Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Construction Contractors in Lawrence, KS
Based in Lawrence, Kansas, First Construction has been delivering high-quality construction solutions since 1991. Our team brings decades of combined experience across residential, commercial, healthcare, educational, and historical renovation projects. We prioritize client collaboration through transparent budgeting, regular progress updates, and tailored design criteria to ensure project success. With over $700 million in completed projects, including work for Kansas University and Benedictine College, we combine innovative planning with meticulous attention to detail.Our leadership team, featuring industry veterans with 24-31 years of experience, maintains a personal connection with every client to meet evolving construction needs. We specialize in general contracting, construction management, and design-build services while leading historical preservation efforts in downtown Lawrence. Our commitment to excellence has positioned us as a trusted partner for complex developments requiring precision and reliability.
Services
General Contractor
Construction Management
Design-Build
Tenant Finish
Commercial Construction
Historical Renovation
Residential Development
Healthcare Facilities
Educational Institutions
Municipal Buildings
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 31 years of experience in commercial construction management.
- Our team provides transparent budgeting and regular project progress updates.
- We specialize in historical renovations with local preservation expertise.
- We maintain personal client connections throughout every project phase.
- Our leadership team includes veterans with 24-31 years of construction experience.
Services
General Contractor
We provide comprehensive general contracting services for new developments and major renovations. Our team manages all aspects of construction projects from initial planning through final delivery, ensuring compliance with budgets and timelines. With expertise in coordinating subcontractors and materials sourcing, we deliver turnkey solutions for commercial, residential, and institutional clients across Kansas.
Historical Renovation
Specializing in historical building preservation, we maintain architectural integrity while modernizing structures for contemporary use. Our team has completed multiple downtown Lawrence renovations that balance heritage conservation with functional upgrades. We work closely with local authorities and preservation boards to ensure compliance with historical standards while meeting modern building requirements.
Construction Management
Our construction management services provide clients with dedicated project oversight from concept to completion. We develop detailed budgets, coordinate timelines, and maintain regular client communication to ensure project goals are met. This service includes risk management, quality control, and cost monitoring for complex developments ranging from medical facilities to university projects.
Design-Build
We offer integrated design-build services that streamline construction projects through single-point accountability. This approach combines architectural design and construction phases under one contract, reducing project timelines and improving cost efficiency. Our team collaborates with architects and engineers to deliver cohesive solutions for healthcare facilities, retail spaces, and multi-unit residential developments.
Tenant Finish
Our tenant finish services transform commercial spaces to meet specific business requirements. We handle interior modifications including electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC integration, and finish work for retail stores, medical offices, and corporate spaces. This service focuses on creating functional, code-compliant environments while minimizing disruption to adjacent areas in multi-tenant buildings.
People
Doug Compton
Owner
With 31 years of industry experience, Doug Compton founded First Construction in 1991. He oversees strategic direction and maintains client relationships while ensuring adherence to quality standards across all projects.
Robert Green
President
Robert Green brings 25 years of construction expertise to his role as President. He manages daily operations and project execution, focusing on maintaining the company's reputation for reliable delivery and client satisfaction.
Anthony Dreiling
Chief Financial Officer
Anthony Dreiling oversees financial operations with responsibility for budgeting, cost management, and financial reporting. His expertise ensures fiscal accountability across the company's $700 million project portfolio.
Jason Nudson
Project Manager
Jason Nudson manages complex construction projects with 24 years of experience in client coordination, timeline management, and quality control for commercial and institutional developments.
John Garrett
Superintendent
John Garrett supervises on-site operations with extensive experience in construction methodologies and crew management. He ensures field work aligns with project specifications and safety standards.
Questions
What types of construction projects does First Construction handle?
We specialize in commercial, residential, healthcare, educational, and historical renovation projects, including work for universities, medical facilities, and downtown Lawrence preservation efforts.
How long has First Construction been in business?
Our parent company was established in 1991, with First Construction, LLC formed in 2005 to focus specifically on construction services across Kansas.
What sets First Construction apart from other contractors?
We combine 30+ years of local experience with transparent budgeting, regular client updates, and a leadership team that maintains personal involvement in every project.
Do you handle historical building renovations?
Yes, we have extensive experience with historical renovations in downtown Lawrence, balancing preservation requirements with modern functionality for national and local tenants.
How do you ensure projects stay on budget?
We provide detailed upfront budgets, regular financial updates, and maintain strict cost controls throughout each project phase to prevent overruns.
