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.
Tag: southwest michigan
Why Choose A Pre-Engineered Metal Building
Cost-Effective Pre-Engineered Metal Building Solutions
At Pearson Construction, we’ve established ourselves as leaders in pre-engineered metal building construction. Over the years, we’ve witnessed a remarkable surge in demand for efficient, cost-effective commercial construction solutions, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this revolution. Our approach to building delivers four fundamental benefits: time savings, cost efficiency, better deliveries and durability. We’re not just constructing buildings; we’re reimagining how commercial construction can be more efficient and sustainable. Our pre-engineered buildings have helped transform the industry, offering solutions that align perfectly with modern business needs.
Initial Investment Benefits
When comparing costs, we consistently find that pre-engineered construction offers substantial savings over traditional methods. The math is simple: We can significantly cut labor costs because our components arrive ready to assemble, allowing the construction timeline to be dramatically shorter.
What’s particularly exciting is how we optimize foundation requirements. Our buildings are engineered to be lighter while maintaining structural integrity, which means less concrete and site work. We’re not just building differently; we’re building smarter.
Long-Term Financial Advantages
The savings don’t stop after construction. We’ve helped our clients achieve remarkable reductions in maintenance costs throughout their building’s lifetime. Our structures incorporate advanced energy efficiency features, including superior insulation systems that typically result in 15-20% lower utility costs.
Insurance companies often favor our buildings too. Why? Because they recognize the superior structural integrity of pre-engineered construction. We’ve seen clients benefit from better insurance rates due to our buildings’ proven performance in severe weather conditions.
Time-Saving Construction Process
Streamlined Design Phase for Pre-Engineered Metal Building
Our computer-aided design process is a game-changer. We can generate precise specifications and detailed 3D models that eliminate guesswork. This technology has allowed us to reduce design time by up to 50% compared to traditional methods.
At Pearson Construction, we’ve refined our approval process to be remarkably efficient. We can typically move from initial concept to final design approval in weeks rather than months, something our clients particularly appreciate when time is of the essence.
Accelerated Construction Timeline
While traditional construction might take 12-16 weeks, we often complete similar projects in 6-8 weeks. We’re also less dependent on perfect weather conditions. Since many components arrive pre-fabricated, we can continue making progress even when the weather isn’t ideal. This means fewer delays and more predictable completion dates.
Versatility and Customization
Design Flexibility
One misconception we often encounter is that pre-engineered buildings lack aesthetic appeal. Nothing could be further from the truth. We offer an impressive range of exterior finishes, from sleek modern metals to traditional facades that blend seamlessly with existing architecture.
Our interior configurations are equally flexible. The possibilities are truly endless.
Adaptability for Different Industries
In manufacturing facilities, we’ve designed buildings that optimize production flow while maintaining strict climate control. For healthcare buildings, we create sterile environments with specialized ventilation systems and precise temperature control. Our commercial warehouses feature efficient loading dock configurations and maximum storage capacity.
Contact our Team Today
At Pearson Construction, we’ve dedicated ourselves to mastering pre-engineered building solutions. The advantages we’ve discussed – cost savings, time efficiency, and versatility – aren’t just claims; they’re results we continue to deliver to our clients.
Remember, choosing a pre-engineered metal building isn’t just about constructing a space – it’s about investing in a solution that will serve your business efficiently for decades to come.
At Pearson, we work with our clients to determine the parameters of their construction project first. Then, our industry experts investigate how a pre-engineered metal building would fit into the business owner’s existing production before giving our recommendation.
Reach out to our business development team. Let’s discuss how we can help plan your next project. With our expertise and proven track record, we’ll help you achieve the best return on your investment. Contact us today to discover why so many businesses trust us for their construction needs.
Constructing Top-Notch Athletic Facilities
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.
Embracing Community Involvement
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.
Pearson Interiors Unparalleled Attention to Detail: Behler-Young (Holland, MI)
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 Team today!
