On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, we had the honor of attending the 35th Annual Excellence in Construction® Awards Gala in Las Vegas. Hosted by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), this highly anticipated event celebrates the pinnacle of achievement in merit shop construction, recognizing remarkable building and construction accomplishments throughout the country.
The evening was a significant milestone for Corporate Contractors, Inc. (CCI), as we proudly earned national recognition with a Pyramid Award for The Grain Mass Timber project. This groundbreaking mass timber development exemplifies CCI’s expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in construction. As a trusted advisor and visionary partner who continually transforms challenges into opportunities for success, the CCI team demonstrated our ability to deliver high-quality projects that exceed expectations.
The Grain Mass Timber Development | Delafield, WI
The Grain is a pioneering mass timber development that reflects an innovative design and construction approach. A neglected former service station on a downtown corner lot was transformed into a vibrant, multi-use space featuring two four-story landmark buildings.
Key highlights of The Grain:
- Mass timber construction offers benefits such as reduced carbon emissions, shortened project timelines, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced acoustics
- 60,000 square feet of office space
- 18,000 square feet dedicated to retail and restaurants
- 125 underground parking spaces
Owner: Hendricks Commercial Properties
Architect: Johnson Design, Inc.
CCI and our build-team utilized cutting-edge building techniques. The mass timber structures feature dowel-laminated timber (DLT), which allowed us to accelerate construction compared to traditional steel methods. Prefabricated off-site, DLT panels optimized horizontal spans, enabling efficient and precise assembly.
The project came with its challenges, but our team tackled them head-on. We overcame issues such as bad soil removal, utility rerouting, and delays in material deliveries—particularly wood beams and columns from Austria and decking from British Columbia. Through strong leadership and collaboration, we developed creative solutions, including a custom water tank system and a steel H-pile shoring system for foundation stability. These efforts ensured that the project was completed smoothly and safely.
The Grain Mass Timber Development is more than just a construction project; it represents urban revitalization and environmental responsibility. Our collaboration with Hendricks Commercial Properties and Johnson Design, Inc. resulted in an aesthetically appealing, eco-friendly structure that is expected to create over 600 jobs in the local community. This success reinforces our dedication to pushing the boundaries of modern construction while fostering economic growth and sustainability.
The 35th Annual 
ABC Excellence in Construction® Awards Gala celebrated outstanding achievements in the construction industry. Still, at CCI, it was a moment to reflect on our commitment to innovation, quality, and community impact. As we proudly accepted the Pyramid Award, we were reminded of our role as industry leaders, inspiring continued excellence and ambition for future projects.
“This award is a testament to our entire team’s hard work, dedication, and innovation. The Grain project showcases our commitment to pushing the boundaries of modern construction while fostering strong partnerships and positive community impact,” said Homer Auge, President of CCI.
Let’s build something incredible together. Contact us today, and we will bring our expertise and innovation to your next project.
