New Prairie Construction Company

New Prairie Construction Company is a General Contractor in Champaign, IL. The company serves the Champaign-Urbana area and extends its solar services to the greater Champaign County region. It provides full-service general contracting, including estimates, formal proposals, permit acquisition, and project oversight. The team works with clients on construction and solar projects, offering interior design assistance and coordinating with licensed architects, interior designers, and preferred vendors. Services encompass electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and insulation work through licensed and insured subcontractors. The company holds a rating of 4.80 based on 17 reviews.

Founded in 1988 by Julie Vogel Birdwell and Jill Mulder, the company began by tackling a wide range of projects, often in older or historic buildings. In 1997, the firm remodeled the Old Town Champaign residence known as the Wilber Mansion, which led to its first hires. In 2015, New Prairie Construction expanded into the design and installation of solar systems. In August 2018, following Jill Mulder’s retirement, the company became Central Illinois’s first worker-owned construction company. The business now has five owners, many of whom have been with the company for more than 10 years. The owners share profits and use a democratic process of consensus to make policy and financial decisions.

The team includes career carpenters, licensed subcontractors, and project supervisors. Key staff members include Mark, who holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Construction from Bradley University and joined the company in 2007; Jennifer, a Project Estimator with a BFA in painting who joined in 2005; Erik, who holds an Associate’s degree in Construction Design and Management and joined in 2003; and Barrie, who holds a Master of Fine Arts in glass sculpture and joined in 2010. The company is RRP certified for lead safety methods and has won awards for restoration work. Notable projects include Urbana’s first straw bale house and studio, timber framing, and the Cyclorama mural door installation.

New Prairie Construction Company maintains a solid reputation among the customers it has served. The company is known for its skilled and caring staff, attention to detail, and commitment to quality craftsmanship. Clients appreciate the team’s efficiency, respect for their property, and thorough communication throughout the project lifecycle. The worker-owned cooperative structure fosters a diverse and inclusive work culture, supporting employee growth and professional fulfillment. The company continues to contribute to the community through service and charitable giving.

New Prairie Construction Company brings its worker-owned expertise and historic preservation skills to general contracting projects in Champaign, IL.

BizScoreAI gives New Prairie Construction Company a performance score of 100 out of 100. This excellent rating reflects how quickly the website loads, which keeps visitors on the page and is one of the factors search engines use in ranking.