Autumn Construction Services Celebrates 30 Years in Business

Building the Best Since 1995

Incorporated on July 26, 1995, Autumn Construction Services has spent the past 30 years building a legacy of growth, innovation, and impact across Chicagoland.

Explore the key milestones, service expansions, standout contracts, and pivotal partnerships that have shaped our journey in the mechanical contracting industry.

Click on each year to see how our story has unfolded.

  • Susan was awarded the first project under the Autumn Construction Services name as the MEP Coordinator for the CMIER Laboratory, located on the campus of Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago—now part of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

  • Autumn Construction Services Inc. was incorporated in the state of Illinois.

    Autumn earned Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification from the City of Chicago.

  • Autumn was hired to provide building systems and consulting services for the program management office at Midway Airport for the Midway airport terminal development program.

  • Autumn hires first additional staff member. Autumn was contracted to provide building systems consulting services at O'Hare International Airport for American Airlines Concourse G renovation.

  • From 2001 to 2003, Autumn worked on the O’Hare Terminal 2 and 3 AHU Replacement Project in partnership with Hill Mechanical. In 2005, Autumn began providing Construction Management (CM) and Program Management services for the CARE/CARE Plus Program at Midway and O’Hare as part of the Chicago Department of Aviation’s ongoing Capital Improvement Program. CM services under the CARE Plus contract continue through 2025.

  • Autumn begins providing CM Professional services such as Civil engineering, QC engineering, project management and project site safety for construction contractors and engineering clients. Clients included Meccon Industries, Inc. Reyes Group, HNTB, Walter Niese Machine Manufacturing Co., Hill Mechanical, Stantec Consulting, Jay Dee Contractors, Inc. and Northwest Contractors.

  • Autumn expanded service offering to include Mechanical Construction Trade Labor.

    Autumn signed the PF 597 UA agreement with the Chicago Pipefitters and hired its first pipefitter tradesperson, Tim Gallagher.

  • Autumn joined the Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago (MCA).

    Autumn launched its first website, AutumnConstruction.com.

  • Expanded service offerings to include HVAC mechanical services. Ongoing clients include O’Hare Airport Transit Services, the KROC Center, SP+ (ORD MMF), and MWRD for chiller, HVAC, and refrigeration parts and services.

  • Teamed up with F.H. Paschen under the Paschen-Autumn JV (joint venture) and was awarded a contract to provide mechanical Job Order Contracting (JOC) services for Cook County Government. The contract concluded in October 2023.

    Awarded a contract by Cook County Government to provide mechanical Job Order Contracting (JOC) services as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE). The contract concluded in October 2023.

  • From June 2017 through May 2023, Autumn performed Mechanical Work (Division 03) under Job Order Contracts (JOC) for both UIC and UIUC. Following the completion of these contracts, Autumn continues to provide contractor services at UIUC.

  • Expanded services to include General Trades and Painting. Clients include O’Hare Airport Transit System (OATS) and Midway Management Group.

  • Autumn Construction’s brand evolved and the new website launched.

  • Awarded a Job Order Contract for mechanical work with City Colleges of Chicago.

    Secured two new JOC contracts from Cook County—one for SBE Mechanical and one for Mechanical (non-SBE).

  • Autumn celebrates 30 years of supporting and growing the mechanical contracting industry across the greater Chicagoland area.

Reflecting on 30 Years of Building Excellence

This year marks a significant milestone for Autumn Construction Services—our 30th anniversary. What began in 1995 as a dedicated mechanical construction management and consulting firm has grown into a comprehensive provider of construction management, mechanical contracting, and general construction services.

For three decades, we’ve been proud to partner with public and private clients, A/E firms, and other contractors to deliver successful projects built on our expertise, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and commitment to quality. Our evolution reflects not only the growth of Autumn, but also the trust our clients have placed in us over the years.

As we celebrate this achievement, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of our employees, partners, and clients who have been integral to our journey. I look forward to what lies ahead and how we can make it happen together. Thank you for being part of our story.
— Susan Nelson, Founder and President of Autumn Construction Services

30th Anniversary Video Series: Employee Experience Showcase

To celebrate 30 years of building excellence, we're spotlighting the people who helped shape Autumn Construction Services into what it is today. In this special video series, team members share their experiences, insights, and takeaways from across the decades as they reflect on how Autumn has evolved, grown, and remained true to its core values.

Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future through the voices of the people who helped build it.

Follow Our Journey.

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