Hearn Construction joins prominent Napa company in a move to take advantage of regional growth.

Article Launched: 02/23/2005 12:23:21 PM



Vacaville construction firm on cusp of merger
Hearn Construction joins prominent Napa company in a move to take advantage of regional growth.

By Reporter Staff

One of Vacaville's largest commercial construction firms will become even bigger in a merger with a prominent Napa company.

Hearn Construction of Vacaville and James Nolan Construction of St. Helena said Friday they will "combine resources as part of a combined growth strategy, and to build an even stronger construction organization designed to serve the rapidly growing Napa and Solano counties and beyond."

Combined revenues of the two companies is projected to be $65 million for 2005, according to Fred Hearn, CEO of Hearn Construction.

The construction companies will retain their own names, culture and identity, while sharing resources, talent, equipment and capital, Hearn explained.

The Vacaville firm's most prominent projects include the two-story office complex that sits atop the hill overlooking Brenden Theatres, the Vacaville Skating Center and the rest of the former site of Basic Vegetable Products at Davis Street at Interstate 80.

In addition to renovating and occupying the former Basic Vegetable office building at 411 Davis St., Hearn Construction renovated the old Opera House on Main Street.

Under terms of the soon-to-be-finalized agreement, a holding company will be established to provide administrative services to both firms.

Gordon Stankowski will continue to serve as president of Hearn Construction, and James Nolan will continue as president of James Nolan Construction Inc.

Hearn Construction, a general contracting and full-service construction management firm, was established more than 25 years ago. It provides design-build and construction management services for a variety of commercial, hotel, multifamily residential and medical projects, as well as tenant improvement services.

Some recent projects include work for Six Flags Marine World, Holiday Inn Express El Dorado and the Lincoln Theatre in Yountville. The company currently has 10 projects valued at more than $42.5 million under way in several Northern California communities.

James Nolan Construction was established in 1986. Over the years, the organization specialized in commercial projects and high-end residential estates. Commercial work has been performed for a number of high-profile projects, including Cardinale, Cuvaison, Nickel & Nickel, Harlan Estate, Franciscan Estate, Darioush, Laird Family Estate and Pine Ridge. Projects currently under way include Groth and Kapscandy Wineries. The company currently has eight projects under way valued at more than $22.5 million.

The two firms share similar ethics and a commitment to quality, Nolan explained. "We serve two different geographical areas, have a diverse client base and a wide range of skills and talents between us. This merger allows us to fill gaps within our existing organizations. We may have different strengths, but a common goal."

Hearn added, "As a part of our growth strategy for the combined organizations, it becomes critical that we branch out into new markets to include the greater Sacramento Valley, and the north and the south Bay Area."

The timing couldn't be better, Hearn insisted. "Solano County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state, and the high-end residential market is also experiencing substantial growth. We see the residential opportunities in Solano County."

Hearn said combining organizational resources will prove especially beneficial, as the companies "have grown substantially over the past few years, and internal growth is difficult. This move will create additional opportunities for both of our organizations."