From Iconic Landmarks to Green Solutions: MVRDV's Visionary Impact
MVRDV is an innovative architecture and urban design practice that uses a research-driven design approach to propel cities toward a better future!
Mickalene Thomas: Crafting Art Beyond the Canvas
You would be hard-pressed to find a magazine that hasn’t featured Mickalene Thomas, and for good reason. As an African-American contemporary artist and filmmaker from New Jersey, she has been making waves around the world for her unique and captivating pieces.
Celebrating Youth & Future Aspirations
This year’s International Youth Day theme is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” as young people continue to drive the charge in digital adoption and innovation. At Clayco, we support young talent by helping them develop their skills while working alongside some of the industry's best professionals.
A New Era for Chicago: The Rise of the Quantum Computing Hub
Clayco is part of a team redeveloping a 400+ acre site that was once the country’s leading steel producer into a future-forward project that will establish the city as a global quantum computing hub. The Quantum Campus at 8080 South Lakeshore is set to lead the nation in quantum research.
Enhancing Campus & Community Living with The Dean
The Dean is a 426,464-square-foot student housing high-rise development in Reno that features state-of-the-art amenities. Residents will find that the 12 stories of the building have something to offer for everyone, including a fitness center, game and club lounge, BBQ grills, fire pits, both group and individual study lounge spaces, as well as a rooftop terrace with a pool and incredible views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
Exploring Opportunities in China and Beyond
Michael Fassnacht, Clayco’s Chief Growth Officer and President of Chicagoland, traveled abroad as part of the Midwest delegation to China to scope out promising business opportunities. He journeyed for nine days through China, stopping in Shanghai, Qingdao, Beijing, and Hong Kong – and brought back some transformative insights!
The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt's New World
Dive into the world of Alexander von Humboldt, a courageous explorer and the most influential scientist of his time. Andrea Wulf’s book, “The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt's New World,” is an incredible story of insatiable curiosity.
A Heartfelt Farewell to Our Esteemed Retirees
What makes our company so great are the incredible people within its ranks, especially some of our Clayco long-timers like Kevin Schulte, Renee Henningfield, and Steve Moeller. I want to take this opportunity to celebrate these outstanding individuals as we prepare to say goodbye as they head into their next chapter: retirement!
Memorial Day Reflections: Lessons from Two Father Figures
Memorial Day is a significant moment for American citizens to honor the sacrifices of so many in service to our country to secure our freedoms. It underscores the personal costs of war and how crucial it is for everyday people like us to strive for a better tomorrow.
Es Devlin Dazzles Audiences through Light, Sound, and Sculpture
I recently went to the exhibition An Atlas of Es Devlin at the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum in New York. Es Devlin is an English stage designer and artist who is known for her work in theater, opera, concerts, and large public installations.
Skilled Trades Day: Honoring the Backbone and Future of Industries
Skilled Trades Day is the perfect moment to acknowledge the importance of the long list of craftspeople who are the backbone of sectors like construction — the carpenters, electricians, technicians, welders, masons, plumbers, painters, and more.
Crain’s Chicago Real Estate Breakfast with Ciere Boatright
I’m always proud to see extended members of our Clayco family continue to succeed in their career paths! Ciere Boatright, a Chicago native and a nationally recognized real estate professional with over a decade of experience, has been appointed as Chicago's Commissioner of Planning and Development by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Lord Norman Foster's trailblazing legacy
British architect Lord Norman Foster is one of the most influential architects of our time. Born in Manchester to working-class parents, he was educated at the University of Manchester and Yale. Foster established his own firm, Foster + Partners, in London in 1967. Today it’s a global practice with offices in 20 countries. His style has been described as high-tech, and he is known for his fascination with airports and flight.
Beyond Borders: Supporting International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day offers a great moment to rededicate ourselves to supporting women and building meaningful change in everything we do. Women play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing cultures and economies. Cultivating a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination will elevate society to new heights by channeling unique traits into superpowers.
