Walbridge history

In 1926, the city bought Clark and Delaware Islands, hoping to develop them in a manner similar to Detroit’s Belle Isle.

G.K. Chapman, who joined the company in 1928 as timekeeper, dies at the age of 66.

The Walbridge Park Amusement Center burned down in 1938, likely caused by burning leaves and high winds.

When the park reopened in 1939, it did not resemble the old midway—having a more ‘modern’ look with different rides, as only the merry-go-round had survived the fire.

The privately held firm was purchased by John Rakolta in 1945 and is currently headed by his son John, Jr.

One notable project was the Chevrolet Technology Center, completed in 1954.

John, Jr., started working for the family business following completion of a degree in civil engineering, and in 1975 the 28-year-old began to take the reins from his father, assembling a new management team with John Senior's blessings.

By the 1980’s, city funds were lacking and the park was in serious disrepair.

Attempts to develop this area from within were made, but the key event came in 1984 when Walbridge Aldinger purchased a financially troubled Detroit-area commercial contractor named Darin & Armstrong.

In 1989 the company's headquarters were moved back to Detroit when a 100,000-square-foot building was acquired from United States Mutual Savings & Loan, after that company ran out of funds to complete a renovation of the structure.

Since 1991 the company had performed $142 million worth of work at the site, building parking structures, roads, and a hangar.

WA becomes the first construction company in the United States to register ISO 9001 (v 1994).

In 1995 a strategic alliance was formed with Brown & Root, Inc. of Texas, called Walbridge Brown & Root International L.L.C. The new entity was charged with seeking international contracts for auto industry construction projects.

The year 1998 also saw Walbridge Aldinger receive ISO 9001 certification.