HISTORY
A Legacy of Commercial Construction Since 1908
Larson-Danielson is a fifth-generation commercial construction company and general contractor serving Northwest Indiana and the surrounding region. Since 1908, our family has built a reputation for craftsmanship, reliability, and trusted partnership on commercial, industrial, and institutional projects.
What began as a family business founded by Charles and Frank Larson, along with Frank’s brother-in-law Emil Danielson, has grown into one of Northwest Indiana’s most respected construction firms. For more than a century, Larson-Danielson has delivered quality construction services that support businesses, institutions, and communities across the region.
Five Generations of Leadership
Larson-Danielson’s history is built on generations of leadership and commitment to the work.
The second generation, Raymond Larson and Marvin Danielson, joined the company in 1922 and helped carry the business forward with the same values that shaped its early years. In 1965, Thomas Larson and Dan Danielson led the company into a new era of growth, strengthening its role as a trusted regional construction partner.
In 1992, fourth-generation leaders Tim Larson, Terry Larson, Tom Walter, and Mark Danielson guided the company through a changing construction landscape while remaining focused on quality, service, and long-term client relationships.
Today, the fifth generation – Brian Larson, Nick Larson, Jeff Jensen, David Merkel, and Pat Lockwood – continues that tradition. Their leadership reflects more than 118 years of experience and a steady commitment to delivering lasting value on every project.
A Growing Construction Company
Over the years, Larson-Danielson expanded beyond its original roots to meet the needs of a changing market. In the 1950s, the company added ready-mix concrete and residential construction, broadening its capabilities and building a stronger foundation for future growth.
Today, Larson-Danielson focuses on commercial construction, industrial construction, and institutional construction. We serve clients primarily in Northwest Indiana and continue to rank among the state’s top general contractors, completing more than $140 million in projects annually with a team of more than 200 skilled professionals.
Our long history, broad experience, and deep regional relationships allow us to provide dependable construction services that clients can count on from start to finish.
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
July 21, 1908: Incorporated in Indiana under the “Manufacturers and Mining Company Act” by Charles O. Larson, Emil Danielson, and Frank A. Larson.
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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
1909: Hotel Mishawaka, Mishawaka, IN
1910: Y.M.C.A., Hannibal, MO
1912–1913: Rumely Hotel, La Porte, IN
1915: Y.W.C.A., Van Wert, OH
1918: St. Joseph Hospital, Mishawaka, IN
1919–1922: Ancilla Domini Motherhouse & Convent, Donaldson, IN
Projects & Growth (1927–1948)
1927: First United Methodist Church, La Porte, IN
1929–1930: Civic Auditorium, La Porte, IN
1930: La Porte Herald-Argus, La Porte, IN
1939: Porter Memorial Hospital, Valparaiso, IN
1941–1942: Allis-Chalmers Stores Building, La Porte, IN (WWII government contract)
Key Projects (1968–1989)
1968–1969: Six fraternity residences, Valparaiso University, IN
1969: Whirlpool Corporation Parts Facility, La Porte, IN
1970: Kingsbury Elementary School, La Porte, IN
1971: Kesling Junior High School, La Porte, IN
1975: Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater, Fox Park, La Porte, IN
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
1984–1985: Dormitory built at LaLumiere School, La Porte, IN
1985–1986: Scott Foresman Book Storage Facility, Pinola, IN
Fourth Generation Projects (1991–2020)
1993: New York Blower Plant 4, La Porte, IN
1994: Door Prairie Museum, La Porte, IN
1995: Renovations: Yost Elementary & Bailly Elementary Schools, Chesterton, IN
1996: Facility Services Group, our small projects division, introduced
1999: Wolf Dental, La Porte, IN
2000: Kade-Duesenberg German House & Cultural Center, Valparaiso University, IN
2006: Porter County Visitors Center, Chesterton, IN
2007: National Guard Aviation Support Facility, Gary Airport, IN
2011: Indiana Beverage Headquarters, Valparaiso, IN
2015: Alcoa Howmet Castings Plant, La Porte, IN
2016: New Police Station, Michigan City, IN
2017: New Toll Road Plazas, Howe & Rolling Prairie, IN
2019: Howard Park Redevelopment, South Bend, IN
2020: Fire Station #3, La Porte, IN
Fifth Generation Projects (2022–Present)
2022: Facet Architecture Introduced as Full-Service Architectural Firm
2023: Renovations completed at the Civic Auditorium, La Porte, IN
2024: Graham Family Hall Men’s Dormitory, University of Notre Dame
2025: Celebrating 65 years with New York Blower; Plant 3 Office Addition completed, La Porte, IN
A Trusted Partner in Northwest Indiana
Larson-Danielson continues to build on its history by delivering quality construction services across Northwest Indiana and beyond. Our legacy is rooted in experience, but our focus remains forward-looking: to provide dependable commercial construction solutions that meet today’s demands and support tomorrow’s growth.
More than a century later, our name still stands for the values that shaped the company from the beginning – craftsmanship, reliability, safety, and trusted partnership.
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