Investor Spotlight: Building More Than Structures—Lakewood Construction’s Commitment to West Michigan
Founded in 1971 by a residential builder and a drywaller, Lakewood Construction was established on the belief that there was a better way to approach commercial construction. Recognizing an opportunity to bring a different perspective to the industry, the founders completed their first project—the Thornapple Kellogg High School remodel—and set out to transform how projects were delivered by integrating design and construction from the very beginning.
Over the past 55 years, that vision has continued to evolve. What began as a commercial contractor has grown into one of West Michigan’s leading design-build firms. In the last five years alone, Lakewood has doubled its team while continuing to invest in the people, services, and expertise that help clients achieve their goals. Today, its award-winning in-house architecture firm, Lakewood Architecture, includes more than 10 architects, and more than 80 percent of the company’s projects are designed in-house and delivered through its integrated design-build process.
Looking ahead, Lakewood is focused on building upon that foundation by expanding its design-build capabilities and growing its architecture department to serve more communities throughout West Michigan. The company remains committed to helping businesses succeed through thoughtful planning, innovative design, and quality construction while staying true to the values that have guided it since 1971: stewardship, servant leadership, and building lasting relationships.
As Lakewood continues to expand into new markets across the region, it is bringing its SmartStart approach—aligning architecture and construction from day one—to more communities and more businesses looking to grow. They also offer more than 20 years of self-performed steel expertise, along with in-house finish carpentry and glass and glazing services. By self-performing these critical scopes of work, Lakewood Construction maintains greater control over quality, schedule and project outcomes.
Most importantly, Lakewood approaches every project through the lens of a business owner. They focus on their clients’ long-term growth, operational efficiency, and business goals, not just
the building itself. Combined with their culture of servant leadership and stewardship, that approach has earned the trust of clients who continue to choose Lakewood.
Lakewood Construction sees the value and potential of the Muskegon Lakeshore community. Their work in Muskegon County includes Muskegon Central Dispatch and 911 Call Center, SAF-Holland renovations and expansion, and the Grand Valley State University Muskegon Innovation Hub renovations. They recognize the important work that GMED is doing to help develop and grow the Muskegon Lakeshore community and their investment in GMED is a natural fit to their vision and values.