Gundlach Champion

06/03/2026

Gundlach Champion has worked with many manufacturing clients in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Over time, we have learned what makes construction projects successful. Here are some of the most important factors:

Equipment
Industrial construction projects often mean moving or installing new equipment. If you include the production department early in the planning, you can avoid costly mistakes and extra work. Talking with supervisors and workers who use the equipment helps improve efficiency and makes sure the project fits your needs.

READ MORE AT: https://gcfirst.com/2026/06/03/industrial-construction-best-practices/

06/01/2026

05/06/2026

Casino designers and builders pay close attention to features that increase profits, such as keeping walls free of clocks, creating maze-like layouts, and placing restrooms to encourage guests to stay on the gaming floor. However, back-of-house spaces are sometimes forgotten or planned at the last minute. This can result in those areas being used for guests or offices being squeezed into places that are not ideal for staff. By considering back-of-house needs early in the process, you can avoid expensive changes during construction and give your team the support they need. When designing guest areas, keep back-of-house operations nearby so front-of-house services work smoothly. For instance, food and beverage stations and staff changing rooms should be close to both guest spaces and work areas.

Casino Construction Design
If your casino space is limited, try not to overcrowd it with slot machines, roulette tables, or blackjack tables. This makes it easier and more comfortable for customers to move around. Place ticketing booths where guests can easily find and access them. Also, design the layout so you can move gaming equipment when needed.

READ MORE AT: https://gcfirst.com/2026/05/06/winning-factors-in-casino-construction/

05/04/2026

Congratulations!

04/02/2026

Construction projects can be organized in several ways, each defining the roles and responsibilities of owners, designers, and contractors. Over time, these delivery methods have expanded. Knowing how each method impacts a project’s outcome is important. Choosing the right system for your needs and understanding how the owner, architect, and builder work together are key to a successful project. Here are the main construction delivery methods used today.

Construction Management
The Construction Management Delivery Method gives owners two options: CM at Risk (CMAR) and CM Multi-Prime (CMMP). The main difference is who holds the contracts and takes on the financial risk. In CMAR, one firm manages the project and offers a Guaranteed Maximum Price. In CMMP, the owner works directly with several trade contractors, while the construction manager acts as an advisor. CMAR is a good fit for complex projects that need careful budgeting. CMMP means more owner involvement but can lower fees and overall costs.

READ MORE AT: https://gcfirst.com/2026/04/02/construction-delivery-methods-today/

03/30/2026

Gundlach Champion earned the 2026 AGC Build Michigan Award for restoring the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity House in Houghton, MI. This recognition, celebrating outstanding project management in the “$10 Million or Less Building Construction” category, was presented at the AGC’s Annual Meeting on February 27 in Detroit.

The project brought life back to the historic landmark, first built in 1900 by Herman Gundlach. In 2022, an electrical fire and 500,000 gallons of firefighting water caused severe damage, destroying the roof and putting the building’s future at risk.

The Phi Zeta House Corporation hired GCI in June 2024 to restore the property. The team removed everything down to the balloon-framed walls and the Jacobsville sandstone foundation to stabilize the building. They balanced historic preservation with modern craftsmanship, carefully recreating details like the 11-piece cornice, coffered ceilings, and the grand staircase. The project finished successfully in July 2025.

Balancing respect for history with the skill of modern craftsmen, they meticulously recreated details such as the intricate 11-piece cornice, elegantly coffered ceilings, and the sweeping grand staircase. Their dedication in the award-winning restoration, completed in July 2025.

03/18/2026

Congratulations Gundlach for winning the 2026 Build Michigan Award for the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity House- Fire Restoration Project