Breaking Ground on Performance Food Group Storage Facility
Everybody loves a good groundbreaking! I’m glad to announce that our Clayco team is collaborating to create a state-of-the-art cold storage facility for Performance Food Group Inc. in Berkeley, Missouri. PFG is an industry leader and one of the largest food and food service distribution companies in North America.
My Latest Adventure: Navigating a Tendon Tear with the Mayo Clinic
What does FDR have to do with current events and my gluteus medius tendon tear? A lot. For one thing, my tear has provided a great perspective for me after knowing that FDR was stricken with polio at age 39. It has also created a sense of optimism because of how he handled his much, much worse situation and endured his disability with such grace that he became the poster child for “people of determination,” a phrase I heard often while in Dubai.
Richard T. Ubben Basketball Complex Expansion
It’s time to get our heads in the game and inspire the next generation of athletes! Clayco, Turner, and HNTB collaborated to revamp the Richard T. Ubben Basketball Complex at the University of Illinois. Our companies create structures that connect people with inviting aesthetics and enhanced functionality – something users of this facility will attest to. This project doubled the size of the existing building to 75,000 square feet to provide more space for players to refine their skillsets and drive the athletic program forward.
Michael Fassnacht Named Clayco’s New Chief Growth Officer
I am THRILLED to announce Michael Fassnacht is championing the new role of Chief Growth Officer and President of Chicagoland at Clayco. Michael will oversee the area’s business, civic, and community efforts, including business development, marketing, and sales, while serving as a mentor and coach to the team working alongside him.
USA Pavilion Design Revealed for Expo 2025 in Osaka
Osaka is a city where nature and technology live alongside the past and present in perfect harmony, which is why I’m very impressed with the designs for the USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Japan! Trahan Architects unveiled the design for the USA Pavilion – and it did not disappoint.
PALMTower Residences
481,358 square feet of innovation – that is what PALMTower has been designed to add to Phoenix’s urban skyline. The American Southwest continues to become an increasingly popular region for travel and residential ventures, and the integrated services of Clayco, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, and Ventana are proud to be a part of Arizona’s up-and-coming development.
Effective Collaboration with Vision Electric
When our Clayco team finds a company that mirrors our mission and determination, we fortify that partnership by pooling resources on as many projects as possible. Vision Electric & Systems is one of Clayco’s excellent subcontractors that we have had the pleasure of working on several developments with. Subcontractors play a pivotal role by bringing multifaceted advantages and expertise across construction efforts.
Roberto Lugo’s Incredible Talent to Say it with Clay
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and for good reason. Artwork has the ability to tell powerful stories. It demonstrates value in human society, transcending cultural and historical boundaries to become an integral part of the human experience. Roberto Lugo is an artist, ceramicist, social activist, poet, and educator who uses ceramics to tell stories about different cultures.
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Chamberlain University – Phoenix
This exciting Arizona project isn't just about putting up buildings – it's about giving knowledge and potential a serious boost! Step into the dynamic world of education innovation with Clayco and Lamar Johnson Collaborative as we embark on a journey at Chamberlain University's vibrant campus in Phoenix. Education extends beyond books and classrooms. It involves creating a foundation for societies to thrive. Clayco and LJC’s collaboration continues to turn dreams into reality with the renovation of a two-story office building to create another state-of-the-art higher education nursing program for Adtalem Global Education in the Phoenix region. The new 45,000 square feet of space will include lecture classrooms, science classrooms, simulation exam rooms, nursing skills workshops, breakout study spaces, and a cafe and market.
Talking St. Louis Woes on the McGraw Show
As quoted from the great movie Network, "We're mad as hell, and we're not gonna take it anymore!" St. Louis doesn’t have the leadership it needs, and residents are rightfully fed up with the way it has been run for a long time. I joined nationally recognized Midwest radio talk show host McGraw Milhaven on KTRS 550am to discuss the challenges Clayco has experienced while trying to build in the area.
Brainiac Business Books for Deeper Studying
I love when Co-Founder Larry Page was asked how he learned to run Google. He said, “I read a lot of books.” He then jokes: “[When renaming Alphabet] I read like three books on naming—which is more than anyone else had read. So I decided I was the expert… and actually that was useful. I recommend reading things.” I dropped out of college after just 5 weeks, but I read a lot. Everything. I’ve compiled a list of some “oldies but goodies” (and a few modern) reading options that I found difficult but useful, helpful, or even disagreeable – and that’s okay, too!
