KBE Building Corporation - Award-Winning Construction Services & Community Impact
Founded: 1959
Headquarters: 76 Batterson Park Road Farmington, CT 06032 USA
Phone: 860-284-7110
Number of employees: 150
Website: www.kbebuilding.com
Overview
KBE Building Corporation is a prominent construction company based in the United States, with a rich history and a strong commitment to excellence. The company, originally founded in 1959, has grown to become a leader in the construction industry, offering a wide range of services to clients across various sectors. KBE Building Corporation is renowned for its innovative approach, collaborative partnerships, and dedication to sustainability.
Company History
KBE Building Corporation was founded in 1959 by Simon Konover as a small construction company under the name Konover Construction Corporation. Headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut, the company initially focused on residential and commercial construction projects within the region. Over the years, the company expanded its operations and diversified its portfolio, taking on larger and more complex projects.
In 2007, the company rebranded as KBE Building Corporation, a move that reflected its growth and evolution. The name “KBE” stands for Knowledge, Building, and Excellence, three core values that have guided the company since its inception. Following the rebranding, KBE continued to establish itself as a leading player in the construction industry, completing projects across the United States, with regional offices in Columbia, Maryland, and Norwalk, Connecticut.
Services
KBE Building Corporation offers a comprehensive suite of construction services, catering to a diverse clientele across various sectors. Some of the key services provided by the company include:
Preconstruction: KBE provides preconstruction services to help clients optimize their projects from the outset. These services include design review, constructability analysis, value engineering, scheduling, and cost estimating.
Construction Management: As a construction management firm, KBE oversees the entire construction process, ensuring seamless coordination between all parties involved. This includes managing subcontractors, monitoring the project schedule, controlling costs, and ensuring that safety and quality standards are met.
General Contracting: KBE also serves as a general contractor, taking responsibility for the overall execution of construction projects. In this capacity, KBE hires and manages subcontractors, procures materials, and supervises construction activities.
Design-Build: KBE’s design-build service integrates the design and construction processes, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient project delivery. This approach enables KBE to better control costs, schedules, and quality, while minimizing risk for the client.
Sustainable Construction: KBE is committed to environmentally responsible construction practices and has completed numerous LEED-certified projects. The company promotes energy efficiency, resource conservation, and waste reduction, both in its own operations and through the projects it undertakes.
Projects
Due to the extensive history of KBE Building Corporation and the numerous projects they have completed since their inception in 1959, it is not feasible to provide a comprehensive list of all their completed projects in this format. However, we can provide an overview of some of the key projects they have successfully completed across various sectors.
Educational Sector:
A. Fairfield University – Dolan School of Business: KBE completed the construction of a 85,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility for Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business in Fairfield, Connecticut. The project included classrooms, faculty offices, and conference rooms, as well as a financial trading room, data analytics lab, and an event hall.
B. University of Connecticut – Werth Family Basketball Champions Center: KBE constructed the 76,000-square-foot Werth Family Basketball Champions Center at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut. The facility serves as the practice and training facility for UConn’s men’s and women’s basketball teams and features practice courts, locker rooms, coaches’ offices, and sports medicine facilities.
Healthcare Sector:
A. Yale New Haven Health – Park Avenue Medical Center: KBE completed the 100,000-square-foot Park Avenue Medical Center in Trumbull, Connecticut. The facility houses a comprehensive cancer center, ambulatory surgery center, and radiology and laboratory services.
B. Saint Francis Hospital – John T. O’Connell Tower: KBE was responsible for the construction of the 318,000-square-foot John T. O’Connell Tower at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. The project involved the addition of a new patient tower, housing 164 private patient rooms, a 20-bed intensive care unit, and an expanded emergency department.
Retail Sector:
A. Target Store – Canton, Connecticut: KBE constructed a 135,000-square-foot Target store in Canton, Connecticut. The project involved the development of the store, as well as site improvements, utilities, and parking facilities.
B. The Shoppes at Farmington Valley: KBE completed the construction of The Shoppes at Farmington Valley, a 500,000-square-foot open-air shopping center located in Canton, Connecticut. The project included the development of retail spaces, restaurants, and a movie theater.
Residential Sector:
A. 777 Main Street Apartments – Hartford, Connecticut: KBE was responsible for the adaptive reuse of the former Bank of America building in downtown Hartford, converting the 26-story building into 285 mixed-income apartment units, as well as ground-floor retail spaces.
