In 1891, Frederick Bulley, a 21-year-old English stone mason, partnered with Alfred Andrews, an architect. Four generations and 120 years later, the modest, two man operation has become one of the most successful and well-respected general contracting firms in Chicago.
This year, Bulley & Andrews is proud to celebrate 120 years in business. The family-owned and operated general contractor attributes this significant milestone to the strong foundation built decades ago on honesty, integrity, and service in construction. The firm will celebrate the momentous occasion by hosting an open-house gathering for clients, partners and friends of the firm at the Chicago Club on Thursday, October 13, 2011.
Chairman and CEO, Allan E. Bulley, Jr., and President, Allan E. Bulley, III are the third and fourth generations, respectively, to lead Bulley & Andrews. Yet, family pride and commitment to the firm extends far beyond ownership.
Today, Bulley & Andrews’ annual revenues exceed $210 million and the company employs approximately 70 project management and administrative staff as well as over 200 field personnel. As a self-performing contractor, B&A employs a number of tradesmen whose family histories with the organization span generations and include fathers, grandfathers, brothers and sisters, many of whom have been with the organization for over 25 years.
Significant events in the company’s history include the establishment of Bulley & Andrews Masonry Restoration, LLC, in 2005. Known as BAMR, the group oversees and performs all services necessary to maintain, protect and preserve a building’s exterior. Five years later, in 2010, Bulley & Andrews acquired the assets of Takao Nagai Associates to develop the subsidiary known as Takao Nagai Concrete Restoration. Their concrete repair and waterproofing expertise complements Bulley & Andrews’ extensive restoration experience.
Over the past 120 years, the company has built and restored many of Chicago’s most significant landmarks. Late in 1941, Bulley & Andrews was commissioned by the Atomic Energy Commission to build the laboratory space for the Manhattan Project. Located beneath Stagg Field at The University of Chicago, the project was built in complete secrecy. Decades later, Bulley & Andrews has helped to construct McDonald’s corporate campus in Oak Brook, Ill., restore Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Robie House and maintain and expand S&C Electric’s campus on the northside. The firm is currently building the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House in downtown Chicago. BD+C
Related Stories
| May 23, 2013
Portland State University’s School of Architecture launches Center for Public Interest Design
Portland State University’s School of Architecture is proud to announce the launch of its new Center for Public Interest Design, a research center that aims to investigate and utilize the power of design to make social, economic and environmental change in disadvantaged communities worldwide. The Center is the first of its kind in the nation.
| May 22, 2013
Return of retail? Rent growth seen in recovering markets
Like digging a ditch with a spoon, retail demand driven by population growth has eaten away at the supply of available store space in the markets that have been slowest to recover from the downturn. Vacancy rates are reaching a point that will give at least some landlords in every market the clout to demand slightly higher rents.
| May 22, 2013
New ASTM standard enhances hollow structural sections
ASTM A1085 is a big step forward in simplifying HSS design and usage, thereby making it a more desirable option for HSS.
| May 22, 2013
Architecture billings take a step back in April, ending growth streak
For the first time in 10 months, the AIA's Architecture Billings Index slipped into negative territory, falling to 48.6 in April, down from 51.9 the previous month. This is the ABI's lowest mark since July 2012.
| May 21, 2013
Foster + Partners reveals plans for London residential towers
British firm Foster + Partners has unveiled plans for two residential skyscrapers as part of a mixed-use development in north London.
| May 21, 2013
RSMeans cost comparisons: pools, racquetball courts, bowling alleys, hockey/soccer facilities
Construction market analysts from RSMeans offer construction costs per square foot for four building types across 25 metro markets.
| May 21, 2013
7 tile trends for 2013: Touch-sensitive glazes, metallic tones among top styles
Tile of Spain consultant and ceramic tile expert Ryan Fasan presented his "What's Trending in Tile" roundup at the Coverings 2013 show in Atlanta earlier this month. Here's an overview of Fasan's emerging tile trends for 2013.
| May 20, 2013
4 emerging trends in parking structure design
Survey of parking professionals reveals how technology is transforming the parking industry.
| May 20, 2013
Jones Lang LaSalle: All U.S. real estate sectors to post gains in 2013—even retail
With healthier job growth numbers and construction volumes at near-historic lows, real estate experts at Jones Lang LaSalle see a rosy year for U.S. commercial construction.