Reaching a hundred years in business is no small feat, but for Higley Construction, the milestone is less about looking back and more about building forward. Since its founding in 1925 by Albert M. Higley in Cleveland, the company has remained committed to honesty, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to client satisfaction. Those values have carried it through a century of growth and transformation, and today Higley continues to expand its reach while staying true to the principles that defined its beginning.
“It really started as a family firm rooted in Cleveland,” says Rebecca Wollenhaupt, Director of Marketing Communications. “For decades, Cleveland was home—until 2018 when we opened our Detroit office. That expansion marked a major turning point, and now, while our Cleveland roots remain strong, we’ve grown to include offices in Detroit, Pittsburgh, and New Jersey.”
From a local builder with deep roots in Cleveland to a multi-state construction management company, Higley now offers a broad range of services, including general contracting, design-build, cost consulting, pre-construction support, scheduling, and project control. These capabilities allow it to serve clients across healthcare, education, culture, corporate, and multifamily sectors with confidence.
The company’s evolution has also meant expanding its market reach. Valerie McKenzie, Marketing Manager, notes that diversification has been a key part of Higley’s growth. “Our markets have really broadened over the past several years,” she says. “Historically, Higley focused heavily on healthcare, institutional, and higher education work, but now we’re seeing incredible momentum in multifamily projects. It’s exciting to be part of that growth—not just in Cleveland, but in new cities and communities where we’re helping to shape what’s next.”
“It’s exciting to be part of that growth—not just in Cleveland, but in new cities and communities where we’re helping to shape what’s next.”
Higley’s current project portfolio reflects both its scale and its ambition. Among its most high-profile undertakings is the expansion and renovation of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a $50 million design-build project in partnership with Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU), Robert P Madison Int., Inc., LERA Consulting Structural Engineers, DLR Group, Osborn Engineering, and Field Operations. Building on more than a decade of prior work at the Hall of Fame, the new expansion will provide exhibition and event space, along with offices overlooking Lake Erie. “Since 2011, we’ve been fortunate to partner with the Rock Hall on several projects,” says Wollenhaupt. “This latest expansion will be truly transformative—it’s going to redefine that entire area of the lakefront area and stand as an incredible landmark for the city.”
Equally ambitious is the Gorilla Primate Forest expansion at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, a $100 million project in collaboration with DVA Architects and WDM Architects. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the initiative will create a new world-class gorilla exhibit, expand the orangutan habitat, and update food service and visitor amenities. Additional improvements will upgrade driveways, parking areas, pedestrian walkways, ticketing, and gift shops, redefining the zoo’s entrance.
Healthcare, one of Higley’s most established markets, remains central to its portfolio. The firm is currently engaged in the Fairview Hospital Master Plan, a $198 million expansion in collaboration with architect Canon Design. Now in pre-construction and slated for completion in 2028, the project will relocate the main hospital building to expand patient capacity and elevate the overall care experience.
“This is a major undertaking in a key part of the city,” says David Pastir, President and Chief Operating Officer. “It exemplifies our long-standing partnership with Cleveland Clinic and our commitment to advancing healthcare infrastructure. Projects like this are about more than construction—they’re about creating environments that directly support healing, innovation, and community well-being.”
For Pastir, that philosophy extends beyond healthcare. “At the end of the day, it always comes back to people,” he continues. “It’s the clients we serve, the trade partners we collaborate with, and our own team who bring these projects to life. Our relationships are built on trust, and our work reflects that. We’re not just constructing buildings—we’re helping our clients fulfill their missions and create spaces that truly strengthen their communities.”
That philosophy resonates across the company’s centennial year celebrations. To mark its 100th anniversary, Higley’s employees dedicated 100 days of community service in 2025. Each employee received a day of volunteer time off, contributing hours to local organizations and initiatives. The gesture underscored the company’s belief in giving back to the communities that have sustained it for a century.
The rebrand Higley launched this year is part of its effort to align tradition with future ambitions. “Our rebrand celebrates where we’ve come from but positions us for what’s next,” says Wollenhaupt. “It reflects the evolution of our company, how we’re investing in technology, refining how we work, and strengthening our commitment to sustainability and innovation.”
Gareth Vaughan, CEO and Chairman, puts the centennial milestone into perspective: “For 100 years, Higley Construction has been more than just a builder—we’ve been a partner, a problem-solver, and a trusted name in the communities we serve. Our legacy is built on craftsmanship and the relationships we’ve forged along the way. As we look ahead to the next century, we remain committed to innovation, excellence, and the core values that have guided us from the very beginning. The foundation we’ve built is strong, and the future is limitless.”
This mix of history and forward vision is echoed in how the leadership team describes Higley’s trajectory. “At Higley Construction, our leadership is rooted in a century of tradition and a forward-thinking approach that keeps us at the forefront of the construction industry,” the team explains. “Since our founding in 1925, we have built a legacy of excellence through strong values and an unwavering commitment to community. Every leader who has been part of our journey has contributed unique perspectives and strengths to advance our vision and drive the company forward. Our history is marked by milestones and challenges, triumphs and lessons learned. It is these moments that have forged the resilient and visionary leadership that defines us today. And as we move forward, we do so with the same spirit that has driven us for over 100 years: a commitment to excellence, a dedication to people, and a focus on creating lasting impact.”
After a century of growth, Higley shows no signs of slowing down. From cultural landmarks like the Rock Hall to transformative healthcare expansions and community-focused projects, the company continues to shape the built environment across the Midwest and beyond. For Higley, the past hundred years are not an endpoint but a foundation—a base on which to build the next century of progress, partnership, and community impact.
