JP Cullen history

1903 – Cullen Brothers builds a library in Clinton, Iowa – one of its first projects outside Wisconsin

On April 16, 1904, Janesville’s laborers form a construction trades union, at that time J.P. recalls starting the business as an apprentice laborer and agrees to make the Cullen firm a union shop, which it remains to this day.

1905 – A contract is secured for erecting a federal courthouse and post office in Hammond, Indiana – Cullen’s first such job

1916 – Construction begins on Samson Tractor Company in Janesville.

When Mark returns from his service in 1918, he joins his father in the family business.

In 1919, JP Cullen was awarded the project to build the original plant for General Motor’s predecessor, Samson Tractor Factory.

1921 – J.P. Cullen & Son construct Janesville High School which still stands in downtown Janesville as an apartment complex

In 1923, Chevrolet cars were being produced and expansions began taking place.

1925 – John Patrick (J.P.) Cullen is born on September 28; Mark Cullen starts work on the University of Wisconsin’s Bascom Hall

1958 – Work commences on the Wilson Street state office building in Madison

Although eventually retiring from the company’s daily routine, Mark A. remains active in the back office until his death in 1970 at age 74.

1983 – The Cullen’s win the refurbishment contract for the Parker Pen offices in Janesville

They sold the team in 1985 for $94 per share.

1986 – Nine-story Manchester Place is completed, helping the revitalization of downtown Madison

1990 – Continuing its long history of construction partnership with General Motors, J.P. Cullen remodels the firm’s Janesville production facility, totaling over 3,000,000 sf over time

1992 – J.P. Cullen celebrates its 100th anniversary with a party on September 17 at the Janesville Country Club; a J.P. Cullen Scholarship is established at the University of Wisconsin to encourage construction careers, as well as a J.P. Cullen Foundation to aid charitable causes

1996 – The Masonry Division is established

In March of 1999, JP Cullen opens its first branch office in Milwaukee.

2000 – The Cullen Construction College is launched, helping staffers to academically advance in their chosen fields

2003– The University of Wisconsin Engineering Center project begins and is completed the following year

2004 – The firm’s bid is accepted to construct the Verona Learning Campus for Epic Systems Corporation, the first of many building projects over the ensuing years for the mega-giant healthcare software developer

2005 – Fort Atkinson Hospital is expanded

2013 – Ron Becher becomes first non-family company president

In June of 2015, the Downtown Madison branch office opens just as 306 West Main Apartments and The Henry Vilas Zoo’s Artic Passage projects are completed.

2016 – Work commences on the Milwaukee Bucks Arena and Training Center where JP Cullen provides critical construction services