About us
The Spence Brothers Legacy
The Beginning
Brothers Matt & Hugh Spence launch start-up construction company in Saginaw named “Hugh Spence & Brother” in response to Saginaw’s Great Fire which destroyed most of the homes on the City’s East Side.The Partnership Formed
In 1910, a partnership was formed between Hugh & Matt Spence, and the company’s name was changed to Spence Brothers. The company entered into general contracting in earnest, building landmark churches across Michigan. The company's most ambitious project of the period was the City Hall in Flint, Michigan.The Roaring 20's
In the 1920’s, the growth of the company was moderate, yet steady. Most of the work was confined to the Saginaw area. During this period the firm built Saginaw's North and South Intermediate Schools - the largest projects of the era. Pictured is South Intermediate, completed in 1926.Surviving the Depression Years
The firm became a Michigan Corporation on April 1, 1930. Spence Brothers survived the Great Depression by building post offices across the United States.Post WWII Era
The company was awarded its largest contract to date at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Saginaw.The Decade of Substantial Growth
The 1950’s were a boom decade for construction and a key period in Spence Brothers’ growth.Building Iconic Structures
Many significant projects were built during the 1960’s at The University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. Pictured is the landmark Crisler Arena.Rising Up - Meeting Demands
An interesting project in the 70’s was the construction of the 777 Eisenhower Building – a landmark office building structure located in Ann Arbor, MichiganMeeting Municipal Needs
The firm established a major niche in wastewater control and treatment work in the 1980s, starting with the $35 Million Bay County Wastewater Treatment Plant.Champions Are Born Here
The Canham Natatorium on The University of Michigan campus has proved to be the birthplace of champions. In fact, national and Olympic medalist champions have used the facility as their training center.Extending Our Construction Impact
Spence Brothers opened its Traverse City office in 1999. One of the larger concrete jobs in this area for the period was The Inn at Bay Harbor.Takin' The LEED!
Spence Brothers completed its first LEED Certified project at Saginaw Valley State University’s Pioneer Hall. The project obtained a LEED Silver rating from the USGBC. Pioneer Hall was the first construction project to acquire LEED Certification in the Region.Past Leaders Honored
In 2010, Herbert A. Spence Jr., Edwin A. Spence Jr., and Matthew J. Spence III were inducted into the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame recognizing their key leadership and contributions to Spence Brothers and the industry’s success.Supporting Dow's Sustainable Vision
The Dow Chemical Company’s 210,000 square foot Business Services Center was constructed and occupied in an amazing 11-month period. The building was honored with the Build Michigan Award in the Environmental category for its impressive sustainable features.Back to the Future
Originally constructed by Spence Brothers in the late 60’s, the new Crisler Center project award was viewed as a tremendous opportunity to connect with our legacy at the arena. Crews worked double shifts – 6 days a week – to complete over $50 million of construction in a 10 month period. The project not only won the Build Michigan Award in its category, but was also awarded Best Project in the entire Mid-West by the Engineering News Record.Thinking Big and Early
Spence Brothers is awarded its largest contract to date, the $72 million Genesee County Water Treatment Plant. The construction team delivers the project three months ahead of schedule, providing a great tribute to our company Legacy of beating expectations for our clients and project partners.Our Legacy Projects
With over 130 years of commercial construction under our belt – one can only imagine the countless projects supporting our construction legacy!
We went through boxes and boxes of photos stored in a basement vault going way, way back in time. After crawling out with our treasures discovered (and leaving a little bit of a mess), we’d like to share a few of our legacy projects as a glimpse back to some of our historic accomplishments. Check back often – we have much more to share!
1967
Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan – Crisler Arena
LEARN / PLAY
Originally constructed by Spence Brothers in the late 1960’s, Crisler Arena symbolizes our long-standing construction relationship with The University of Michigan. It is a monumental testimony of the trust put in Spence Brothers to build this playground for tomorrow’s superstars. The recent Crisler Center Expansion further strengthens Spence Brothers’ legacy for the iconic structure.
1936
Chelsea, Michigan
US Post Office - Chelsea
Work
During the Great Depression, our firm traveled the country working on public works projects, including several Post Offices throughout the Country and Michigan. One of the post offices we built was in Chelsea, Michigan.
Spence Brothers would renovate this building over 80 years later to serve as a local pediatric dentists’ office.
1960
Saginaw, Michigan
Saginaw News Building
Work
The Saginaw News Building was a classic example of mid-century modern architecture. Constructed on more than 3 feet of concrete to support massive printing presses, the building would be home to the News for more than 50 years.
Spence Brothers would serve as the construction manager when it was redeveloped into the SVRC Marketplace, and would move its headquarters offices to the 3rd Floor of the building in 2018.
1939
Mt. Pleasant
Central State Teachers' College Dormitory
Learn / Live
Long before it was known as Central Michigan University, the Central State Teachers’ College prepared students for careers as educators in the heart of Michigan. Spence Brothers constructed dorms serving the college in the late 1930s.
1990
Corunna, MI
Shiawassee County Courthouse Historic Renovation
Work
The Shiawassee County Courthouse project encompassed a true historical renovation guided by Michigan’s historical preservation guidelines. We’re proud to have been part of securing another chapter of longevity for this amazing community icon.
1904
Saginaw, Michigan
Clark Ring Home
Live
Clark Ring replaces his father’s imposing Italianate-style home at 1126 N. Michigan Ave with a new family home. The building would one day become home of the Saginaw Art Museum.