Our History

Crane Construction Company

Origin

Crane Construction Company LLC (Crane) was founded by Morton J. Crane in the late 1940s in Chicago. Under his leadership, Crane became a prominent high-rise residential construction company in the Midwest, Employing over 300 people by the 1970's and building notable structures in Chicago, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Detroit.

In 1979, Morton handed the reins to his son, Jeffrey D. Crane. Jeff, with a civil engineering degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Northwestern University, led the company for 15 years, expanding its portfolio to include multi-family residential buildings, large commercial offices, industrial developments, and hotels.

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REFOCUS

In 1994, Jeff brought on partners including Ralph Grande, Mike Brown, and Mike Podgorny SR. This team refocused the company on hands-on principal engagement, a collaborative approach, and operational agility. They created an environment focused on the following that continues to this day:

  • Hands-on engagement of the principals with every project to ensure the highest levels of experience, consistency and detail.
  • A collaborative, team-oriented approach from the earliest stages of a project to achieve the most efficient, cost-effective outcome for the client.
  • Less bureaucracy which gives us the ability to be more agile and innovative, guaranteeing an unmatched client experience that exceeds expectations and delivers on commitments

NEW LEADERSHIP

In early 2020, Andrew Block, Ross Grande, and Warren Even acquired Crane Construction amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. This period of immense uncertainty required swift adaptation and crisis management. Crane’s new leadership navigated the company through changing regulations and the challenges inherent in a physically collaborative industry.

Despite the difficulties, Crane maintained its team without layoffs, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. The pandemic underscored the importance of unity and collaboration, reinforcing the company’s commitment to its legacy and principles. Under the leadership of Andrew, Ross, and Warren, Crane Construction emerged stronger, exemplifying the capacity to evolve and thrive even in the face of unexpected adversity.

THE FUTURE

The construction industry is evolving, with technology disrupting traditional practices and an aging workforce posing challenges. At Crane Construction, we are committed to blending the exceptional craftsmanship of the past with innovative perspectives for the future. Our mission is to invigorate the company by instilling fresh talent and unique perspectives, building a foundation for the decades to come.

We aim to create an environment where one can learn, practice, and grow. Our focus is on offering opportunities for professional development, learning from mistakes, and celebrating triumphs. Our vision prioritizes aligning our projects and size with our core values and ethos, rather than just seeking exponential growth.

The next five years are crucial for our trajectory. We are dedicated to cultivating the right individuals, nurturing their talents, and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Our focus extends beyond the immediate horizon, aiming to prepare future generations to continue Crane's legacy.

This journey is a collective endeavor, driven by our shared commitment to carrying Crane’s legacy forward for another 75 years of success. As we venture into new territories, our collective dedication, resilience, and vision will propel us forward.

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