B. Columbia Hills Apartments – Columbia, Maryland: KBE completed the construction of Columbia Hills Apartments, a 150-unit affordable housing community in Columbia, Maryland. The project included the development of one, two, and three-bedroom apartment units, along with a community center and outdoor amenities.
Government and Military Sector:
A. U.S. Coast Guard Academy – Chase Hall: KBE managed the renovation of Chase Hall at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. The project involved upgrading mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as improving accessibility and modernizing the facility.
B. General Services Administration (GSA) – Federal Office Building: KBE completed the renovation and modernization of the GSA Federal Office Building in New Haven, Connecticut. The project included exterior and interior renovations, as well as the installation of energy-efficient systems and improvements to meet current building codes.
Senior Living Sector:
A. Seabury – Bloomfield, Connecticut: KBE was involved in the construction of a new independent living apartment building at Seabury, an active life plan community in Bloomfield, Connecticut. The project included the development of 68 apartment units, common areas, a bistro, and underground parking.
B. Masonicare at Mystic – Mystic, Connecticut: KBE completed the construction of Masonicare at Mystic, a 179-unit senior living community in Mystic, Connecticut. The project featured independent living, assisted living, and memory care units, along with amenities such as a wellness center, dining venues, and a theater.
Hospitality Sector:
A. Mohegan Sun Casino – Uncasville, Connecticut: KBE was responsible for the construction of a 34-story hotel tower at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. The project included 1,200 guest rooms, a spa, a convention center, and a 10,000-seat arena.
B. Marriott Residence Inn – Stamford, Connecticut: KBE completed the construction of the 125-room Marriott Residence Inn in Stamford, Connecticut. The project involved the adaptive reuse of a historic building and the addition of a new five-story structure.
Industrial Sector:
A. Walgreens Distribution Center – Windsor, Connecticut: KBE built a 700,000-square-foot distribution center for Walgreens in Windsor, Connecticut. The project included the construction of the main facility, as well as site improvements and utility installations.
B. The Hartford Steam Company – Hartford, Connecticut: KBE completed the construction of a new 35,000-square-foot operations center for The Hartford Steam Company in Hartford, Connecticut. The facility houses administrative offices, a control room, and a maintenance garage.
Correctional Facilities:
A. York Correctional Institution – Niantic, Connecticut: KBE was involved in the expansion and renovation of the York Correctional Institution in Niantic, Connecticut. The project included the construction of new housing units, medical facilities, and support buildings.
B. Osborn Correctional Institution – Somers, Connecticut: KBE completed the construction of several buildings at the Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers, Connecticut. The project involved the development of a new dormitory, a food service facility, and a maintenance building.
This list provides further examples of KBE Building Corporation’s completed projects, showcasing their versatility and expertise across a wide range of sectors. For more information and a detailed list of projects, it is recommended to visit the company’s website or contact them directly.
Growth and Expansion
KBE Building Corporation has experienced significant growth and expansion since its founding in 1959. The company’s evolution can be attributed to its commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration. The following key milestones and facts highlight KBE Building Corporation’s growth trajectory and success:
Company Founding: Simon Konover founded Konover Construction Corporation in 1959. The company initially focused on residential and commercial construction projects within the Connecticut region.
Expansion of Services and Sectors: Over the years, KBE expanded its services to include preconstruction, construction management, general contracting, design-build, and sustainable construction. The company also diversified its project portfolio to cater to clients across various sectors such as education, healthcare, retail, residential, hospitality, industrial, and government.
Rebranding: In 2007, Konover Construction Corporation rebranded as KBE Building Corporation, reflecting the company’s growth and evolution. The name “KBE” stands for Knowledge, Building, and Excellence, which are the core values guiding the company.
Regional Offices: KBE Building Corporation established regional offices in Columbia, Maryland, and Norwalk, Connecticut, to better serve clients and manage projects across the United States.
Strategic Partnerships: To enhance its service offerings and expand its capabilities, KBE has forged numerous strategic partnerships with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers. These collaborations have allowed the company to take on larger and more complex projects, driving its growth and success.
Award-Winning Projects: KBE’s commitment to excellence has resulted in numerous award-winning projects, which have further solidified its reputation as a leading construction firm. These accolades have contributed to the company’s growth by attracting new clients and opportunities.