Beyond the Dream: MLK Day and Pursuing Justice
"Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." This powerful quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s 1963 "I Have A Dream" speech is as relevant today as it was then. The current global landscape is plagued with turmoil, conflict, and divisive challenges – but there is still positivity and hope on the horizon. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is as perfect of a time as any to not only commemorate the life and work of the American civil rights leader but to re-dedicate ourselves to creating an equitable world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive free from fear and discrimination. The need for strong leadership and advocacy for the oppressed has never been more critical for paving a path to true peace. I remember watching a documentary that featured Dr. King when I was in elementary school. I was fascinated by his eloquent way of speaking and connecting with people, and he inspired me to push my boundaries continuously. Achieving progress in the push for diversity and inclusion requires advancements in education and understanding. This means we have to talk to people we never have, research topics we’ve never known, and ultimately allow ourselves to be uncomfortable to gain greater knowledge.
Building 220 N. Ada in Fulton Market
Another pivotal collaboration in the books! In partnership with Shapack Partners, our Clayco team looks forward to working with CRG, Ventana, SOM as the architect-of-record, and Bill Williams, founder and principal of KMW Communities, on the residential project at 220 N. Ada in Chicago. We are channeling our integrated approach into creating the 29-story, mixed-use tower, which will offer 308 apartments (with 62 affordable units) and 12,000+ square feet of ground-floor retail. This collaboration with affordable housing developer Bill Williams is also an extension of CRG’s PILLAR program and our overall goals to address the lack of diversity in the real estate community.
12 Trailbalzing Women in Tech
Artificial Intelligence is sweeping the world in every aspect of life. But who are the big faces behind the technology? According to a list produced by the New York Times, the “who’s who” in AI was shockingly lacking in diversity – they didn’t name one single woman. Whether inside the walls of Clayco or beyond, I am committed to helping foster inclusive communities and uplift the voices of underrepresented demographics to the best of my ability. The exclusion of women in high-ranking positions, public media, and authoritative roles is unacceptable, and we must work to ensure they have the resources and respect they deserve. For my January Inspiration of the Month, I am highlighting 12 incredible women who are the driving forces behind AI and the wave of tech that is evolving global societies. Anima Anandkumar
Welcoming Elizabeth Zucker to New Clayco Role!
Doubling down on St. Louis means bringing the best and brightest to the table, and our Clayco team is getting a great addition! Elizabeth Zucker will be President of Clayco’s St. Louis Region – which is both of our hometowns! Elizabeth knows what it means to embody the Art & Science of Building, which is why she will thrive in this new role and take our Clayco team along with her. She is a proven leader in driving growth and will utilize her expertise to oversee all aspects of local operations, including business development, marketing, and sales.
Clayco’s Student Loan Repayment Plan
Clayco is working to lighten the debt load for student loan borrowers! This past year, I asked our team what was on their minds. I learned that many people have crushing student debt, much of it from predatory lenders, that is impacting their credit, ability to get ahead, and also their focus on work. Student loans are an incredible burden for millions of Americans, both financially and emotionally.
Incredible Progress with International Mentoring Program
Check out the magic of meaningful mentorship! What a terrific holiday celebration and commemoration of reaching 540 members of the International Mentoring Program | St. Louis! Creating the world that we want to live in is our responsibility – and this goes far beyond constructing buildings. This program is a shining example of all the great work that can be done when dedicated people channel resources into underserved communities.
Clayco 2023: A Day in the Life
Flip through the pages of Clayco’s “A Day in the Life” photobook – one of my favorite annual traditions! Some may say that there are no constants in life, but one of the most essential parts of our society rings true year after year: community is everything. The vibrant pages of our latest photobook highlight moments from 2023 sent to us by some of the 3,000+ members of our Clayco family. It is an incredible symbol of our diversity, our dedication, and our innovative developments across the nation.
