Harris Construction expands services

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Sep 28, 1999 by Darren Currin The Journal Record

Harris Construction has expanded its services into the metro area by opening its first office in Oklahoma City.

The new office, located at 1000 W. Wilshire in Suite 371 of the Nichols Hills Executive Center, marks the third branch location for the Lawrence, Kan.-based general contractor. In addition to Lawrence and Oklahoma City, Harris also maintains an office in Kansas City.

"We are excited to be here," said Dane Heneger, vice president of operations of the Oklahoma City division and an Oklahoma City native. "I have come home and look forward to being a part of this city's ongoing growth."

The company first came to Oklahoma City in January when they were contracted by Price Chopper grocery store to renovate its location at Northwest Expressway and Rockwell Avenue. Harris also began work shortly afterwards on renovating Price Chopper's Pennsylvania Avenue and Interstate 240 location.

As a result of these two initial projects, Heneger said the company has been able to form good relationships with local subcontractors. Furthermore, with the Oklahoma City market in the midst of a construction boom, Heneger said the time was right for Harris to establish expand its office into the metro area.

"It only makes sense that we continue to build in this busy construction market," he added.

According to Heneger, Harris Construction specializes in building manufacturing/industrial/warehouse facilities, commercial office buildings and a wide variety of retail facilities.

Current projects range in construction costs from $2 million to $20 million facilities throughout Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

The company is a predominately negotiated design/build firm, which accounts for 50 to 60 percent of its business.

"We very seldom have to go out on the open bid market," noted Heneger.

Through its Oklahoma City office, Harris will not only work on construction projects in the central Oklahoma area, but also in the Tulsa area. The office will also be made up of seven to 15 employees. Harris has about 155 employees in its three locations.

Harris Construction is a family operated construction firm, which is in its third generation.

"We are excited about the opportunities Oklahoma City has to offer," said Bo Harris, president and CEO. "When we took a closer look at Oklahoma City, it only made sense to us that we should expand our services there."