Gilbane helped build the World War II Memorial (shown above) as well as the Vietnam War Memorial, both of which are located on the Mall in Washington, D.C.

OUR HISTORY

Gilbane is one of the nation’s oldest builders. The company was founded in 1873 by William Gilbane and his brother Thomas as a family-run carpentry and general contracting shop in Providence, Rhode Island. Originally known as William Gilbane and Brother, the firm quickly developed a reputation for quality, and for building some of the finest homes in Providence. New projects soon followed, including churches, hospitals and other public buildings that are still in use today.

In the early 1900s, William H. Gilbane took control of the company and steered it through the lean times of the Great Depression. In the 1930s, his sons Thomas and William joined the company and made Gilbane’s reputation as a pioneer in construction management — first with major defense projects during World War II, and then with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, which opened on time and budget in Washington, D.C. on July 4, 1976. In 1970 Gilbane expanded its services and formed the development unit now known as Gilbane Development Company.

Today, fourth-generation members of the family lead the company, which has annual revenues of more than $2.5 billion and more than 25 offices across the United States. Paul J. Choquette Jr., son of third-generation family member Virginia Gilbane Choquette, is chairman and Thomas F. Gilbane Jr. is president and CEO of Gilbane Inc. Thomas F. Gilbane Jr. is chairman and CEO, and William J. Gilbane Jr. is president and COO of Gilbane Building Company. Robert V. Gilbane is president of Gilbane Development Company.

Members of Gilbane’s fifth generation have already joined the business and are now learning the skills that may someday allow them to participate in the management of the company.