Building a Greener Future with Rivian
We’re sparking an electric revolution in more ways than one! I am super excited that Clayco will be Rivian’s building partner for their new 1,800-acre plant in Stanton Springs, Georgia. Rivian is an innovative American automaker at the forefront of the EV industry. The company will use the eco-conscious site to develop its next-gen R2 electric vehicles and implement sustainable manufacturing methods to promote a healthier planet.
My Mock Death is Today
This year it’s December 18, 2023.My belief is the single greatest act of kindness I can accomplish is to have an incredibly detailed written process ready to go in the event of my untimely death.Yes, it’s kind of morbid, and difficult to think through, yet I’ve been doing it for 15 years ― every single year in either November or December ― after which it’s randomly announced to my team close to the day of my supposed demise.My death would be unusually complicated in comparison with most people’s. I’m the Executive Chairman at one of the largest construction companies in the United States, and we also operate a real estate development business with fund management, multiple special purpose entities and hundreds of partners. There are also multiple foundations and charitable commitments to consider, as well as an extended family with four married children, nine grandchildren and one on the way. Friends and legacy partners and my late wife Ellen’s family and Jane’s family are high on the list of my responsibilities. I’m still engaged in multiple outside organizations as well, although I’ve stepped back from a good number of outside interests to focus on my personal foundation for a while. Ellen may no longer be with us physically, but she remains with us in spirit. We met in junior high school and a lot of people know that the first time I saw her I decided I was going to marry her. It wasn’t as simple as that, but we did in fact get married when we were 25 years old and were married for 25 years before she passed to the heavens from a genetic disease. She was an amazing human being, and is still remembered very fondly by everyone who knew her. The idea of a mock death first occurred to me a couple of years after Ellen was diagnosed with a terminal genetic disease. Two years after that I concluded that we already had a pretty complicated estate, and we didn’t have a very good plan. We decided to create a scenario where I died, just to see where all the chips would fall. I didn’t like what I learned and where I saw the chips rolling and sliding off the table. Since then, I’ve completed this exercise every year and sleep better and feel like a kinder human being as a result. At the same time, I’ve had many friends who, sadly, have passed away during that time frame. My CFO was hit and killed by a car while training for a marathon before the Great Recession, and it turned out he had an unsigned estate plan sitting toward the back of his desk. Another of my partners, a CPA by training, also died without a plan and with his family unaware of the complexity of his estate. I have many friends whose spouses don’t know where the important papers are, are in the dark about where the money comes from or how it goes out, and don’t even know how to pay their own bills at home.
A Meeting to Remember at Delmar DivINe
There is no better way to close out the year than with a great group of people dedicated to making the world a better place. Clayco had an amazing board of advisors meeting in St. Louis at Delmar DivINe – a centerpiece for advancement that houses nonprofit organizations, sponsors innovative programs, and provides affordable housing for young professionals and social leaders. I always enjoy catching up with Maxine Clark, who is the mastermind behind the Delmar DivINe project and a fantastic friend. Seeing Maxine’s vision come to life is truly remarkable. Clayco is so proud to have been a partner in this pivotal endeavor that is turning the tide of history by reimagining life for St. Louis residents and beyond.
My 2023 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
Tis the season of giving! Whether you have an easy shopping list or picky people to purchase for, I have a great holiday gift guide for you. Especially if you’re a last-minute shopper, you can look at some of these neat and eclectic presents and even have them delivered directly to your door.
DealBook Summit: Leading in an Existential Moment
Talk about an innovative meeting of the minds! The DealBook Summit in New York showcased leaders in politics, business, tech, sports, and entertainment to examine some of the world’s most crucial concepts. I watched every single discussion led by Founder and Editor of DealBook, Ross Sorkin, and I feel inspired and more educated because of it.
Art Basel in Miami Beach 2023
The magic of art is on full display in Miami! Some of the world’s greatest artists and collectors have come together for one of my and Jane’s favorite occasions - Art Basel in Miami Beach! From December 6th to 10th, this amazing, top-notch event assembles more than 250 galleries from 35 countries with works from 4,000+ renowned art masters and up-and-coming creators. As an avid lover and collector of art, Art Basel has been one of the highlights of the year.
