MW Builders has always taken great pride in its midwestern roots - as the M and W in its name suggest - even though the company got its start building hotels across the country for Motel 6.
Now celebrating fifty years in business, the national general contractor learned the value of working with good partners and committed themselves to build a portfolio that scanned coast-to-coast.
While that national commitment still rings true today, six years ago the company recognized that Kansas City had a wealth of opportunities that fit within their own expertise, and they made the decision to build deeper roots in their local market.
“We are firm believers that great partnerships result in great projects,” said Todd Winnerman, president of MW Builders. “And while we’ve built all over the country, we are grateful for the partners and opportunities that have allowed us to build a solid foundation right here in Kansas City.”
The Lenexa-based office has grown from 14 employees in 2015 to 41 in 2021; almost a quarter of its entire workforce is now dedicated to the Kansas City market.
With a strong portfolio in the multifamily, senior living and light industrial markets, MW Builders recognized that the growth the Kansas City market was experiencing was right in line with their own expertise.
The team has worked on several multifamily projects downtown, including the Flashcube Apartments along Main Street, Union Berkley Riverfront Park mixed-use facility and The Yards in the West Bottoms.
Kansas City has also seen a tremendous amount of growth in the light industrial warehouse market for last-mile e-commerce work.
With land available and proximity to a large metro, many developers have worked with MW Builders to create light industrial facilities, most notably Woodend Industrial facilities and Lone Elm warehouse/distribution facility – both completed for a repeat client, VanTrust Real Estate.
Even with out-of-town projects still on their roster, the ability to support local employees who are eager to be part of the growth of their hometown, while remaining close to home, is of great importance to the MW Builders leadership team.
“Our employee owners are a top priority for us as we look to the future,” said Winnerman.
“As we continue to look for new opportunities, it is with our own internal team at the forefront of that decision. Whether that’s further growth in our existing markets, opening new offices, or, likely, a combination of the two, that’s where we’re concentrating our efforts. We’re excited about the future of both MW Builders and Kansas City and looking forward to being a part of the city’s growth now and even another 50 years to come.”