LeChase Construction: Industry Leader in Commercial, Healthcare, Education & Industrial Projects

Founded: 1944
Founder: Raymond F. LeChase
Headquarters: 205 Indigo Creek Drive Rochester, NY 14626 USA
Phone: 585 254-3510
Number of employees: 700
Website: www.lechase.com

Overview

LeChase Construction, a prominent construction management and general contracting firm, has its roots in Rochester, New York, where it was founded in 1944 by Raymond F. LeChase. With a legacy spanning over seven decades, the company has grown exponentially and earned a strong reputation in the industry for its commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability. With a focus on commercial, healthcare, education, and industrial construction, LeChase Construction has carved a niche for itself by providing a comprehensive suite of services to its clients across the United States.

Company History

Raymond F. LeChase laid the foundation for LeChase Construction in 1944. Initially, the company’s focus was on residential construction, but it quickly expanded into commercial and institutional projects, paving the way for the firm’s substantial growth. Throughout its history, LeChase Construction has undergone various transformations and expansions to better serve its clientele and stay ahead in the competitive market.

In the 1970s, the company ventured into healthcare and higher education construction, further solidifying its position as a trusted construction partner in various sectors. LeChase Construction’s commitment to growth and excellence is evident through its strategic acquisitions and expansions. In 2011, the company acquired C.W. Brown, a leading construction firm based in Armonk, New York, which marked a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.

Over the years, the firm has expanded its geographical reach, with regional offices in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Corning, and New York City. In addition to its New York locations, the company has also established a strong presence in North Carolina, with offices in Durham and Charlotte.

Services

LeChase Construction offers a wide range of services to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. These services include:

Construction Management: As construction managers, LeChase Construction collaborates with clients to ensure smooth project execution by providing expert advice, managing project schedules, and controlling costs. The company offers both agency construction management and construction management at-risk services.

General Contracting: As a general contractor, LeChase Construction takes full responsibility for the overall coordination and execution of a project, including subcontractor management, on-site supervision, and quality control.

Design-Build: This integrated approach allows LeChase Construction to streamline the project delivery process by providing a single point of responsibility for both design and construction services.

Preconstruction Services: LeChase Construction helps clients in the early stages of project planning by providing valuable input on design, cost analysis, and scheduling.

Facility Maintenance and Support: The company offers facility maintenance and support services to ensure the longevity and efficient operation of completed projects.

Special Projects Group: This dedicated team at LeChase Construction caters to small-scale and specialized projects, delivering the same level of expertise and quality as the company’s larger-scale projects.

Projects

LeChase Construction has completed numerous projects throughout its history. Here are some notable projects on different sectors:

1.Commercial Sector

A.The Metropolitan:
The Metropolitan, formerly known as Chase Tower, is a mixed-use commercial building located in downtown Rochester, New York. LeChase Construction played a significant role in the redevelopment and transformation of the 26-story building, which was originally built in 1973. The project, completed in 2016, features a blend of luxury residential units, office space, and retail outlets. The redevelopment included the construction of a new lobby and entrances, as well as the modernization of the building’s exterior facade.

B.L3Harris Technologies Facility:
LeChase Construction completed the construction of a 63,000 square-foot facility for L3Harris Technologies, a global aerospace and defense technology company, in Victor, New York. The facility, which opened in 2019, serves as a state-of-the-art manufacturing and office space for L3Harris’ Communication Systems segment. The project involved significant coordination with local authorities, utility providers, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth construction process.

C.Rochester CityGate:
LeChase Construction was involved in the construction of the CityGate project in Rochester, New York. CityGate is a mixed-use development that includes retail, office, and residential spaces, in addition to a Costco Wholesale warehouse store, which was the first Costco location in the Rochester area. The project was completed in phases between 2014 and 2016.

D.Corning Museum of Glass Contemporary Art + Design Wing:
LeChase Construction served as the construction manager for the expansion of the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. The project, completed in 2015, involved the construction of a 100,000 square-foot Contemporary Art + Design Wing, which houses a state-of-the-art glassmaking studio, gallery spaces, and additional amenities. The facility was designed by architect Thomas Phifer and Partners and is recognized for its innovative use of glass in the building’s structure and design.

E.The Tower at Midtown:
The Tower at Midtown is a mixed-use development in Rochester, New York, that features commercial, residential, and retail spaces. LeChase Construction was responsible for the redevelopment and renovation of the 17-story building, which was originally constructed in the 1960s. The project, completed in 2016, included the addition of modern amenities and significant updates to the building’s exterior and interior spaces.

2. Healthcare Sector

A. University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) Imaging Sciences Building:
LeChase Construction completed the construction of the URMC Imaging Sciences Building in Rochester, New York. The project, finished in 2011, involved the construction of a 90,000 square-foot facility that houses advanced imaging equipment, such as MRI, CT, and PET scanners, as well as research laboratories, office spaces, and conference rooms.

