Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Construction Solutions in Lawrence
Based in Lawrence, Kansas, First Construction has been delivering successful construction projects since 1991. Our team has completed nearly $500 million in greenfield site development and $200 million in third-party projects, including student housing, banks, restaurants, shopping centers, medical buildings, and university facilities. We specialize in commercial, education, healthcare, historical renovation, hotel/multi-unit residential, municipal, retail, and tenant finish projects. Our approach emphasizes client involvement through detailed budgets, accurate design criteria, and regular progress meetings to ensure all needs are met. With decades of combined experience, our leadership team brings expertise in innovative planning, attention to detail, and personalized client relationships.We have completed landmark projects like the Allen Fieldhouse Remodel, Eudora Medical Office Building, and Lawrence Opera House Historical Renovation. Our commitment to finishing projects on time and within budget has established us as industry leaders. We serve clients such as Kansas University, Kansas State University, and Benedictine College while maintaining a focus on quality and client satisfaction. Our team includes seasoned professionals with 24-31 years of experience in construction management and project execution.
Services
General Contractor
Construction Management
Design-Build
Tenant Finish
Commercial
Education
Healthcare
Historical Renovation
Hotel/Multi-Unit Residential
Retail
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have completed $700 million in residential and commercial projects since 1991.
- Our team includes professionals with 24-31 years of construction experience.
- We provide detailed budgets and regular client progress meetings.
- We specialize in historical renovations and complex institutional projects.
- Our leadership maintains personal connections with every client.
Services
General Contractor
As a full-service general contractor, we manage all aspects of construction projects from initial planning to final execution. Our team coordinates subcontractors, materials, and timelines to ensure seamless delivery. Clients benefit from our expertise in budget management, quality control, and adherence to project schedules across residential and commercial sectors.
Historical Renovation
We specialize in preserving historical structures while integrating modern functionality. Our team has completed renovations for landmarks like the Lawrence Opera House and Allen Fieldhouse. By combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary building codes, we maintain architectural integrity while meeting current usage requirements for commercial and cultural institutions.
Construction Management
Our construction management services provide clients with dedicated oversight throughout the project lifecycle. We handle budget tracking, scheduling, and quality assurance while maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders. This approach ensures alignment with design specifications and regulatory standards for complex developments in education, healthcare, and municipal sectors.
Design-Build
We offer end-to-end design-build solutions that streamline project delivery by combining architectural design and construction under one contract. This method reduces costs and timelines while ensuring cohesive execution. Clients receive unified accountability for projects ranging from retail spaces to specialized healthcare facilities.
Tenant Finish
Our tenant finish services transform commercial spaces to meet specific business needs. We handle everything from layout modifications to systems integration while minimizing disruption to adjacent operations. This includes retail storefronts, office interiors, and medical facilities requiring compliance with industry-specific regulations and accessibility standards.
People
Douglas J. Compton
Owner
With 31 years of construction experience, Douglas founded First Construction in 1991 and has led over $700 million in completed projects while maintaining a focus on client relationships.
Robert Green
President
Bringing 25 years of industry expertise, Robert oversees operations and strategic growth while ensuring adherence to quality standards across all project types.
Anthony Dreiling
Chief Financial Officer
Anthony manages financial operations with a focus on budget accuracy and cost control, ensuring projects remain within financial parameters while maintaining transparency with clients.
Jason Nudson
Project Manager
With 24 years of experience, Jason coordinates project execution from planning to completion, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with design specifications for commercial and institutional clients.
John Ming
Estimator / Project Manager
John combines cost estimation expertise with project oversight, providing accurate budget projections and managing implementation for complex developments in healthcare and education sectors.
Questions
What types of construction projects does First Construction handle?
We specialize in commercial, residential, healthcare, education, historical renovation, retail, and municipal projects with expertise in tenant finish and design-build solutions.
How does First Construction ensure projects stay on budget?
We provide detailed upfront budgets, maintain transparent financial tracking, and conduct regular client meetings to ensure cost predictability and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
Can First Construction manage historical building renovations?
Yes, we have extensive experience preserving historical structures while integrating modern functionality, as demonstrated in projects like the Lawrence Opera House and Allen Fieldhouse renovations.
What sets First Construction apart from other contractors?
Our 30+ years of experience, personalized client approach, and proven track record of completing $700 million in projects on time and within budget distinguish us in the industry.
Do you work with institutional clients like universities?
Yes, we have completed projects for Kansas University, Kansas State University, and Benedictine College, including student housing, athletic facilities, and academic buildings.
How does First Construction handle client communication during projects?
We maintain regular client meetings, provide detailed progress updates, and ensure transparent communication channels to address concerns and confirm alignment with project goals.
