On January 27, 2012, the Associated General Contractors of Michigan presented O’Brien Construction with a Build Michigan Award for the remarkable transformation of Detroit’s century-old San Telmo Cigar Factory into 5716 Wellness, a landmark health and wellness outreach center. The project, developed by Southwest Housing Solutions, is a major step in re-invigorating the city’s struggling Michigan Avenue Corridor. Already operating to capacity on a daily basis, 5716 Wellness is one of the first models of integrated primary and behavioral healthcare in Southeast Michigan. At the award ceremony, O’Brien President, Tim O’Brien remarked that “This is a very deserving project. It is the 26th building that Southwest and O’Brien have worked on together and, like the others, it is having a huge impact in the city.”

Restoring the dilapidated 50,000 square foot structure, originally designed by famed architect Albert Kahn, required extensive gutting of the building’s interior as well as the complete restoration of the its unique exposed timber frame and ceilings.  As the General Contractor, O’Brien Construction worked with Southwest Housing Solutions, as well as each of the six tenant organizations, to accommodate their specific architectural needs and requests while maintaining the historical constraints of the project as outlined by the Detroit Historical Society. Early photographs of the building were studied to provide accurate architectural details such as the design and sight lines of original windows which had been removed and replaced with concrete block during the building’s long history.  O’Brien ensured that no detail was overlooked including the careful rehabilitation of exterior ornamental brick and limestone.

O’Brien Construction and subcontractors worked weekends and second shifts throughout the project in order to accomplish this outstanding renovation in less than a year, despite many challenges along the way. According to Dan Ross, Senior Project Manager for the 5716 Wellness renovation, “The biggest challenge was to squeeze in as much as Southwest Solutions needed in that building within the given budget.” Ross explained further, “Funding for these types of projects has gotten much tighter over the last few years and we wanted to stretch their dollar to the max. By doing so, we were able to accommodate the needs of all eight tenant organizations.” This award is the second for 5716 Wellness. In July, Governor Rick Snyder recognized the development with the esteemed “Reinventing Michigan Award”. Previously, O’Brien Construction received the AGC’s 2009 Build America Award for the construction of Gratiot Woods Co-op Apartments as well as a 2007 Build Michigan Award for the historic renovation of Southwest Detroit’s Lithuanian Hall.

O’Brien was proud to be a key sponsor for Community Housing Network’s recent Raise the Roof for Affordable Housing event. The fundraiser, held at Rochester’s Royal Park Hotel, brought in more than $67,000 to help people with disabilities and those who are homeless get into long-term, successful housing. As this short video presents, the vital work of the Community Housing Network is bringing hope and change to  many people in the Detroit area and beyond. See the Troy Somerset Gazette article featuring O'Brien Construction's sponsorship of this event here.

On December 5, 2011, the Athletes Adopting Families event benefiting Volunteers of America Michigan's Adopt A Family program took place at the Reserve in Birmingham. The VOA’s Adopt A Family program makes it possible for local underprivileged families to enjoy the holiday season. OCC was pleased to be a presenting sponsor for this noteworthy fundraiser which featured several hometown professional athletes including Louis Delmas of the Detroit Lions, former Detroit Lion Herman Moore, former U of M Fab Five player Jalen Rose, and Detroit Pistons alum Rick Mahorn. While receiving a sponsorship award at the event, OCC President, Tim O’Brien commented, “The VOA is not only one of our best clients but we are thrilled to be part of the VOA family and the good work that they are doing.”

Crain's Detroit Business magazine named O'Brien Construction Company on its 2011 list of Top Private 200 Companies. The magazine's June, 2011 issue recognized leading corporations from all types of industries across Southeast Michigan. O'Brien was recognized for generating over 36 million dollars in revenue in 2010, and is honored to be among notable list-toppers such as Chrysler Group LLC, Penske Corp. and Delphi Automotive.

O'Brien Construction was previously featured on Crain's 2010 and 2008 lists of Largest General Contractors and Fastest Growing Companies. See our awards page for a complete listing.