The Big Apple is a place where buildings are never just buildings. They’re cultural landmarks. They’re economic headquarters. They’re lifestyle destinations.
From the glass office towers rising above Midtown to the boutique hotels tucked into SoHo and Tribeca, every project must balance goals with practicality in one of the most challenging construction markets in the world.
Delivering these projects isn’t only about pouring concrete or framing steel. It requires following strict regulations, coordinating logistics in their urban settings, and meeting the high expectations of property owners and investors.
In New York City, office projects are the cornerstone of the evolving needs of hybrid work, while hospitality spaces are judged on their ability to create memorable guest experiences in an increasingly competitive market.
That’s where the city’s top general contractors come in. These firms combine technical expertise with creative problem-solving, teaming up architects, engineers, and developers to deliver projects that meet deadlines, stay on budget, and live up to New York’s global reputation for design and innovation.
This article takes you to the behind-the-scenes of some of the leading general contractors shaping NYC’s office and hospitality sectors.
1. Blueberry Builders
Who they are: Blueberry Builders general contractor in NYC has earned a reputation for transforming outdated properties into vibrant, high-end office and hospitality environments.nts.
Their best-selling point? Adaptive reuse, where existing structures are reimagined into flexible, modern workplaces or lifestyle-driven hospitality venues.
Health and wellness facilities, boutique hospitality spaces, restaurants, retail environments, and bespoke interiors that combine functionality with refined finishes.
Notable projects:
Health and wellness facilities, boutique hospitality spaces, restaurants, retail environments, and bespoke interiors that combine functionality with refined finishes.
Strengths:
Blueberry’s structured approach emphasizes precision and collaboration. The team works closely with architects and property owners to deliver interiors that are both beautiful and practical, reflecting how New Yorkers actually use space.
Their shining moments: From repositioning an aging office into a collaborative workplace to reimagining lofts as boutique hotels, Blueberry Builders consistently delivers interiors that meet the highest standards of precision, efficiency, and sophistication, making them a trusted first call for adaptive, design-driven projects in the city.
2. Turner Construction Company
Who they are: Turner is one of the biggest construction companies in the United States and an icon in New York City’s skyline. With deep expertise in mega-projects, Turner brings unmatched scale and resources to both office towers and luxury hospitality builds.
Notable projects:
- St. Petersburg, Florida – Bayfront Health Medical Pavilion at Institute Square
- New Delhi, India – Serendipity Arts Live Museum (The Brij)
Strengths:
- Proven capability to deliver multi-million-square-foot projects.
- Expertise in LEED-certified construction and sustainable building practices.
- Advanced project management systems and logistics solutions tailored for dense urban environments.
Their shining moments: Turner thrives when clients need sheer and complex structures. Their ability to coordinate massive projects while still maintaining quality and safety makes them a leader in the NYC construction landscape.
3. Lendlease
Who they are: Lendlease combines global expertise with strong execution, bringing innovative methods and sustainable design to office and hospitality projects.
Notable projects:
- Brooklyn, New York – The Riverie
- Boston, Massachusetts – FORUM
Strengths:
- Integrated development and construction services.
- Leadership in sustainable and wellness-focused building practices.
- Skilled at reimagining older buildings into modern, efficient spaces.
Their shining moments: Lendlease is the top choice for owners seeking adaptive reuse or projects with strong sustainability goals. Their integrated approach ensures smooth transitions from concept to completion.
4. AECOM Tishman
Who they are: With a legacy tied to New York’s most iconic developments, AECOM Tishman specializes in large-scale office towers and complex mixed-use projects that demand precision and logistical mastery.
Notable projects:
- One World Trade Center
- Port of Los Angeles Waterfront
Strengths:
- Specialization in high-rise construction and complex structural systems.
- Exceptional at handling phased projects in live urban environments.
- Strong engineering integration through AECOM’s global network.
Their shining moments: Tishman’s reputation rests on its ability to execute ambitious, technically demanding projects that shape the NYC skyline. For developers envisioning to create builders that become landmarks, Tishman is a trusted name.
5. Gilbane Building Company
Who they are: A family-founded contractor with national reach, Gilbane has established a strong reputation in New York for hospitality and office projects, particularly those in fast-paced districts like the remarkable Times Square.
Notable projects:
- Constellation Brands brewery expansion, Obregon
- Union Station redevelopment
Strengths:
- Transparent budgeting and pre-construction planning.
- Fast-track delivery methods suited for hospitality schedules.
- Greatness in vertical mixed-use buildings.
Their shining moments: Gilbane is known for its collaborative style and clear communication with their clients. Their strength lies in delivering the most outstanding projects, balancing cost and timelines, making them invaluable for hospitality project developers.
6. Structure Tone
Who they are: Structure Tone is one of NYC’s most prominent firms for interior construction, with a strong focus on high-quality office and hotel fit-outs. Their reputation is built on speed, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Notable projects:
- UBS and Morgan Stanley offices
- The St. Regis New York
Strengths:
- Specialists in corporate and hospitality interiors.
- Skilled at coordinating high-end finishes and integrations.
- Reliable at delivering projects on tight schedules.
Their shining moments: For interior renovations or luxury hotel upgrades, Structure Tone delivers speed and sophistication. Their ability to transform interiors while minimizing disruption makes them a prime choice for clients.
7. Plaza Construction
Who they are: Plaza Construction is known for high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial projects, with a strong portfolio in boutique, design-led developments across New York City.
Notable projects:
- Commercial and mixed-use, healthcare facilities, and hospitality buildings.
- Cultural and the arts, data centers, and more.
Strengths:
- Strength in luxury and bespoke hospitality design.
- Skilled at navigating projects in landmarked or historic districts.
- Strong coordination with architects and design teams.
Their shining moments: Plaza Construction’s higher regard and focus on craftsmanship and design-driven detail make them the preferred partner for boutique hotels and hospitality spaces where aesthetics and brand identity are critical.
8. Skanska USA
Who they are: Skanska is also another global construction leader with a strong New York presence. The firm is recognized for its commitment to safety, sustainability, and delivering complex projects.
Notable projects:
- Portland International Airport (PDX) Terminal Core redevelopment
- UNC Rex Healthcare Heart and Vascular Hospital
Strengths:
- Industry-leading safety programs.
- Strong sustainability and green building expertise.
- Experienced in coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders.
Their shining moments: Skanska does well in projects requiring tight risk management and sustainable performance. Their global systems and know-how of the Big Apple make them well-equipped for complex office-hospitality developments.
9. Hunter Roberts Construction Group
Who they are: A mid-sized contractor, Hunter Roberts has built a reputation for delivering both corporate offices and boutique hospitality spaces, balancing cost, quality, and design.
Notable projects:
- Bloomberg headquarters
- Standard High Line Hotel
Strengths:
- Strong pre-construction planning and cost management.
- Experienced in delivering hospitality projects with complex requirements.
- Flexible, with a hands-on approach to managing details.
Their shining moments: Hunter Roberts is well-suited for boutique projects and those whose highlights are the design, as well as where balancing budget and luxury finishes is essential.
New York City’s office and hospitality markets require contractors who can blend vision with flawless, impeccable execution. From Blueberry Builders, a leader in adaptive reuse and innovative interiors, to giants like Turner, AECOM Tishman, and Skanska, each firm offers unique strengths, and each has their own shining moments.
The right choice depends on your project’s scale, design intent, and operational needs, but all have proven their ability to deliver in one of the most competitive markets in the world.