Building Summer Fun for the Family

Wesleigh Mowry on June 22, 2026

Whether an adventure in the park or a trip to the local pool, you know that summer days make for some of the best memories. And we enjoy building the places where those moments happen!

Year after year, we’re trusted for renovations, expansions, and new builds at a wide range of recreational facilities, such as Rickenbacker Woods Park, the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, and Burr Oak State Park Lodge. Bringing these unique projects to life requires mastering specific elements — excess water, landscaping, glass, concrete, and often complicated site layouts.

With Summer fully in swing, we’re highlighting a selection of recreational projects from across North Carolina and Ohio. Learn more about how these projects came to life and the impact they have on the communities we continue to serve.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens projects
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Owner: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Services: Construction Management

Learn more about some of our work or visit Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

 

 

 

 

 

Park Road Park
Location: Charlotte, NC
Owner: Mecklenburg County
Services: Construction Management

Learn more about our work or visit Park Road Park.

 

 

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium projects
Location: Powell, Ohio
Owner: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Services: General Contracting

Read the full case study or visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

 

 

North Park Pool
Location: Burlington, NC
Owner: City of Burlington, NC
Services: Design Build

Read the full case study or visit North Park Pool.

 

 

 

 

 

North Bank Park
Location: Columbus, OH
Owner: The City of Columbus
Services: Construction Management

Read the full case study or visit North Bank Park

 

 

 

 

 

Morrow Mountain State Park
Location: Albemarle, NC
Owner: State of North Carolina
Services: Construction Management

Learn more about our work or visit Morrow Mountain State Park.

Celebrating Miles-McClellan’s 2025 Annual Award Winners

Wesleigh Mowry on May 22, 2026

At Miles-McClellan, our culture is built on a foundation of celebrating outstanding work and recognizing a job well done.

Each year, our Annual Awards present an opportunity to formally recognize team members — in both Ohio and North Carolina — who exemplify what it means to build excellence. Winners are nominated by peers for several categories, including the Terry McClellan Award for Technical Excellence, which recognizes team members with exceptional proficiency and quality in their work.

Join us in congratulating these outstanding employees who went above and beyond to support our mission of building excellence. Scroll down to read about all of our honorees.

 

Terry McClellan Award for Technical Excellence

Winner: Jim Orkis, Senior Superintendent, Structural Restoration Division, Ohio

Well known and well respected for his wealth of knowledge and experience in concrete restoration, Jim is often asked for by name by clients and partners at the start of a project. His expertise is trusted by all, and they show great confidence when they know Jim is on the job. 

In restoration work, you have to be prepared for the unexpected. Jim is able to troubleshoot through situations that require quick pivots. There have been times when the engineer or the material suppliers have asked him how to draw up the fix! He is a huge reason why our Structural Restoration division is thriving.

 

Terry McClellan Award for Technical Excellence

Winner: Jake McClellan, Superintendent, General Construction, Charlotte Division, North Carolina

One of the most admirable parts of Jake’s hard work is how he’s taken on more responsibility and multiple projects—and managed them all extremely well. He is not afraid of challenges and works diligently on solutions, all while building a reputation as one of the best trouble-shooters in our company.

Jake is assertive but calm, knowledgeable, always willing to learn, dedicated, and consistently goes the extra mile to make sure the work is done right.

 

Greg Hall Award for Internal Relationships & Service

Winner: Will Eichel, Accounting Director, Finance Dept., Corporate Services, Ohio

Will joined our company and immediately took charge of a very complex project – always with a smile and clear determination to help. 

The person who nominated Will expressed admiration for how he figured out something no one understood well and made it fit exactly what we needed. He faced many challenges during the Intact transition, and our leaders always felt confident in how this major project was being handled because Will was on top of it. All the while, Will earned the respect and trust of team members across MM.

 

Greg Hall Award for Internal Relationships & Service

Winner: Chacity Lindsay, Project Administrator General Construction, Charlotte Division, North Carolina

Chacity’s peers chose her for this award because of the way she makes sure everything and everyone is taken care of — no matter what. Her sincere helpfulness and readiness to go above and beyond are something we all respect and appreciate.

She is a pleasure to be around every day. She always has a wonderful attitude and is always the first to jump in and help someone out. We’re so glad that she is part of our team!

 

Lonnie Miles Award for Client Champions

Winner: Luke Willman, Senior Project Manager, General Construction, Columbus Division, Ohio

The person who nominated Luke described him as showing a “relentless pursuit to satisfy his clients”, using a can-do attitude and always with a win-win mindset. 

