily properties.

Today, the firm proudly brings unsurpassed experience and expertise to its facility construction. Such dedication has earned the firm several awards, including the Associated Builders and Contractors Keystone 2020 Top Contractors for Excellence award, the 2019 Gold Level Award from the same organization, and the 2008 Occupational Excellence Achievement Award from the National Safety Council."

We are grateful to have been featured and look forward to continue building better communities, together! To read the full article, click the link below:

https://www.generalcontractors.org/the-best-construction-companies-in-pennsylvania/

We are thrilled to be partnering with our sister organizations Greenfield Architects and High Associates Ltd. to bring Starbucks to the Greenfield community.

In September 2022, we proudly hosted our 13th Annual golf outing in support of the Children’s Miracle Network. Alongside the generosity of our subcontractors and suppliers, we were able to raise $30,355. This increased our total to over $425,000 since the start of this event in 2008!

The site of a former Toys “R” Us store found a new way to serve children when Penn State Health Children’s Lancaster Pediatric Center opened its doors on Monday, June 27, 2022.

Construction of Landis Place on King, an older-adult housing project costing nearly $28 million, is expected to begin in the next two weeks, helping to address a severe shortage of rental housing here. The general contractor is High Construction Company.