B. Golisano Children’s Hospital:
LeChase Construction was the construction manager for the Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The project, completed in 2015, involved the construction of a new eight-story, 245,000 square-foot facility that includes pediatric inpatient and outpatient services, surgical suites, and a pediatric emergency department.

C. Pluta Cancer Center Expansion and Renovation:
LeChase Construction completed the expansion and renovation of the Pluta Cancer Center in Rochester, New York. The project, which was finished in 2012, involved the addition of a 9,000 square-foot facility that includes infusion bays, clinical exam rooms, and support spaces. The renovation also included updates to the existing facility and site improvements.

D. Duke University Medical Center:
LeChase Construction has completed multiple projects for the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. One such project is the construction of the Duke Cancer Center, a 267,000 square-foot facility completed in 2012. The center houses outpatient clinics, infusion and radiation therapy services, and research laboratories.

E. Rochester General Hospital Sands-Constellation Center for Critical Care:
LeChase Construction served as the construction manager for the Sands-Constellation Center for Critical Care, a seven-story, 312,000 square-foot addition to the Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, New York. Completed in 2020, the facility houses a surgical care center, a women’s health and newborn care center, and an intensive care unit.

F. Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute:
LeChase Construction completed the construction of the Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina. The project, finished in 2012, involved the construction of a 220,000 square-foot facility that includes outpatient clinics, research laboratories, and support spaces.

These examples represent just a few of the many healthcare projects completed by LeChase Construction throughout its history. The company’s expertise in the healthcare sector has made it a trusted partner for clients seeking high-quality construction services for their healthcare facilities.

3. Education Sector

A. University of Rochester Goergen Institute for Data Science:
LeChase Construction served as the construction manager for the Goergen Institute for Data Science at the University of Rochester. The project, completed in 2017, involved the construction of a new 50,000 square-foot facility that houses research laboratories, classrooms, and collaboration spaces for interdisciplinary data science research.

B. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Gene Polisseni Center:
LeChase Construction was the construction manager for the Gene Polisseni Center at RIT. The project, finished in 2014, involved the construction of a 112,000 square-foot ice arena that serves as the home for the RIT men’s and women’s hockey teams. The facility includes seating for 4,300 spectators, as well as locker rooms, training facilities, and offices.

C. Duke University School of Nursing:
LeChase Construction completed the construction of the Duke University School of Nursing building in Durham, North Carolina. The project, finished in 2011, involved the construction of a 104,000 square-foot facility that includes classrooms, simulation labs, research spaces, and offices.

D. Monroe Community College Downtown Campus:
LeChase Construction served as the construction manager for the Monroe Community College Downtown Campus project in Rochester, New York. The project, completed in 2017, involved the transformation of a former department store into a modern, 255,000 square-foot urban campus that includes classrooms, laboratories, student services, and community spaces.

E. Syracuse University Dineen Hall:
LeChase Construction was the construction manager for Dineen Hall at Syracuse University, the home of the Syracuse University College of Law. The project, completed in 2014, involved the construction of a 200,000 square-foot facility that includes classrooms, a library, courtrooms, offices, and collaborative spaces.

F. North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Chidley North Residence Hall:
LeChase Construction completed the construction of the Chidley North Residence Hall at NCCU in Durham, North Carolina. The project, finished in 2011, involved the construction of a 517-bed, 133,000 square-foot residence hall that includes living spaces, study rooms, and community areas.

4. Industrial Sector

A. Corning Incorporated Global Headquarters:
LeChase Construction was involved in the construction of Corning Incorporated’s Global Headquarters in Corning, New York. The project involved the construction of a 94,000 square-foot facility that houses office spaces, research laboratories, and collaboration spaces. The building’s design emphasizes energy efficiency and sustainability.

B. Bausch + Lomb Optics Center:
LeChase Construction served as the construction manager for the Bausch + Lomb Optics Center in Rochester, New York. The project, completed in 2013, involved the construction of a 75,000 square-foot facility that houses research laboratories, cleanrooms, and office spaces for the development of advanced optical technologies.

C. Genencor Enzyme Manufacturing Facility:
LeChase Construction completed the construction of the Genencor enzyme manufacturing facility in Rochester, New York. The project, finished in 2012, involved the construction of a 30,000 square-foot facility that includes production areas, laboratories, and support spaces for enzyme manufacturing.

D. Hilliard Corporation Expansion:
LeChase Construction was the construction manager for the expansion of the Hilliard Corporation’s Elmira, New York facility. The project, completed in 2016, involved the construction of a 47,000 square-foot addition to the existing facility, which manufactures industrial filtration systems and other products. The expansion included new production areas, warehousing space, and offices.

