03/30/2026
Congratulations Gundlach Champion!
Gundlach Champion earned the 2026 AGC Build Michigan Award for restoring the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity House in Houghton, MI. This recognition, celebrating outstanding project management in the “$10 Million or Less Building Construction” category, was presented at the AGC’s Annual Meeting on February 27 in Detroit.
The project brought life back to the historic landmark, first built in 1900 by Herman Gundlach. In 2022, an electrical fire and 500,000 gallons of firefighting water caused severe damage, destroying the roof and putting the building’s future at risk.
The Phi Zeta House Corporation hired GCI in June 2024 to restore the property. The team removed everything down to the balloon-framed walls and the Jacobsville sandstone foundation to stabilize the building. They balanced historic preservation with modern craftsmanship, carefully recreating details like the 11-piece cornice, coffered ceilings, and the grand staircase. The project finished successfully in July 2025.
Balancing respect for history with the skill of modern craftsmen, they meticulously recreated details such as the intricate 11-piece cornice, elegantly coffered ceilings, and the sweeping grand staircase. Their dedication in the award-winning restoration, completed in July 2025.