Pearson Interiors: Riverwood Center (Niles, MI)
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 Team today!
Elements of Smart Architectural Design
Creating the best Vision for the Business Owner takes a Team Approach
Arunas Rumsa of Pearson Construction’s In-House Architectural Design Team, TERA Architects, shares insights into what elements are essential for Smart Design.
“What I enjoy about a design build scenario is doing what I do best, and being part of a team that does what they do best. It’s not so much that I am the overall designer or master planner, a lot of the decisions we made are done collectively,” says Rumsa. “We go through an iterative process of accessing information, and it may not have anything to do with architecture. It may have something to do with finances, building location, timing, sequence. All that goes into solving a problem for the owner.”
When choosing the design/build process – the contractor is always known. In this case, Pearson Construction. So Arunas and his team don’t have to detail every single thing. He is able to rely on the experience of the general contracting team, and their expectations, so they are able to cut out a lot of the drawing time in a more traditional, design-bid-build process.
“There is a big convenience of me being able to walk across the room and discuss technical questions. We could have a question about the cost of one foundation system versus another foundation system based on poor soil qualities, and make a decision fairly quickly on how we want to proceed with that part of the building,” says Rumsa. “Pearson Construction crews can come to me and ask questions about code reviews, code questions, and a lot of times those conversations lead to changing design plans that save the business owner money.”
When talking about Smart Design – the more each side is able to talk to each other, and discuss plans, the better the project becomes. At the beginning of a project, TERA Architects team members have a pretty good understanding of what a building might look like and what it’s going to cost. Our design team works to stay on top of the business owner’s needs and budget through the whole design build process. The majority of meetings are productive where we work directly with the owners, and contractors in order to get immediate feedback on the project.
What about setting a budget?
Rumsa says the best thing about a building is setting parameters, or definition, guidelines – the budget being one of them.
“When I look at a project, initially, and I look at the owner’s budget, we can all analyze with the help of the construction site whether it’s a realistic budget or not,” says Rumsa. “The real creativity comes in when you are actually designing within that budget, and can create something spectacular for the owner for the price they want to spend.”
The resulting product is something that we hope our client is excited about, because we know we have taken all of their wants and needs into consideration, and designed a vision everyone can be proud of.
“You go into the archives from 60 years ago and you look at the tremendous amount of work this company has done for the community, and you want to be part of a team that is passionate about what they do,” says Rumsa. “Others being passionate makes you want to be passionate.”
The creation of Pearson Engineering, Inc. in 1956, dba TERA Architects, Inc., has allowed Pearson to remain on the forefront of innovation and construction deliverables. Staffed with highly trained and experienced architects, engineers, and designers, TERA provides efficient, economical project design through both traditional and design build methods of project delivery.
Click Here to View more of Person Construction and TERA Architects Projects
Pitfalls of Historical Construction
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.
Great Lakes Eye Care Building Renovation
Pearson Interiors was able to Give an Old Building a New Life
Chances are you’ve heard the saying “When the Bones are Good.” At Pearson Construction, we have the experience necessary to determine whether it’s possible to take a run down building, with a solid structure, and transform it into something special again. We recently had the chance to do just that for Great Lakes Eye Care, who purchased a dilapidated former fast food restaurant, in order to turn it into a new clinic for their patients in South Haven. Take a look at how it all turned out.
Pearson – WE BUILD. for Healthcare
Contact our team for any of your commercial, industrial or institutional construction needs: CONTACT US
Berrien Springs Playground Construction
New Pieces Expected this Fall
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.
Church Construction
Pearson – We Build. Churches
We’ve had a hand in designing, building and renovating numerous places of worship across Southwest Michigan – from Buchanan to Benton Harbor, Stevensville to St. Joseph, and beyond. Here’s a look at some of our most recent Church construction projects.
Learn more about how we can support your church placement and expansion efforts by contacting our business development team.