The Great Depression     It was a dark period in our nation's history. Stock prices fell 40%. Nine thousand banks went out of business. Nine million savings accounts were wiped out. Eighty-six thousand businesses failed. Wages decreased by an average  of 60%. The unemployment rate was 25%. Fifteen million people were out of work. It was called the Great Depression. In stark contrast to the pervasive misery and poverty, in 1931, Herbert Hoover led the grand opening ceremony for the world's tallest building.

A Quality Start   Also in 1931, Universal Construction Company was founded in Kansas City by Norvel Smith. He demanded quality work and an unfailing dedication to honesty - and he got it. Even though the nation's business was faltering, Mr. Smith and his team of construction experts succeeded. Universal quickly mastered the construction of industrial plants, commercial and municipal buildings, churches, hospitals, and schools. The firms good name spread rapidly. Soon, the company was receiving repeat business from some of the biggest names in corporate America - a sure sign of excellent service and customer satisfaction. 

One of The Best   Universal is now recognized as one of the nation's premier commercial contractors. We have been recognized nationally in numerous publications, including Engineering News-Record's top 400 contractors in America and the top 100 construction managers in America. Universal provides construction services in 16 states under it's parent name or one of it's subsidiaries, Smith Universal Construction.

Bridging Generations    This year will mark the company's 70th year as Universal Construction, Co.  However, its roots go back to 1887 when Archie Smith started in business as a masonry contractor. Later, in 1931, with Norvel Smith at the helm, the company switched it's emphasis to general contracting and changed its name to Universal Construction, Co. Today, Universal is still Smith family-owned employing third, fourth and fifth generations.  It's business services include: construction management, program management, general contracting, design-build, preconstruction consulting and construction forensics.

Steadfast Commitment    In all its years, Universal has never been relieved of a project. In fact, it has often been called upon to complete projects other contractors have been unable to finish.