One great example of his great work in action is his ongoing relationship with our clients at the Columbus Historical Society and (partner) Schooley Caldwell. Throughout the project’s multiple phases, Luke’s communication and focus kept the relationship positive and successful.

 

Lonnie Miles Award for Client Champions

Winner: Maverick Page, Assistant Project Manager General Construction, Charlotte Division, North Carolina

We’ve rarely had an employee receive as many compelling nominations for a single award as Maverick did. His impact, talent, and dedication are obvious to everyone inside and outside our company.

He constantly delivers high-functioning projects with outstanding customer satisfaction. His customer service skills are top-notch, and his relationship and reliability with Kannapolis and Salisbury have already led to important referrals for additional business. He’s become a go-to person for clients and for colleagues, and we are so proud you’re on our team. 

 

Jim Riehle “Burning Daylight” Award

Winner: Emilio Ramos, Mason, Masonry Division, Ohio

Emilio exemplifies what it means to have a tenacious work ethic and can-do attitude. Since joining our team in 2010, he has quickly become one of the best Masons in the industry. His work ethic is unmatched, and he is a prime example of his extraordinary loyalty to teammates and of doing whatever it takes to get the job done.

 

Trailblazer Award

Winner: Steve Parsons, VP Field Operations General Construction, Charlotte Division, North Carolina

There are many good reasons to label Steve a difference-maker and a trailblazer within MM over the years, but this year is special thanks to his work building the NC field team leadership program. The way Steve leads by example, and his genuine care and investment in training our younger team members, have not only improved our team but are also building momentum that is having a positive effect in many ways.  

What we respect most about Steve’s work over the last few years is his dedication to his teammates in multiple ways. Not just technical education or practical execution, but also their personal well-being and growth. And he has incorporated all of that into his leadership approach in an amazing way. 

 

Women in Construction Week 2026

Wesleigh Mowry on March 3, 2026

Why We’re Proud to be Women in Construction

What does it take to build excellence? Grit, determination, and the incredible talent of women like those at Miles-McClellan. 

This Women in Construction Week, we’re spotlighting the talented women on our team whose dedication, skill, and commitment to building excellence are making a difference on their teams, in our communities, and throughout the industry. 

In recognition of their impact, we asked them to share why they’re proud to work in construction. From positively impacting the community to breaking barriers with confidence, hear directly from the women shaping the future of our industry. 

 

“I love being part of my hometown’s growth, and physically seeing the impact we have on our community. It’s awesome to see how we are improving Columbus, and I look forward to all the new and exciting projects we will take on.”

– Sarah Deger, Office Manager, Columbus

 

“I’m proud to work in the construction industry because I get to help build the community I call home. Contributing to projects that serve families, businesses, and future generations makes the work feel both purposeful and personal. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do today will positively impact others for years to come.”

–  Caroline McClellan, Project Administrator, Charlotte

 

“I’m proud to work in the construction industry because what we do makes a difference to people in their everyday lives, no matter what we build, from hospitals to schools, and even apartments or dorms. A lot of hard work goes into the construction, even if people don’t necessarily see all of the behind-the-scenes effort. So, when we win projects, or I drive past buildings that MM has worked on, I am proud of the teams that worked so hard to make them happen.”

–  Katie Schmidt, Proposal Coordinator, Columbus

 

“Construction is full of problem-solvers, doers, and leaders who take real ownership of their work and have knowledge or skillsets far outside of my own. From our field team members to the office teams, there’s a level of grit, teamwork, and camaraderie here that you don’t see everywhere. I am so proud to watch a project come together, knowing all the effort that went into it, because dozens of people aligned their talents toward one goal.”

–  Devin Stein, VP Human Resources

 

“We build the spaces and infrastructure that strengthen our communities and improve everyday lives. Supporting the teams in the field and behind the scenes allows me to see a project move from concept to completion, and I know I played a role in making it happen. It’s inspiring to be a part of an industry where women play such an important role in driving progress, delivering results, and shaping the future of construction.”

– Chacity Lindsay, Project Administrator, Charlotte

 

“I love being able to see projects go from an idea, to ground acquisition, to construction and finally to occupancy. I enjoy driving by sites where our teams are working, knowing we are changing skylines and growing our city, and seeing old spaces renewed and given new life. It makes me feel proud knowing that I am playing a part in building places that have purpose.”

–  Shonna Moore, Project Administrator, Columbus

 

“I’m proud to work in the construction industry because I get to support projects that create lasting impact in our communities. As a Senior Accountant, I help ensure the financial strength and accountability behind the work in the field, which allows our teams to build with confidence. Being part of an industry where women continue to break barriers and lead in new ways makes that impact even more meaningful.”