Sustainability Initiatives: KBE has embraced sustainable construction practices, completing numerous LEED-certified projects and promoting energy efficiency, resource conservation, and waste reduction. This focus on sustainability has enabled the company to appeal to a wider range of clients, fostering growth and expansion.
KBE Building Corporation’s growth and expansion over the past decades can be seen through these milestones and achievements. The company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration has allowed it to grow from a small construction firm to a prominent player in the construction industry, serving clients across various sectors and regions throughout the United States.
Partnerships
KBE Building Corporation has forged numerous strategic partnerships over the years to enhance its service offerings and expand its capabilities. The company actively collaborates with architects, engineers, and other construction professionals to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions for its clients. KBE has also developed strong relationships with local, regional, and national subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring access to a wide range of resources and expertise.
Awards and Recognition
KBE Building Corporation’s commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainability has earned the company numerous accolades and recognition throughout the construction industry. Some of the most notable awards and recognitions received by the company include:
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Excellence in Construction Awards: KBE has been honored with multiple ABC Excellence in Construction Awards, which recognize outstanding construction projects across the United States.
ENR Regional Best Projects Awards: KBE has received several Engineering News-Record (ENR) Regional Best Projects Awards for its innovative and high-quality construction projects. These awards are presented to companies that demonstrate excellence in design, construction, and project management.
Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Project Achievement Awards: KBE has been the recipient of multiple CMAA Project Achievement Awards, which celebrate successful construction projects and the teams that make them possible.
Connecticut Building Congress (CBC) Project Team Awards: As a testament to the company’s strong presence in its home state, KBE has won numerous CBC Project Team Awards for exceptional teamwork, quality, and innovation in Connecticut-based projects.
Safety Awards: KBE Building Corporation has been recognized for its unwavering commitment to safety, with awards from organizations such as the Associated Builders and Contractors and the Construction Users Roundtable. These accolades highlight the company’s dedication to maintaining a safe work environment and promoting a culture of safety awareness.
Sustainability and Green Building Practices
KBE Building Corporation is committed to sustainable construction and green building practices, which is evident in their project portfolio and company initiatives. The following highlight KBE’s dedication to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices:
Sustainable Construction Services: KBE offers sustainable construction services and has completed numerous projects that adhere to green building standards, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the design, construction, and operation of their projects, focusing on energy efficiency, resource conservation, and waste reduction.
LEED-Certified Projects: KBE has a strong track record of completing LEED-certified projects, showcasing their expertise in green building practices. Some examples of LEED-certified projects completed by KBE include:
A. Fairfield University – Dolan School of Business: This project achieved LEED Gold certification, featuring sustainable elements such as a green roof, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, and low-emitting materials.
B. Yale New Haven Health – Park Avenue Medical Center: This medical center achieved LEED Silver certification, incorporating energy-efficient building systems, water-saving fixtures, and environmentally friendly materials.
Green Building Partnerships: KBE collaborates with architects, engineers, and other construction professionals who share their commitment to sustainable practices. These partnerships enable KBE to develop innovative and environmentally responsible solutions for their clients and contribute to the growth of green building practices within the construction industry.
Sustainability Training and Education: KBE is dedicated to training its employees in sustainable construction practices and encourages the attainment of LEED Accredited Professional (AP) credentials. This emphasis on education ensures that KBE’s team is well-equipped to implement green building strategies and deliver environmentally responsible projects.
Environmental Stewardship: KBE is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations by promoting resource conservation, waste reduction, and pollution prevention. The company continually seeks ways to improve its processes, adopt new technologies, and enhance its sustainability performance.
KBE Building Corporation demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and green building practices. The company’s dedication to environmentally responsible construction is evident in its project portfolio, partnerships, employee training, and company initiatives.
Values and Culture
KBE Building Corporation’s values and culture are integral to its identity and have played a significant role in the company’s success since its founding in 1959. The following provide insight into the values and culture that define KBE Building Corporation:
Company Values: KBE’s core values are Knowledge, Building, and Excellence. These values represent the company’s commitment to acquiring and sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration and teamwork, and delivering exceptional results in all their projects. These values are reflected in their rebranding in 2007 from Konover Construction Corporation to KBE Building Corporation.