E. Datto, Inc. Data Center:
LeChase Construction completed the construction of a data center for Datto, Inc., a provider of data protection and business continuity solutions, in Rochester, New York. The project, finished in 2014, involved the construction of a 20,000 square-foot facility that houses server rooms, offices, and support spaces.

These examples represent just a few of the many projects completed by LeChase Construction throughout its history. The company’s expertise in different sector has made it a trusted partner for clients seeking high-quality construction services for their industrial facilities.

Growth and Expansion

LeChase Construction has experienced significant growth and expansion since its inception in 1944. Here are some factors highlighting the company’s growth over the years. These factors have allowed LeChase Construction to become a prominent and trusted construction partner in the industry:

Geographic Expansion:
LeChase Construction began as a local construction company in Rochester, New York. Over the years, the company has expanded its operations to serve clients across various regions. Today, LeChase Construction operates regional offices not only in Rochester but also in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Armonk, New York, as well as in Charlotte and Durham, North Carolina. This geographic expansion has allowed the company to broaden its client base and serve a wider range of industries.

Industry Diversification:
LeChase Construction started primarily as a commercial construction company. However, over the years, the company has diversified its expertise to serve various sectors, including healthcare, education, industrial, and residential. This diversification has enabled LeChase Construction to grow its portfolio and develop a strong reputation as a versatile construction management and general contracting firm.

Growth in Annual Revenue:
LeChase Construction has experienced significant growth in annual revenue, demonstrating the company’s successful expansion. According to the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 400 Contractors list, in 2021, LeChase Construction ranked 142nd, with a reported revenue of $739.8 million in 2020. This is a notable increase from previous years, illustrating the company’s continued growth and success.

Acquisitions:
In 2012, LeChase Construction acquired Lend Lease’s North Carolina operations, further expanding the company’s presence in the southeastern United States. The acquisition allowed LeChase Construction to enter new markets, offer a wider range of services, and attract new clients.

Workforce Expansion:
LeChase Construction’s growth has also been marked by an increase in its workforce. The company employs over 750 professionals, including project managers, estimators, safety experts, and field personnel. This growth in personnel has enabled the company to take on larger, more complex projects and maintain its commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Partnerships

LeChase Construction has forged strong partnerships with various organizations and institutions over the years, working on numerous high-profile projects. Some notable partnerships include:

University of Rochester: LeChase Construction has been involved in several projects at the University of Rochester, including the construction of the Goergen Institute for Data Science and the renovation of the Rush Rhees Library.

Duke University: The company has completed various projects for Duke University, such as the construction of the Duke University Medical Center and the Duke University School of Nursing.

Eastman Kodak Company: LeChase Construction has worked on multiple projects for the Eastman Kodak Company, including the construction of the Kodak Center for Performing Arts. Corning Incorporated: LeChase Construction has collaborated with Corning Incorporated on several projects, including the construction of Corning’s headquarters in Corning, New York.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT): The company has a long-standing relationship with RIT, having completed numerous projects on its campus, such as the Gene Polisseni Center and the MAGIC Center.

North Carolina Central University (NCCU): LeChase Construction has worked on various projects for NCCU, including the construction of the Nursing Building and the Chidley North Residence Hall.

Awards and Recognition

LeChase Construction’s dedication to excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades over the years. Some of the notable awards and recognitions include:

Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 400 Contractors: LeChase Construction has consistently ranked among the top 400 contractors in the United States, according to the annual list published by ENR. In 2021, the company ranked 142nd on the list.

Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America: The company has received multiple Build New York awards from the AGC for its outstanding work in various projects, such as the construction of the University of Rochester’s Goergen Institute for Data Science.

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Rochester: LeChase Construction has been honored with AIA Rochester Design Awards for its role in several projects, including the Golisano Institute for Sustainability at RIT and the George Eastman Museum’s new visitor center.

Rochester Business Journal: The company has been recognized as one of the Top 100 privately-owned companies in the Greater Rochester area by the Rochester Business Journal.

ConstructSecure: LeChase Construction has been awarded the Platinum Safety Award by ConstructSecure for its commitment to safety and risk management.

Sustainability and Green Building Practices

LeChase Construction is committed to sustainability and green building practices, which is evident in their project portfolio and company initiatives. These efforts reflect the company’s dedication to minimizing the environmental impact of their projects and promoting sustainable development within the construction industry.

LEED-Certified Projects:
LeChase Construction has completed several projects that have achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED is a widely recognized green building rating system that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings based on factors such as energy efficiency, water usage, and indoor environmental quality. Some of their LEED-certified projects include the University of Rochester’s Raymond F. LeChase Hall (LEED Gold) and the Corning Museum of Glass Contemporary Art + Design Wing (LEED Silver).

