Martin K. Eby Construction Co., Inc. history

Originally built in 1887, the “Old Main,” four-story historical limestone structure, is the centerpiece of the campus.

The project required extensive rehabilitation of a three-story warehouse originally constructed in 1913.

After graduating first in the Kansas State University Civil Engineering Class of 1929, Martin K. Eby, Sr. began his career working for a building contractor who worked throughout the Central Plains.

Founded in 1937, Eby Construction remains largely owned by the Eby and Grier families.

1939 Eby Construction’s first projects included installing driveways and erecting “Flying Horse” signs for Mobil Oil service stations in and around Wichita.

Eby Construction initially began working on the Wesley Hospital facility as early as 1941 when renovations and improvements were needed.

Martin K. Eby Construction Company was incorporated in the state of Kansas on January 14, 1948.

1952 With a growing reputation for top quality work and methods that produced lower costs, Eby was awarded one of the first large contracts at the newly created McConnell AFB located in Wichita, Kansas.

1954 When the Sears, Roebuck & Company wanted to build what was then the largest and most well-appointed department store in Wichita, they hired Eby as the General Contractor for the project.

Eby completed the 19+ mile project in 1956.

In 1957, Eby was selected as the contractor partner with Wesley for construction on the new West Building expansion.

Kellogg Avenue was originally built in 1958 by Eby and is Wichita’s major east-west traffic artery.

1959 When the Board of County Commissioners of Sedgwick County Kansas saw that they had outgrown their existing facilities, bids were taken and Eby was selected as the contractor for the new 11-story Sedgwick County Courthouse.

1960 In 1960, the Cold War was in full swing.

1978 In early January 1978, the employees of Pizza Hut moved into their new corporate office building.

1982 IMA Plaza partners awarded Eby the contract to build the IMA Plaza located at Second and Water in Wichita, Kansas.

The West Building project marked the beginning of a 27-year period of constant improvements and expansion to the facility prior to the sale to HCA in 1985.

1987 Eby Construction celebrated 50 years in business.

1989 Country Club Park Associates Ltd. chose Eby to build its new office building.

1993 When Eby was selected to build Koch’s new corporate headquarters, this would be the largest office building in Kansas.

1994 The Kansas State University Foundation selected Eby as the General Contractor for the construction of the new KSU Beach Museum of Art.

1998 To consolidate the numerous small groupings of offices and lab spaces throughout their refinery complex near Medford, Oklahoma, Koch Hydrocarbon Company contracted with Eby Construction to manage the construction of a new office and laboratory facility.

2000 Bethel College selected Eby for the Construction Management services for the new Krehbiel Hall Science Center.

2001 When Sterling College needed space for its expanding Social Entrepreneurship department, based on qualifications, Eby was selected for the renovation of historic Cooper Hall.

2002 To support them in the manufacturing of their latest jet model, Cessna again hired Eby as the construction partner for their project.

2003 Riverside and Timmerman Elementary Schools were constructed to expand the capacity of the Emporia USD 253 School District.

Those businesses sold in late 2004.

2005 Bethel College again teamed with Eby Construction to construct their new football and soccer stadium.

2006 ICM Inc. hired Eby as the Design-Builder for a new 16,000 square foot office to support the rapidly expanding ethanol industry.

The 2012 Storm affected almost all of the 40+ buildings located on the 10+ million-square-foot campus.

Two buildings located near 37th Street North and Poplar were purchased in 2015, and have since been remodeled.

2016 In 2016, Eby achieved its goal of having a shop, yard and corporate office in the same location.

2017 To meet the medical demands of the growing Derby community, Via Christi planned a new 15,500 square-foot clinic.

2018 Kyodo Yushi selected Eby to provide CM at Risk services for their first manufacturing site in the United States.