By: Deborah Johnson Wood
The Engineering News-Record recently ranked Rockford Construction Michigan's largest 'green' contractor, based on the company's LEED building revenue in 2006. Rockford is one of two Michigan companies on the list, ranking number 44 out of 50 companies evaluated.
In 2006, Rockford's green projects topped out at over $28 million. That number represents LEED educational facilities, retail shops, offices, banks, and religious and cultural non-profits.
"We're honored," says Mike VanGessell, who co-founded Rockford with partner John Wheeler. "My initial reaction was 'Great! We're kind of where I'd hoped we'd be.' It validates that we're doing the right things, we're benchmarking against the kind of companies we want to be associated with."
Rockford's LEED projects include two world firsts: the first LEED-certified church, Keystone Community, Ada, and the first LEED-certified new construction art museum, the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Other projects include the rectory at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Grand Rapids; the Blue Cross Blue Shield building, Grand Rapids; the restored D.A. Blodgett Home for Children, Grand Rapids; and renovation of the Alano Club, Grand Rapids.
"I've got to complement Mr. [Peter] Wege who has made sustainable building a prominent issue in West Michigan," VanGessell says. "Even our furniture companies, before LEED was a word, they pushed sustainability in their design and materials. West Michigan has been on the front edge of this movement."
Source: Michael VanGessell, Rockford Construction
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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