Employee Empowerment: KBE believes in empowering its employees by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and opportunities to succeed. The company encourages professional growth through continuous learning, training, and development programs. This approach fosters a culture of personal responsibility and accountability, leading to a highly skilled and motivated workforce.
Safety Culture: KBE is dedicated to maintaining a safe work environment and promoting a culture of safety awareness among its employees. The company has been recognized with numerous safety awards, highlighting its commitment to ensuring the well-being of its workforce.
Collaboration and Teamwork: KBE values collaboration and teamwork, both internally and with its clients, partners, and subcontractors. This collaborative approach allows the company to leverage diverse perspectives and expertise to deliver innovative solutions and outstanding results.
Sustainability Commitment: As part of its company culture, KBE is dedicated to sustainable construction and environmentally responsible practices. The company emphasizes green building principles in its projects and continually seeks ways to minimize its environmental impact.
Client-Centric Approach: KBE Building Corporation is committed to providing exceptional service and delivering high-quality projects that exceed client expectations. This client-centric approach is deeply ingrained in the company culture, driving KBE’s pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement.
KBE Building Corporation’s values and culture revolve around knowledge, building, and excellence. The company prioritizes employee empowerment, safety, collaboration, sustainability, and a client-centric approach, creating a positive and dynamic work environment that contributes to its success in the construction industry.
Community Involvement
KBE Building Corporation has a strong commitment to community involvement and giving back to the communities in which they operate. This dedication is evident through various initiatives and charitable programs that the company has undertaken over the years. The following highlight KBE’s community involvement:
50 Ways to Make a Difference Program: KBE launched its “50 Ways to Make a Difference” program in 2009 to commemorate its 50th anniversary. This philanthropic initiative is centered around supporting local communities through charitable giving, volunteerism, and employee engagement. Since its inception, the program has donated millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other community causes.
Annual Gifts of Love Golf Tournament: KBE hosts an annual charity golf tournament, the Gifts of Love Golf Tournament, to raise funds for Gifts of Love, a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization that provides assistance to families in need. The golf tournament has raised significant funds for the organization, supporting their mission to alleviate financial hardships faced by local families.
Support for Educational Institutions: KBE is committed to supporting education and has contributed to various educational institutions and programs over the years. Some examples include providing scholarships, sponsoring events, and supporting capital campaigns at schools and universities.
Disaster Relief Efforts: KBE has participated in disaster relief efforts, such as assisting with the recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The company’s employees volunteered their time and resources to help communities affected by the storm, demonstrating KBE’s commitment to providing support during times of crisis.
Community Food Drives: KBE Building Corporation has organized and participated in community food drives, collecting and donating non-perishable food items to local food banks and pantries. These efforts help address food insecurity and support vulnerable populations within the communities where KBE operates.
Employee Volunteerism: KBE encourages its employees to engage in volunteer activities and give back to their communities. The company supports a wide range of causes and nonprofits, creating opportunities for employees to make a difference and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
KBE Building Corporation has a strong commitment to community involvement and actively participates in various initiatives and programs that support local communities. The company’s dedication to giving back is evident through its philanthropic efforts, volunteerism, and support for education, disaster relief, and food drives.
In conclusion, KBE Building Corporation has established itself as a leader in the construction industry over the past six decades, driven by its commitment to knowledge, building, and excellence. The company’s wide range of services, strategic partnerships, and numerous awards and recognitions are a testament to its success and dedication to delivering outstanding results for its clients. As a privately-held company, KBE continues to focus on innovation, sustainability, and safety in all its projects, solidifying its position as a premier construction firm in the United States.
Disclaimer: Please note that the names and positions of employees mentioned may be subject to change, as individuals may move to different roles or organizations. While we make every effort to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee that all employee details are current or complete. We encourage you to verify the identity and positions of any individual mentioned and check their Linkedin Profile before taking any action based on their role.
Employees
Michael Kolakowski – President and CEO
Jim Culkin – Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Tim O’Brien – Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Robert Dunn – Vice President & General Counsel
Andrea Comstock-Tague – V.P. Human Resource & AA/EEO Officer
Allan Kleban – Vice President For Business Development
Matthew Haught – Vice President – Mid-Atlantic
Jonelle Lawhorn – Director of Marketing
Jenna Gabrielson – Marketing Coordinator
Sarah Callahan – Senior Marketing Coordinator