–  Amber Ryan, Senior Accountant

 

“I am proud to work in the construction industry because we have a positive impact on the community. The legacy of Miles McClellan as a family business is built on strong relationships with our partners. I am inspired by the different projects we have completed and excited for the work we will undertake in the future. While I continue to learn about the construction process, my understanding and appreciation for the work grow daily within the company.”

–  Jennifer Etter, AP Assistant

“I’m proud to work in a tough, respected industry that is fast-paced, high-pressure and detail-driven. Women in the construction industry are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes and opening doors for other women. Whether you’re in the field, management or an admin, you’re part of building something real that took problem-solving, technical knowledge, teamwork and resilience to complete. Being part of that is something to be proud of!”

– Holly Cahill, Project Administrator

 

Interested in building your next career at Miles-McClellan? Visit our careers page to get started.

 

Building Our Future Together: Miles-McClellan is Now 100% Employee-Owned

Wesleigh Mowry on December 15, 2025

 

At Miles-McClellan Construction, we have always believed that we are more than just a construction company; we are builders of relationships. On December 1, 2025, we took a historic step to honor the people who build those relationships every day. We are proud to announce that Miles-McClellan has transitioned to becoming a 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

A Legacy of Doing Things Differently

Our story began in 1978, when our founders, Lonnie Miles and Terry McClellan, left a large international construction firm because they knew there was a better way to deliver work. They felt that large companies often let bureaucracy get in the way of customer service. They set out to build a company grounded in humility, hard work, and the goal of exceeding client expectations. 

For nearly 50 years, that philosophy has guided us. Today, with approximately 260 employees working across Columbus, Ohio, and Charlotte, North Carolina, we have grown steadily by sticking to those roots, building opportunities for long-term, rewarding careers at every level and corner of our company. 

Why Employee Ownership?

Transitioning to an ESOP is the natural evolution of our culture. It allows us to preserve our legacy while empowering our workforce to be the next generation of leaders. By paving the way for employees to strengthen their skills, move up into management, or even create entirely new teams and lines of business, the ESOP model allows Miles-McClellan employees to take an active role in forging their career paths.  

 “This company has always been family– focused. That means taking care of employees with good pay and benefits,” says CEO Matt McClellan. “Adding employee ownership takes that care to another level.” We believe in taking care of our team, providing benefits like 100% employer-paid medical coverage because we know life doesn’t stop when the workday ends. 

In simple terms, an ESOP is a retirement plan funded entirely by the company. It means that every employee now has a financial stake in how Miles-McClellan performs. As President Tim McClellan explains, our founders held a core belief: “if you work hard every day, you should be able to retire well.” This plan ensures our team has the opportunity to do exactly that. 

What This Means for Our Partners
For our clients and partners, it is business as usual — only better. The executive leadership team remains at the helm, and our dedication to solving complex construction challenges is stronger than ever.

Our team members have always taken immense pride in their work, often referring to the hospitals, schools, and community spaces we build as “my projects.” It’s why one of our core values is “Extreme Ownership,” and this transition brings that value to life in a new way.

When our employees succeed, the company succeeds, and our clients get the best results. We are excited to continue building excellence, now as a company owned by the very people who make it great.

 

The Heart Behind Healthcare Construction

mmcrebuildstg on November 4, 2024

Whitehall Heart of Ohio Family Health Center

As expanding healthcare capacity becomes more and more in demand, commercial construction in healthcare facilities has increased. Our construction experts have a vast amount of experience in the health and medical field and have worked on some of the largest projects in the regions we operate within. We understand the unique complexities of healthcare construction, which include building spaces that accommodate complex medical equipment, align with strict sanitation guidelines and improve patient comfort.

Keep reading to learn about rising trends and things to consider when working on healthcare construction projects.

Focus on Patient-Centered Design

When working on construction in the healthcare space, finding ways to keep patients comfortable and safe is of the utmost importance. To provide patients with more comfort, healthcare facilities are incorporating more natural light, calming environments and flexible layouts that accommodate both patients and families. After the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals also began building more flexible, adaptable spaces that can be easily converted during crisis situations and surges in patient numbers. It is also important to ensure that existing patients in the hospital aren’t disturbed by construction taking place at the facility. Miles-McClellan Construction always plans thoroughly before any healthcare project to ensure that patients, visitors and employees will not be negatively impacted by our construction team, even if that means performing work at non-typical hours of the day.

Technological Integration

Hospitals need to be able to accommodate the advanced medical equipment, telemedicine rooms, digital health monitoring tools and more, and many are incorporating smart technology into their systems as well. We always work with our healthcare clients to better understand the purpose and potential equipment that will be needed in a space, and come up with ways to make spaces scalable to accommodate future expansions. To date, we have created spaces and incorporated equipment for rooms that include medical and behavioral exam rooms, obstetrical and prenatal rooms, nursing stations, in-house print shop, sleep labs and MRI suites.

