Commercial builders delivering with hospitality

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Why Work With Us

Exceptional spaces built with a people-first approach

We're a general contractor passionate about creating outcomes and experiences that elevate the human experience. We believe the way a project is built matters just as much as the finished result, and that every decision should be made with purpose.

Our Approach

  • Culture

    Together, we create an environment where every team member feels valued, challenged, and loves to come to work. That results in real value for our clients.

  • Expertise

    Our expertise is personal. Every team member brings deep, hands-on experience, which is leveraged across the company—earning trust on every project.

  • Process

    It's not just about what we do, but how we make people feel. We are nimble in our approach, and unique in our delivery methods.

  • Portfolio

    From intimate spaces to landmark projects, our experience runs deep—each project is delivered with an uncompromising standard of delivery.

Featured Projects

Legacy Investing Core42 Data Center

A 18,000 SF data center construction for Legacy Investing in Minneapolis, MN

Full Case Study All Case Studies

The Dayton's Project

A 1.1M SF historic renovation in downtown Minneapolis

Full Case Study All Case Studies

Our Culture

Improving our industry starts with a focus on culture

  • Empathy

  • Excellence

  • Humility

  • Nimble

  • Passion

Our values shape a culture that honors every team member, trade partner, and client. Relationships allow us to navigate challenges and drive meaningful change across the industry.

Culture Impact
  • A large group of employees outside on a rooftop deck in downtown minneapolis holding an award

Market Focuses

Spaces that enhance your business, across markets we are deeply experienced in

We combine cross-market experience with deep expertise in your industry, always grounded in one thing: understanding your business objectives so we build spaces where great work happens.

Minneapolis

Launched in Minneapolis during the midst of a recession in 2010, Gardner Builders was founded on a vision to re-imagine the construction industry, focusing on delivering world-class hospitality and a relationship-first approach to commercial construction projects.

Minneapolis is our largest hub, housing our shared services team and serving the greater Twin Cities metro.

See our Minneapolis Work

Duluth

As Gardner expanded into northern Minnesota in 2016, our Duluth hub was established to bring the same values, expertise, and team-focused approach that define our work across the Twin Cities.

Based in downtown Duluth, the hub supports projects throughout the region, from neighboring communities to destinations several hours away. Each project begins with a commitment to understanding the local community and building meaningful relationships with clients, trade partners, and the people who call these places home.

See our Duluth Work

Milwaukee

Located in downtown Milwaukee, Gardner’s Wisconsin hub leads projects throughout Wisconsin and into Illinois, bringing Gardner's expertise and collaborative approach to communities across the region.

Established in 2018, this location is dedicated to strengthening local communities and values every opportunity to build projects that make a meaningful impact.

See our Milwaukee Work

Greater U.S.

Our values have allowed us to build lasting relationships with trade partners, clients, and the communities we work in. Over the years, those relationships have created opportunities to deliver projects not only across the upper Midwest, but throughout the greater U.S. We are happy to support our clients, wherever they take us.

See All our Work

Our Locations

Serving clients across the upper Midwest and greater U.S.

We stay connected to the communities we build in—living and working alongside our clients, project partners, and trade partners, to foster strong relationships. We're also licensed to support work across the U.S.

What our Clients Say:

  • If life is a collection of experiences, working with Gardner Builders was one of my best.

    Beginning with our first pre-construction interview, I knew that my experience working with Gardner would be different, in the very best way. From a customer's perspective, I felt like I was included as a part of their team — a team that was working in my best interest and was always a step ahead of me.

    Jamie Sorenson, ATG Group

  • The individual team members at Gardner made the difference.

    They had a genuine interest in the success of our project, and the depth of skill within the Gardner Team Members meant that any challenge faced was quickly addressed.

    John Stenz, Force America

  • The healthcare team at BDH are fans for life and will go out of our way to recommend the Gardner team on anything we can moving forward.

    Beth Nordstrom, BDH

  • Gardner remains our preferred general contractor due to their consistency, reliability, and overall quality of work.

    Gardner Builders has completed the full remodeling of more than 150,000 square feet of office space within the 701 Carlson Tower. Throughout this time, they have consistently demonstrated professionalism in their day-to-day operations, along with strong leadership in managing trade partners and ensuring successful project delivery. While their pricing may occasionally appear higher than that of other general contractors during the bidding process, I have found this is often due to more thorough and accurate project scoping. In contrast, lower bids from others have frequently resulted in overlooked items and excessive change orders.

    Randy Gruwell, CBRE

Work With Us

Ready to build together?

If you are looking for a team-centric approach, Gardner is eager to connect and get to know your unique business and project needs.

Clients

Are you looking to work with a general contractor who respects your craft and team? Join our list of vetted trade and design partners.

Project Partners

We desire to be a place where people feel valued, challenged, and love to work. View open positions and apply to join our team.

Careers