Commitment to Sustainable Construction:
LeChase Construction is dedicated to incorporating sustainable construction practices in their projects. The company uses energy-efficient building systems, environmentally responsible materials, and construction waste reduction techniques. They also collaborate with clients, architects, and engineers to develop innovative, sustainable solutions that meet project goals while minimizing environmental impact.

Employee Training and Development:
LeChase Construction invests in employee training and development to ensure that its team is knowledgeable about the latest green building practices and technologies. The company offers training programs that focus on sustainable construction methods, LEED certification requirements, and energy-efficient building systems.

Industry Recognition:
LeChase Construction’s commitment to sustainability and green building practices has been recognized by industry organizations. For example, the company received the 2017 AGC NYS (Associated General Contractors of New York State) Jeffrey J. Zogg Build NY Award for their work on the Corning Museum of Glass Contemporary Art + Design Wing. This award recognizes excellence in construction and project management, including the implementation of sustainable practices.

Values and Culture

LeChase Construction is known for its strong values and company culture, which guide its operations and interactions with clients, partners, and employees. Here are some key aspects of the company’s values and culture:

Safety:
Safety is a top priority at LeChase Construction. The company is committed to maintaining a safe work environment on all of its projects and continually improving its safety practices. LeChase Construction’s safety program focuses on employee training, regular inspections, and compliance with industry regulations to ensure the well-being of its workers, subcontractors, and clients.

Quality:
LeChase Construction takes pride in delivering high-quality construction services and exceeding client expectations. The company achieves this through careful planning, attention to detail, and collaboration with clients, architects, and engineers. This commitment to quality has earned LeChase Construction a strong reputation in the construction industry and has contributed to its long-term success.

Integrity:
Integrity is a core value at LeChase Construction. The company is dedicated to conducting business ethically and transparently and maintaining open lines of communication with clients, partners, and employees. This commitment to integrity helps to build trust and foster long-lasting relationships with all stakeholders.

Collaboration:
LeChase Construction emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration in all aspects of its work. The company believes that by fostering a culture of cooperation and open communication, it can deliver the best possible results for its clients. This collaborative approach extends to the company’s relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners, ensuring that all parties are working together toward a common goal.

Employee Development:
LeChase Construction is committed to investing in the growth and development of its employees. The company offers training programs and professional development opportunities to help its team stay current on industry trends and best practices. By supporting employee growth, LeChase Construction aims to maintain a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that can deliver exceptional results on every project.

Community Engagement:
LeChase Construction is dedicated to giving back to the communities in which it operates. The company supports local non-profit organizations, participates in community service projects, and promotes sustainability initiatives. This commitment to community engagement reflects LeChase Construction’s belief in the importance of corporate social responsibility and its desire to make a positive impact on society.

Community Involvement

LeChase Construction has a strong commitment to community involvement, which is evident in their support for local non-profit organizations, participation in community service projects, and promotion of sustainability initiatives. Here are some engagement highlighting the company’s community involvement:

LeChase Cares:
LeChase Construction has established a corporate giving program called “LeChase Cares” to support non-profit organizations in the communities where the company operates. Through this program, LeChase Construction provides financial contributions, in-kind donations, and volunteer support to a variety of local organizations focused on areas such as education, health care, the arts, and human services.

Volunteerism:
Employees at LeChase Construction are encouraged to participate in community service projects and volunteer opportunities. The company organizes team-based volunteer events to support local non-profit organizations and community initiatives. Some examples of volunteer activities include building homes for Habitat for Humanity, participating in charity walks and runs, and supporting food drives for local food banks.

Scholarship Program:
LeChase Construction established the LeChase Construction Services Scholarship in partnership with Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York. This scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing degrees in construction technology, engineering science, or other related fields. The scholarship program aims to support the education and development of future construction industry professionals.

Sustainability Initiatives:
LeChase Construction is committed to promoting sustainability in the communities where it operates. The company participates in local green building initiatives, supports environmentally responsible construction practices, and works with clients and partners to develop sustainable solutions for their projects. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also contribute to the long-term well-being of the communities served by the company.

In conclusion, LeChase Construction is a reputable construction management and general contracting firm with a long-standing history dating back to 1944. Its founder, Raymond F. LeChase, established a company that has grown to serve a diverse range of clients across various sectors, including commercial, healthcare, education, and industrial construction. LeChase Construction’s commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability has earned it numerous awards and recognitions, and its strong partnerships with institutions and organizations have contributed to the company’s impressive portfolio of projects. With regional offices throughout New York and North Carolina, LeChase Construction continues to deliver exceptional service and maintain its position as a trusted construction partner in the industry.

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.