Sustainable Building Practices

Building sustainable spaces has become an important goal for many entities, including healthcare facilities. Sustainability in healthcare facilities is not only done for environmental reasons but also to reduce operational costs. At Miles-McClellan Construction, we are experts at constructing energy-efficient healthcare facilities that use sustainable materials and reduce waste, and work with clients to help them achieve green building certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). This can help hospitals and medical centers lower their carbon footprint and improve the overall environment.

Have a Healthcare Construction Project Coming Up? You’ve Reached the Right Construction Team.

Our healthcare construction experience includes:

  • Hospital construction
  • Outpatient clinic construction
  • Medical office building construction
  • Surgery center construction services
  • And more

Check Out Some of Our Healthcare Construction Projects:

Healthcare construction done right means healthier patients and communities. Contact us for more information about our healthcare projects and experience.

Miles-McClellan Construction Senior Project Manager Dillon Overman Discusses Why CMR Project Delivery Is a Good Fit for Non-Profit Construction

mmcrebuildstg on October 23, 2024

Upper Arlington Lutheran Church

At Miles-McClellan Construction, we know that the work we do makes an IMMPact in the community. As a company that has integrated giving back as part of our culture, non-profit construction projects hold a special place in our hearts.

In this interview with Senior Project Manager Dillon Overman, he discusses his background, the most rewarding aspects of non-profit construction and why he believes that construction management at risk (CMR) is the ideal project delivery solution for non-profits.

Let’s Learn About Dillon’s Experience With Nonprofit Construction!

Q: What experience do you have working with non-profit organizations, and why do you love working with them?

I have had the pleasure of working with numerous non-profits in my 10 years in the industry. Everything from churches, hospitals and community improvement facilities. I like working with these entities because they seem to have a strong “what we do matters” mentality. They are not just focused on the bottom dollar, they truly care about the work being put into place.

Q: What was your favorite non-profit project and why?

My favorite non-profit to work with has been the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Most bigger non-profits have a team to oversee construction, but this client relied heavily on our expertise and trusted us to do what’s right for them. That’s an awesome feeling, knowing that someone trusts our team to have their best interest in mind. 

Q: What do you bring to the table – why would a client want to work with you?

Our approach at Miles-McClellan is different from any other. We call it the “Tee to Green” method, which means that the team involved with your project takes the project from design all the way through completion. That is much different than most other companies. This approach allows for the team to be a part of the project from start to finish which we believe is crucial.

Q: Why is Construction Management at Risk a viable option for non-profit projects?

Construction management at risk is quite arguably the best option for non-profits. Here are a few reasons why:

  • It locks in a set percentage of fee long before any construction is put into place. This allows for owners to see up front the construction management fee. It allows for a great deal of transparency.
  • The CMR delivery method brings a firm on early in the process, allowing for a few stages of budgeting before construction documents are issued. It allows for the owner to get a sense of where costs will land, and where costs can be cut to meet a desired budget.
  • In a typical CMR delivery method, the construction manager normally picks the team of architects and engineers that they would like to work with on a project. When a team is well-oiled and has worked together before, it makes for a much smoother project.

Q: Can you name an example of “how you saved the day” for a client?

We were doing a multifamily project in Franklinton, Ohio, which had a phased turnover. This means that tenants were living on the 1st floor while we were still working on the upper floors. Late one night, a sanitary line was backed up with a bunch of rags that somehow made their way into the pipe. Water was backing up into the 1st floor common area which was just finished. My team got the call and quickly made our way down to the project to rectify the situation before it flooded the whole floor. At Miles-McClellan, the “do whatever it takes” mentality of our team, makes us stand out from others like us.

Q: Do you have any specific advice for those in the construction industry managing a construction management at risk project?

A good project using the CMR delivery method starts with clear scopes and open communication with the subcontractors on that job. Having that clear communication up front and laying out responsibilities for each task makes projects run much smoother.

Q: What is your project management philosophy?

It’s kind of a cheesy one, but the saying “you attract more bees with honey than you do with vinegar” holds true in almost everything. Being calm and collected as a leader will allow for solutions that both parties can benefit from. Set an example for those around you as to what a good leader does on a project.

Do you have a non-profit construction project on the horizon? Would you like to learn more about construction management at risk project delivery? Then contact us today, get the answers that you need and let’s start building excellence.