2023 Pillars in the Community Award
Out of all of the structures and concepts I have helped bring to life throughout my decades-long construction career, what has always mattered the most to me is how the work affects the people living in those communities. I am profoundly humbled and overjoyed to be the recipient of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce 2023 Pillars in the Community award. I had an excellent time connecting with attendees at the luncheon yesterday, which was presented by Midwest Regional Bank at the Ritz Carlton in St. Louis. This honor could not have been earned alone and represents the outpouring of love and dedication that our Clayco team and partner companies have infused into every project we develop.
Advancing Communities through Cancer Center
Working in the design-build industry isn’t just about constructing spaces, it’s about laying the foundation for human connection and advancement. Our Clayco brand family understands that by carefully considering the layout, materials, and purpose of a space, we can create an environment that fosters positive experiences and supports the needs of the people who use it.
Toasting to Success with Mark Anthony Brewing
Cheers to the creativity and innovation sparked by Clayco and our partners! Clayco, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, and Concrete Strategies are happy to announce that our project, Mark Anthony Brewing in Columbia, South Carolina, won the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Industrial Process Merit Award! DBIA's Merit Award winners will compete for a National Award of Excellence, “Best of” category, and Project of the Year.
November’s Subcontractor of the Month: Wies Drywall
Leading to serve others is something that Clayco and Wies Drywall have in common. That is why our partnership has been so successful across an array of national projects! Wies Drywall is an experienced construction specialist and commercial drywall contractor that has been serving its clients since 1971. Its main priority is to build walls and take care of people – just like Clayco! We work well together to solve problems creatively and turn ideas into innovation.
Groundbreaking at Renewal by Andersen Manufacturing Facility
Construction has started on a new facility for America's premier window and door manufacturer – Renewal by Andersen! The company selected Clayco, CRG, and Lamar Johnson Collaborative to channel our integrated approach into a new 638,000-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Locust Grove, Georgia. Renewal by Andersen is the full-service window replacement division of Andersen Corporation, which manufactures, sells, and installs exclusive replacement solutions to customers throughout North America.
Remembering Radcliffe Bailey, a Great Artist
I was sad to learn that Radcliffe Bailey, a game-changing American contemporary visual artist, passed away recently. I was truly inspired by the time I spent with him. Radcliffe’s unique artistic approach, mixing media, paint, and sculpture, explored African-American history and the intersection of ancestry, race, and cultural memory in the everyday. Bailey was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey, on November 25, 1968, but moved to Atlanta, Georgia, by the age of four. Curator of modern and contemporary art Michael Rooks once said that Bailey was “probably the most prominent living artist here in Atlanta.” The city’s High Museum of Art was a source of inspiration for Bailey, leading him to attend the Atlanta College of Art, where the city’s history with civil rights and the Civil War served as some of his greatest artistic muses.
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Clayco's Alumni Night in St. Louis
Wow, what a reunion! This week I was fortunate enough to have a few slices of pizza with some amazing Clayco alumni and current team members. We shared memories and reflected on how we got to where we are today.I couldn’t help but think about all the challenges overcome, the opportunities won and lost, the risks that paid off, the risks that didn’t pay off, the setbacks, the hard work turning into something bigger than myself, and of course, the friendships I made along the way. I was so happy to see Clayco’s very first employee, Allen Conner, who started on the first day we opened for business on July 23, 1984. Joining us was also my longtime partner Jeff Cannedy, as well as John Gebel who started at Clayco in 1985 and made a huge difference to the company back when we were still finding our footing.
WestRock Packaging Plant
Our Clayco team started our first-ever project with WestRock! We were selected with our partner company, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, as the design-build team for WestRock’s 409,550-square-foot packaging plant in Longview, Washington. Developed by JB2 Partners and owned by an investment fund managed by ElmTree Funds, the facility will host WestRock’s corrugated manufacturing operation. This development will enable WestRock’s regional team to better serve customers with various new capabilities and efficiencies. It will also create 40 jobs.
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