Which Construction Bid Option is Best for Your Business?
When it comes to managing construction projects, business owners and project managers often face a critical decision: should they opt for Construction Management or General Contracting? This choice can significantly impact the budget, timeline, and overall success of a project. At Pearson Construction Company, we’ve worked extensively with both approaches, and through our experience, we’ve uncovered some important insights about the true costs involved in each. Learn more in this video with Pearson Construction President, Burt Pearson II, and keep reading our blog article below.
Pearson Construction has maintained a decades-long partnership with both Cornerstone Alliance and Vail Rubber Works — a relationship built on mutual trust, shared vision, and a deep commitment to the economic vitality of southwest Michigan. At a recent event, held at Vail Rubber Works’ Royalton Township facility, Pearson Construction Vice-President, Greta Pearson-Barrons spoke about the enduring relationship with Vail Rubber Works and how it exemplified the strength of local industry partnerships. Everyone in attendance had a chance to tour Vail’s 40,000 sq. ft. facility, constructed by our team at Pearson Construction, as part of phase one at the Royalton township location. Phase two is currently underway, where we are erecting three additional steel spaces as part of a massive expansion project for the plant – which specializes in high-performance rubber and polyurethane roll covers. The entire construction project is expected to be complete by year end.
Pearson-Barrons father, Burt Pearson II, Pearson Construction President, shared how alliances between Cornerstone, Vail and Pearson Construction have played a crucial role in creating jobs, supporting manufacturing, and driving economic development across the community. Here’s more from Burt Pearson II, on his company’s work with Vail throughout the years. Listen below in this video.
Pearson Construction’s Vice-President Greta Pearson-Barrons is featured in the first edition of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber‘s recently re-released ACTIONLINE Magazine. Pearson-Barrons, who serves as the Vice President of Pearson Construction Company, recently took over as Vice Chair of the SMRC Board of Directors. Read More below in Volume 1, Issue 1 April 2025 Edition of ACTIONLINE Magazine.
How to Create Winning Athletic Facilities for High Schools and Colleges
When it comes to building top-notch athletic facilities, our team at Pearson Construction knows how to collaborate with school districts and architects. Our commitment to communication and teamwork ensures that every project flows seamlessly from concept to completion. With a hands-on approach and the involvement of ownership at every stage, our General Contracting team brings a unique understanding that leads to superior results tailored to meet community needs.
Whether it’s synthetic turf for year-round play or comprehensive planning for diverse athletic spaces, we’re all about making your vision a reality. We worked with Architect, Tony Leininger, from CARMI Design Group on Berrien Springs Public Schools‘ Sylvester Stadium. Leininger shares more about our professional relationship, and why the collaboration worked so well.
Our athletic facility project with Berrien Springs Public Schools, constructing Sylvester Stadium, spanned thousands of square feet and included team rooms, locker spaces, concessions, and a press box.
Key features of the athletic facility include the decision to use synthetic turf, allowing for year-round use, which was a significant consideration in the design. The project required thorough communication and regular progress meetings among all parties involved, including subcontractors and the school district. Leininger’s testimonial stresses the value of having a family-owned business like Pearson Construction that prioritizes owner involvement and supports local educational initiatives – demonstrating our commitment to community engagement and workforce development.
A pivotal aspect of any construction project is its impact on the local community. Modern projects are not just about bricks and mortar; they represent a commitment to enhancing the local environment. By involving community members in the planning stages, developers can address concerns, gather insights, and foster a sense of ownership among residents. That was the case for the Niles-Buchanan YMCA. The organization enlisted the help of the surrounding community to raise funds to pay for construction of a new gymnasium, teen center, and dance classrooms. This collaborative approach resulted in more responsive designs that cater to the needs of the people who use these facilities. This reinforces community ties and generates greater support for the project, ensuring robust relationships long after completion.
5 Key Elements of Successful Sports Facility Construction
To construct a top-notch athletic facility, several key elements must be considered:
1. **Space and Design** The facility should encompass ample space, typically around 7000 square feet, with areas designated for team rooms, locker rooms, concessions, community restrooms, and a press box. The design should facilitate a variety of sports, such as including a multi-sport arena capable of hosting different athletic events.
2. **Field Surface** Choosing the right surface is crucial. Opting for synthetic turf allows for year-round use of the facility, minimizing downtime due to weather conditions and supporting more consistent play.
3. **Community Involvement** Engaging with the community throughout the construction process is essential. Regular communication and progress meetings should involve not only the construction team but also stakeholders and community members to ensure the facility meets local needs and expectations.
4. **Experienced Team** Working with an experienced construction management team that values collaboration is critical. Their ability to mediate between stakeholders and address concerns during the project can lead to a superior end product. A good relationship with the builders can enhance the quality of construction and overall satisfaction.
5. **Sustainability and Future Planning** Integrating sustainable practices into the facility’s design and construction can lead to long-term benefits. This includes energy-efficient systems, environmentally friendly materials, and considerations for future upgrades.
By focusing on these aspects, planners can create an athletic facility that not only meets current demands but also stands the test of time and continues to serve the community effectively. At Pearson, we know collaborative efforts in planning and execution can lead to successful outcomes in community-focused projects, fostering positive relationships and ensuring high-quality results. Contact our business development team to get started on your next school design or athletic facility project.
