Gillis Gilkerson marks 30th year with several projects completed
SALISBURY – Gillis Gilkerson, one of the region’s most trusted general contracting and construction management firms, has announced the completion of several projects during the second half of 2013 — the year in which the company has also been celebrating its 30th anniversary.
“This has been a tremendously exciting and satisfying year for Gillis Gilkerson,” said Dwight Miller, president of the firm. “We have had the opportunity to complete work for a diverse group of clients, several of which are repeat customers. It has been a terrific way to mark our 30th anniversary and we are looking forward to the continuation of the economic recovery in 2014.”
Some of the more than a dozen projects completed this year include the:
- LEED Platinum renovation of Perdue Farms’ headquarters building in Salisbury, MD
- Expansion of the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center in Georgetown, DE
- Development of the Delmarva Health Pavilion in Millsboro, DE
- Construction of the new Assawomen Ale Convenience Store on 52nd Street Ocean City, MD
- Complete renovation of Dunbarton III Apartments in Georgetown, DE
- Repositioning of a one story retail center into offices for US Parole & Probation in Dover, DE
- Construction of a 17,000 square foot Planet Fitness in Salisbury MD
- Development of the Fire Training Burn Building in Melfa, VA
- Interior fit out in Seagull Square for the State Comptroller’s Office
- Interior renovations for Trinity United Methodist Church in Salisbury, MD
- Construction of the 67th Street Town Center Retail Facility in Ocean City, MD
The company has many projects currently underway, including the major expansion of Jubilant Cadista’s manufacturing and R&D facility in Salisbury, a New Marriot Fairfield Inn in Rehoboth Beach, Patsy’s Bridal Store in Downtown Salisbury (repurposing the old Ethan Allen Building), the new Animal Health Facility for the Salisbury Zoo, and the renovation and expansion of the Henson Family YMCA.
30 Years of Quality
When Gillis Gilkerson opened its doors in 1983 (as Gillis Builders), the television show MASH was ending its 11 year run, President Ronald Reagan had signed a bill into law creating a national Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and McDonald’s introduced the McNugget. More than 1,300 construction jobs later, today, no matter where one stands on the Lower Shore of Delmarva, chances are a Gillis Gilkerson project is nearby.
Founder Palmer Gillis recalled that, busy from the start, he had to quickly balance growth by creating a team that would deliver quality.
“In 1985, I hired Tony Gilkerson to manage sales, estimating and project management, and we continued to grow. The following year, Tony and I brought on Dwight Miller and JB Barnes to expand our management team and we were able to further develop our general contracting and construction management offerings. The warmth of the business community and the diversity of work available makes every day interesting and exciting,” he added.
The warmth felt by Gillis Gilkerson is partially due to the commitment the company has long honored to the region. From the donated renovation of the Salisbury Park Bandstand and a long-time sponsorship of the Jefferson Awards, to little league team sponsorships, ongoing support of the United Way of the Lower Shore, and the development of the Palmer Gillis Entrepreneur Award bestowed annually by Maryland Capital Enterprises, the company has been a major supporter of the communities in which it works.
In December, the company culminated its year-long anniversary with a company party to recognize the commitment of its staff.
“We’ve reached a major milestone at 30 years. In addition, many of our employees have been with us 15 years; a few for more than 20 years,” said Miller. “That’s definitely something to celebrate.”
About Gillis Gilkerson
In its 37th year of building and real estate development on Delmarva, award-winning Gillis Gilkerson has built a reputation as one of the most trusted and stable construction management and general contracting firms on the Peninsula. From new commercial construction to renovation, the company’s construction managers offer broad and deep experience in diverse industries such as medical, industrial, manufacturing, hotels, multi-family housing, houses of worship, restaurants, retail, schools and more. Its full-service real estate development expertise offers custom solutions for land purchase, building program development, turnkey project management, obtaining permits and approvals, property management, property marketing, purchase, lease, and lease/purchase options. The team works in conjunction with architects, government planners, engineers, surveyors, inspectors, contractors, and leasing agents to manage the development process from concept to completion.