May 12, 2016

Survey: Swinerton Builders

Image from Swinerton Builders [enlarge]

Swinerton is building the Cowlitz Casino near Vancouver.

Specialty: General contractor

Management: Jeff Hoopes, CEO

Founded: 1888

Headquarters: San Francisco; local office in Bellevue

2015 revenues: $102 million

Projected 2016 revenues: $220 million

Projects: Cowlitz Casino; BECU headquarters

Swinerton CEO Jeff Hoopes answered questions from the DJC about trends and issues in the industry.

Q: In the last year, have you shifted to any new sectors?

A: We have increased and created more focus on hospitality and multifamily markets due to the opportunities we have found through strong relationships we have with clients, developers and architects. These markets also are complementary to the existing markets we serve, which include tribal/gaming, healthcare and tenant improvements, so it makes sense for us to pursue these projects when the fit is right.

Q: Are clients asking for higher levels of sustainability?

A: Most clients require some level of sustainability effort and there has been a slight increase in sustainability each year for some time now. Swinerton does take pride in being a sustainable contractor and makes it a priority to be good stewards of our environment for generations in the future.

Q: What areas of the Northwest are you seeing more work?

A: We’re seeing an increase in work throughout Washington and Oregon and especially in the central business districts in the greater Seattle region and Portland. In areas outside of the CBD, there has been a drastic increase in work for our tribal market partners. Currently we are working on three large tribal projects near Vancouver (Cowlitz Casino), Toppenish (Yakama Legends Casino) and Tacoma (Interstate 5 casino parking garage).

Q: How will the local economy perform in the next year or so?

A: While it’s tough to make predictions in construction, I would say the economy in Washington will slow down after 2016 and stay level for another year or two before it slowly begins to escalate again over the following five years.

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