Things are coming along on our Construction Project at Monte Package Company’s 6,500 Sq. Ft. office building in Hagar Township. The wood framed office building includes pre-engineered wood trusses, and slab on grade. Here’s a quick update on the expansion project.
Miraculous Transformations Made Possible with Pearson Interiors
We had the pleasure of redesigning and constructing our 4th showroom/warehouse project for the Behler-Young Company. Widely known as the Premier HVAC/R Distributor for Licensed Contractors, the family-owned Behler-Young was looking to expand into the Holland, Michigan market for the company’s 20th location, and they turned to our Pearson Interiors general contracting team at to get the job done.
Interested in seeing what we can do for a building you are interested in renovating for your business? Learn more about Pearson Interiors and Contact Our Teamtoday!
It’s extremely rewarding when we can take an old building, with good bones, and reinvent it to match our client’s vision. This can be true whether our clients own the building, or rent it – the latter being the case for the project we completed for Riverwood Center in Niles, Michigan. Take a look at how we were able to address safety concerns, while taking two different suites and make them flow seamlessly into one, so Riverwood Center counselors can do what they do best, care for the mental health of the underserved population in that area.
Interested in seeing what we can do for a building you are interested in renovating for your business? Learn more about Pearson Interiors and Contact Our Teamtoday!
Learn the 5 pitfalls every real estate investor or business owner should know about before purchasing a historical building.
Our team of project managers, contractors, engineers and architects can help you navigate the best way to approach your historical building construction project. We have decades of experience working on historical buildings in southwest Michigan. Pearson Vice-President Sean Ebbert says there are a few main things to keep in mind before singing on the dotted line. The first pitfall is many business owners and real estate investors believe the building they are looking to purchase is in better shape than it is.
Pitfall #1 – They underestimate the amount of work it takes to bring it up to code.
“It’s imperative that those interested in purchasing these types of properties rely on experts like our team at Pearson Construction to tell them what could be hidden beneath the surface,” says Ebbert. “It often takes a lot of work to revitalize these buildings and bring them up to code.”
The utilities, the water system, electrical infrastructure – in essence a lot of the things you don’t see – it’s hard to put that into terms of how much work needs to be done and that can be a real driver of cost.
Pitfall #2 – Sometimes you underestimate what the building is.
Our team of in-house design professionals, including engineers and architects can determine what parts of the building can be salvaged. We have the advantage of being able to establish a realistic budget on the front-end of your project.
“We try to minimize the surprise and sticker shock at the end of the project,” says Ebbert. “You can save costs if you utilize more of the building. So just taking down a crumbling wall all the way isn’t necessarily a cost-effective approach. Salvaging some of that wall keeps some of that historical character and at the same time saves money.”
Pitfall #3 Is there a Historical Designation attached to the building?
A lot of older buildings that have been around a while don’t necessarily have a historic designation by the state or other organization, but some owners do like to maintain that historic integrity and flavor. However, it’s important to keep in mind some areas do require special building materials.
Pitfall #4 Scheduling Issues
Unforeseen conditions can shift the construction timeline. Ebbert says when considering historical renovation it’s an “if” not “when” you will come across unforeseen situations that cause your timeline to shift.
Pitfall #5 Public Reaction
“Be prepared for neighbors and area businesses to weigh-in on your project,” says Ebbert.
This last one is something many business owners don’t think about before their project has started. Ebbert says people in the community tend to be pretty passionate about change, and whether you are saving things or changing things there can be feedback from the community that could be a deterrent to some business owners when considering a historic project.
So why choose Pearson Construction for your Historical Construction project? The main reasons are simple – Our Experience, Our Knowledge of the Local Market, and our Team Approach of sharing information and using the strengths of our best team members for each individual project.
“It’s not a one size fits all situation,” says Ebbert. “It’s not ‘I can handle this particular type of project all the time.’ There may be a project manager who is better suited based on previous experience and timing to take on that project. We connect the right people for the right project.”
Pearson – WE BUILD. Historical Projects.
Our team of project managers, contractors, engineers and architects can help you navigate the best way to approach your historical building construction project. We have decades of experience working on historical buildings in southwest Michigan. Contact our team to get started on your project.
Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan Renovation
Sometimes a project comes along that tugs at our emotions. One that our crews feel truly good about completing – because it impacts the health and well-being of our clients. This is that project. In this Pearson In Focus, we got to come up with an idea that will ultimately protect the dogs hoping to be adopted at the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan.
Pearson – WE BUILD. for the health of Man’s Best Friend.
Berrien Springs Public School students at Sylvester Elementary will be treated to a new and improved playground this school year. Pearson Construction crews have been busy pouring concrete and moving and assembling new play structures for the students to enjoy. Here’s a look at what we’ve done so far.
Pearson – WE BUILD. for Schools. Contact our team today for help with your Institutional Construction project.
2. **Field Surface** Choosing the right surface is crucial. Opting for synthetic turf allows for year-round use of the facility, minimizing downtime due to weather conditions and supporting more consistent play.