2024 Q2 Economic Indicators

mmcrebuildstg on October 3, 2024

2024 Q2 Economic Indicators High interest rates are causing ongoing uncertainty across various market segments for the rest of 2024. Projects that depend on financing are facing significant challenges, limiting substantial growth. Despite these hurdles, the broader industry is showing resilience against economic pressures, positioning us for steady, incremental growth throughout the year.

Projects most impacted by financing include multifamily, lodging, and commercial construction. According to the AIA, one-third of delays are due to financing and economic concerns, with billings falling for the 11th consecutive month. Despite these challenges, the FMI report forecasts that engineering and construction spending will finish 6% higher than in 2023. Manufacturing and public safety are up 20%, supporting the industry alongside education and healthcare, which are expected to show sustained growth. Dodge reports that data centers account for a significant portion of the backlog in the commercial market.

Quick facts:

  • AIA: 11th consecutive month of declining billings.
  • ABC: Backlog is down to 8.4 months from 9.3 in 2023.
  • FMI: Spending is forecasted to be up 6% YOY.
  • Dodge: Data centers are accounting for a significant portion of commercial growth.

The Fed began cutting rates in Q3 and is expected to continue doing so in a slow, methodical manner. If rates keep dropping, delayed projects may gain momentum in 2025. For more insights on how interest rates impact backlog and project planning, read our report.

MM Market Experience:

Much of our pipeline in Columbus and Charlotte aligns with the segments reporting growth. Year-to-date, we have responded to 130 RFPs, with 45% being public projects that are not affected by interest rates. While we have seen some activity from clients in the multifamily, hotel, and office sectors, these projects have generally been slower to secure financing and move forward.

MM Market Breakdown YTD:

  • 45% Public / Higher Ed. / Government
  • 20% Commercial / Warehouses / Data Centers
  • 13% Healthcare
  • 16% Industrial / Manufacturing
  • 6% other (religious, recreation, etc.)

Kannapolis approves money for realignment of city hall to accommodate growth

mmcrebuildstg on August 28, 2024

KANNAPOLIS — As part of the implementation of the Imagine Kannapolis Strategic Plan, the city council Monday night approved several budget amendments, including one that will allow for “upfits” or adjustments in space to accommodate growth in city hall.

Read more at: https://www.salisburypost.com/2024/08/14/kannapolis-approves-money-for-realignment-of-city-hall-to-accommodate-growth/

Miles-McClellan Construction Helps North Carolina Community Beat the Heat With Historic Community Pool Renovations

mmcrebuildstg on August 18, 2024

North Park Pool

As cities nationwide continue to experience record-breaking summer temperatures, the importance of community spaces that allow residents to find relief, socially engage and promote safe physical activity becomes that much clearer. In Burlington, North Carolina, one of those spaces is the historic North Park Pool. Originally built in the 1950s, it was one of the first places black families could gather for special events, celebrations and summer pool days in a still segregated country. It continues to hold special importance to the community today, so when it was time for the space to receive some serious upgrades, the City of Burlington reached out to the experts at Miles-McClellan Construction.

The city opted for a design-build construction plan, which is when our experts take a project from conception to finish, delivering a finished product that meets the desired needs and budget. The North Park Pool project was significant, not only because of its deep historic roots, but also because it is the City of Burlington Aquatics’ largest outdoor aquatic recreation facility. While the city originally planned to tear down the existing building and build a new facility, Miles-McClellan Construction determined that revising the plans to utilize the existing building would allow the city to complete the project within budget.

Renovations for this project included:

  • New zero-entry pool with a tiled walking path
  • Competition race lanes
  • Splash pad with water features
  • Diving well
  • 13,000 SF deck
  • Shade pavilion
  • Revitalizing the outdated support building by adding a pump room and concession area in conjunction with updated changing areas and a meeting room

Design-build services provided by Miles-McClellan Construction included:

  • Project management and administration through project leadership and overall team coordination
  • Interdisciplinary coordination
  • Review of codes and standards
  • Identifying opportunities for economy of scale
  • Project planning and scheduling
  • Coordination of contract documents
  • Providing documents and drawings

The North Park Pool

“The North Park Pool is an important part of our community’s history. We are honoring that history by preserving the mural dedicated to the members of North Park’s late 1950s swim team. [This] modern outdoor recreation facility provides new ways patrons can stay active and have fun during the hot summer months.”
Rachel Kelly
Assistant City Manager for Administrative Services
City of Burlington, NC

Ultimately the North Park Pool project was completed on time and under budget. The community was grateful to have this historic gem restored to its former glory, and the city even decided to commemorate its unique past by preserving one of the original murals.

Are you ready to discover how our design-build services can build excellence in your community? Then contact us today and learn more about our superior design-build services and solutions!