HISTORY

Five Generations of Construction Expertise

Larson-Danielson Construction Company, Inc. has been building high-quality commercial projects in Northern Indiana since 1908. Founded by Charles and Frank Larson, along with Frank’s brother-in-law Emil Danielson, the company quickly earned a reputation for skilled craftsmanship and reliable project delivery.

The second generation, Raymond Larson and Marvin Danielson, joined in 1922, continuing the family tradition of excellence. By 1965, Thomas Larson and Dan Danielson led the company, expanding capabilities and establishing Larson-Danielson as a trusted regional construction partner.

Fourth-generation leadership (Tim Larson, Terry Larson, Tom Walter, and Mark Danielson) took the helm in 1992, guiding the company through modern commercial construction challenges. Today, the fifth generation (Brian Larson, Nick Larson, Jeff Jensen, David Merkel, and Pat Lockwood) carries forward over 117 years of expertise, delivering lasting, quality projects while maintaining strong client relationships and trusted partnerships.

Building a Legacy of Construction Excellence

Larson-Danielson has built a tradition of excellence in general contracting since 1908. In the 1950s, the company expanded into ready-mix concrete and residential construction, laying the groundwork for diversified expertise.

Today, Larson-Danielson focuses on commercial, industrial, and institutional projects, serving clients primarily in Northwest Indiana. The company ranks among the state’s top general contractors, completing more than $90 million in projects annually and employing over 200 skilled professionals.

In addition to general contracting, Larson-Danielson is a regional leader in design/build and construction management services. With decades of experience, the company consistently delivers high-quality, cost-effective projects that meet client needs and strengthen communities.

July 8, 1908

Larson-Danielson Construction Company incorporated

1922

L-D’s 2nd generation – Marvin Danielson and Raymond Larson – become active in the business

January 7, 1937

Larson-Danielson Construction Company, Inc. re-incorporated under the “Indiana General Corporation Act”

1965

L-D’s 3rd generation – Tom Larson and Dan Danielson – take over leadership

1992

L-D’s 4th generation – Tim Larson, Terry Larson, Tom Walter and Mark Danielson – take control of the company

2008

L-D celebrates 100 years in business

2022

L’D’s 5th generation – Brian Larson, Nick Larson, Jeff Jensen, David Merkel, and Pat Lockwood – assume leadership of the company

Larson-Danielson Construction's original 2-story office building on Washington Street circa 1937

July 21, 1908: Incorporated in Indiana under the “Manufacturers and Mining Company Act” by Charles O. Larson, Emil Danielson, and Frank A. Larson.

  • Officers: Charles Larson, President; Frank Larson, Vice President; Emil Danielson, Secretary-Treasurer.

Larson-Danielson Construction Company: A Timeline of Projects

Early Projects (1908–1922)

1908: Y.M.C.A., La Porte, IN

Hotel Mishawaka, completed in 1909

1909: Hotel Mishawaka, Mishawaka, IN

1910: Y.M.C.A., Hannibal, MO

The Rumely Hotel, completed in 1912

1912–1913: Rumely Hotel, La Porte, IN

The Rumely Hotel, completed in 1912

1915: Y.W.C.A., Van Wert, OH

The Rumely Hotel, completed in 1912

1918: St. Joseph Hospital, Mishawaka, IN

Ancilla Domini original construction photo circa 1922

1919–1922: Ancilla Domini Motherhouse & Convent, Donaldson, IN

Projects & Growth (1927–1948)

La Porte's First Methodist Church, completed in 1927

1927: First United Methodist Church, La Porte, IN

La Porte's Civic Auditorium, completed in 1929

1929–1930: Civic Auditorium, La Porte, IN

1930: La Porte Herald-Argus, La Porte, IN

Porter Memorial Hospital - Valparaiso, IN - Built in 1939

1939: Porter Memorial Hospital, Valparaiso, IN

A photo of an Allis Chalmers facility from 1941

1941–1942: Allis-Chalmers Stores Building, La Porte, IN (WWII government contract)

Key Projects (1968–1989)

1968–1969: Six fraternity residences, Valparaiso University, IN

newspaper clipping of the 1969 Whirlpool groundbreaking

1969: Whirlpool Corporation Parts Facility, La Porte, IN

1970: Kingsbury Elementary School, La Porte, IN

Porter Memorial Hospital - Valparaiso, IN - Built in 1939

1971: Kesling Junior High School, La Porte, IN

newspaper clipping from 1975 construction progress of the Fox Park bandshell

1975: Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater, Fox Park, La Porte, IN

Michigan City Public Library exterior photo from 1977

1977: Michigan City Public Library, MI; Distinguished Building Award (AIA) & Architecture Award of Excellence (AISC)

1977: New York Blower Company Plant 3, La Porte, IN

1978: LaPorte County Courthouse Roof Replacement & La Porte High School built

Newspaper clipping from the 1984 groundbreaking ceremony of the La Lumiere Dormitory

1984–1985: Dormitory built at LaLumiere School, La Porte, IN

1985–1986: Scott Foresman Book Storage Facility, Pinola, IN

Fourth Generation Projects (1991–2020)

New York Blower Plant 4 exterior image from 1993

1993: New York Blower Plant 4, La Porte, IN

1994: Door Prairie Museum, La Porte, IN

Plaque recognizing the team responsible for the 1995 renovations at Yost Elementary School

1995: Renovations: Yost Elementary & Bailly Elementary Schools, Chesterton, IN

Facility Services Group logo

1996: Facility Services Group, our small projects division, introduced

1999: Wolf Dental, La Porte, IN

Valparaiso University's Kade-Duesenberg German House & Cultural Center

2000: Kade-Duesenberg German House & Cultural Center, Valparaiso University, IN

2006: Porter County Visitors Center, Chesterton, IN

Indiana National Guard Armory at the Gary Airport

2007: National Guard Aviation Support Facility, Gary Airport, IN

History | Indiana Beverage facility in Valparaiso, Indiana

2011: Indiana Beverage Headquarters, Valparaiso, IN

Howmet Casting Plant - La Porte, IN

2015: Alcoa Howmet Castings Plant, La Porte, IN

Newspaper clipping from the 1984 groundbreaking ceremony of the La Lumiere Dormitory

2016: New Police Station, Michigan City, IN

Hospitality Projects - Howe Travel Plazas - Exterior Night

2017: New Toll Road Plazas, Howe & Rolling Prairie, IN

Hospitality Projects - Howe Travel Plazas - Exterior Night

2019: Howard Park Redevelopment, South Bend, IN

La Porte Fire Station No 3 - Building Exterior

2020: Fire Station #3, La Porte, IN

Fifth Generation Projects (2022–Present)

Facet Architecture logo

2022: Facet Architecture Introduced as Full-Service Architectural Firm

History | Seats removed at the La Porte Civic Auditorium

2023: Renovations completed at the Civic Auditorium, La Porte, IN

Graham Family Hall - Building Exterior

2024: Graham Family Hall Men’s Dormitory, University of Notre Dame

New York Blower Plant 4 office addition foyer stairwell

2025: Celebrating 65 years with New York Blower; Plant 3 Office Addition completed, La Porte, IN

Over a century of craftsmanship, five generations of leadership, and countless projects later, Larson-Danielson continues to build with the same dedication, trust, and commitment to excellence that has defined us since 1908.

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