PCL Construction’s Special Projects Division achieved unprecedented success in 2024.
Its “compact, complex, quick, and competitive” approach has proven particularly effective across hospitality, education, nonprofit, and infrastructure sectors.
The division plans significant expansion in 2025 to meet growing demand for fast-turnaround projects. PCL will increase its specialized workforce by 25% over the next three to five years, building on its network of 20 U.S. offices and 4,000 employees. “We offer local responsiveness paired with national capabilities,” said Sean Barnes, PCL’s Vice President of Special Projects. “This allows us to execute complex work in occupied spaces while minimizing disruption to clients.”
Notable 2024 projects highlight the division’s diverse capabilities. These include seismic upgrades at UCLA’s parking structure, luxury renovations at Four Seasons Maui, and critical infrastructure improvements at Minnesota’s Flexential Data Center and Arizona’s Lake Mary Water Treatment Plant. Each project demonstrates PCL’s ability to deliver specialized solutions with community impact.
As economic uncertainty persists, PCL’s smaller-scale projects provide stability while addressing urgent infrastructure needs. The division’s work ranges from ADA-compliant renovations for the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center to mechanical system upgrades supporting data center expansion. These projects typically feature faster timelines than large-scale construction while utilizing PCL’s extensive technical resources.
Looking ahead, PCL’s employee-owned model positions it well for continued growth in the special projects sector. The company’s 100% employee ownership fosters a culture of accountability and innovation—key advantages when executing time-sensitive, complex projects across multiple markets. With $7 billion in annual work across North America, PCL remains a leader in adapting construction solutions to evolving community needs.
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