Cranes rising above Manhattan may attract the most attention, but New York construction extends far beyond skyscrapers. Contractors are rebuilding transport terminals, expanding hospitals, developing advanced semiconductor facilities, restoring historic landmarks and converting ageing offices into modern spaces.
Delivering these projects requires strong safety systems, experienced subcontractors and a detailed understanding of New York’s building regulations and logistical challenges. Some companies below were founded in New York, while others operate through substantial local offices. Here are our top construction company picks for New York in 2026.
1. Turner Construction Company
Turner Construction was founded in New York in 1902 and has developed into one of the country’s largest building contractors. Its New York business unit includes more than 800 construction professionals working across commercial, healthcare, education, aviation, cultural and public-sector projects.
The company provides preconstruction, construction management, general contracting, design-build, building-information modelling and specialised interior construction. Its local portfolio includes David Geffen Hall, the New York Public Library’s Schwarzman Building, NYU’s John A. Paulson Center, The Spiral and LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal C redevelopment.
Turner also remains involved in major New York projects, including work connected with the Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement, 343 Madison Avenue, Battery Park City resiliency and new healthcare facilities.
Why Turner Construction is included: Its New York roots, large local workforce and experience managing complicated urban projects make it one of the strongest all-round construction companies in the state.
- New York office: 66 Hudson Boulevard East, New York, NY 10001
- Official website: https://www.turnerconstruction.com/
2. AECOM Tishman
AECOM Tishman combines AECOM’s international engineering and programme-management resources with the construction experience of Tishman Construction. AECOM acquired Tishman in 2010, but the Tishman name remains closely connected with major New York building projects.
The company is particularly experienced in construction management for large commercial towers, mixed-use developments, hotels, transport-related buildings and complex public projects. Its New York record includes One World Trade Center, One Vanderbilt, 30 Hudson Yards, One Manhattan West and several other major skyline projects.
AECOM’s broader capabilities include engineering, architecture, cost management, programme management, environmental services and infrastructure consulting. This allows project owners to obtain several technical services through one organisation.
Why AECOM Tishman is included: Its record of delivering some of New York’s most complicated high-rise developments gives it exceptional experience in large construction-management assignments.
- New York office: 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158
- Official website: https://aecom.com/
3. Skanska USA
Skanska is a major construction and development company with several New York operations. Its offices include a main location in the Empire State Building, along with facilities in Maspeth and Queens that support building and civil-infrastructure work.
The company constructs offices, hospitals, universities, stadiums, airports, transport facilities, tunnels, bridges and power-related infrastructure. Its ability to handle both buildings and heavy civil construction separates it from companies focused mainly on commercial towers or interior work.
Skanska reported $8.7 billion in US revenue for 2025 and approximately 6,500 employees nationwide. Its scale provides access to specialist engineering, procurement, safety and project-management resources for large New York developments.
Why Skanska USA is included: Its combination of commercial building and major infrastructure expertise makes it particularly valuable for transport, healthcare, institutional and technically demanding projects.
- New York office: 350 Fifth Avenue, 37th Floor, New York, NY 10118
- Official website: https://www.skanska.com/us/en/
4. STO Building Group
STO Building Group is headquartered in New York and operates through several specialist construction companies. Its family of companies includes Structure Tone, Pavarini McGovern and LF Driscoll Healthcare, each serving different parts of the building market.
Structure Tone is well known for corporate interiors, renovations and building repositioning. Pavarini McGovern handles large residential, hospitality and commercial construction, while LF Driscoll Healthcare focuses on hospitals and medical facilities.
The group’s wider experience covers life-science laboratories, data centres, educational buildings, hotels, cultural properties and headquarters. Its portfolio also includes the major restoration of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan.
Why STO Building Group is included: Its specialist companies allow it to handle everything from office interiors and hospital expansions to residential towers and landmark restorations.
- New York headquarters: 330 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001
- Official website: https://stobuildinggroup.com/
5. Gilbane Building Company
Gilbane is a privately held, family-owned construction and real estate company with more than 150 years of operating history. It maintains offices in New York City and Albany, supporting projects throughout the state.
Its services include construction management, general contracting, design-build, preconstruction planning and facilities-related work. Gilbane operates across healthcare, education, life sciences, government, commercial, residential and advanced-manufacturing markets.
One of its significant current New York assignments is connected with the expansion of the NY CREATES Albany NanoTech Complex. The project demonstrates Gilbane’s ability to manage specialised construction involving advanced semiconductor research and manufacturing facilities.
Why Gilbane Building Company is included: Its strong institutional experience and active presence in both New York City and upstate New York make it suitable for healthcare, education and advanced-technology projects.
- New York City office: 1411 Broadway, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10018
- Albany office: 80 State Street, 4th Floor, Albany, NY 12207
- Official website: https://www.gilbaneco.com/
What Should Project Owners Compare?
Project owners should compare relevant experience rather than company size alone. A contractor known for skyscrapers may not be the best choice for a hospital renovation, laboratory or occupied-office project.
Request information about similar completed projects, proposed team members, safety performance, scheduling methods and subcontractor relationships. The proposal should also explain insurance, change-order procedures, contingency allowances, payment terms and responsibility for delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a general contractor and a construction manager?
A: A general contractor normally performs the work under an agreed construction contract and manages subcontractors. A construction manager becomes involved earlier and may help with budgeting, scheduling, design coordination and procurement before physical construction starts.
Q: When should a construction company join the project?
A: For a large or complicated development, involving the contractor during design can identify costly construction problems early. This stage is commonly called preconstruction.
Q: Is the lowest construction bid always the best option?
A: No. A low bid may exclude essential work or rely on unrealistic allowances. Owners should compare scope, materials, schedule, exclusions and change-order procedures before making a decision.
Q: Are large construction companies suitable for small renovations?
A: Some maintain specialist interiors or small-project divisions, but major contractors are generally best suited to larger and more complicated assignments. A qualified local contractor may offer better value for a straightforward residential renovation.
Q: What documents should be checked before awarding a contract?
A: Review the contractor’s insurance certificates, project references, proposed schedule, detailed cost breakdown, safety plan and written contract. Responsibilities for permits, inspections, temporary protection and site cleanup should be clearly stated.