Building Through Adversity
1931-1950
In 1931, the company officially became Universal Construction and expanded its services beyond masonry into General Contracting.
The 1930s and 1940s brought some of the most challenging periods in our history. During the Great Depression, Universal remained active by securing industrial, educational, and public projects throughout the region. As World War II created labor shortages, many employees left to serve in the military, making it increasingly difficult to find workers. To meet project demands, company leadership built relationships with Native American tribes and local county officials to help recruit and develop a reliable workforce.
Despite these challenges, Universal continued to grow and successfully completed a number of significant projects throughout the era, establishing a reputation for reliability and quality that continues today.
Project Spotlight
- 1933 - National Investment Company Buildings
- 1935 - BOE for Kansas City, MO
- 1936 - University of Kansas Power Plant
- 1937 - KC Terminal Railroad
- 1939 - Army/Navy Military Air Base
- 1939 - American Brake Shoe Foundry Company
- 1940 - Addition at Argentine High School, KCK
- 1945 - Chevelot plant
