Ancon Construction, a leading Integrated Design-Build™ firm headquartered in Goshen, Indiana, is celebrating a milestone year with four major honors from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana/Kentucky (ABC). The firm’s achievements were recognized during the 2025 Excellence in Construction Competition — an annual program highlighting outstanding craftsmanship and project leadership among Merit Shop contractors.
This year’s awards underscore the skill and dedication behind Ancon’s work across multiple market sectors. The company has been employee-owned and community-focused throughout its 50-year history, and its recognition reflects decades of investment in local development and sustainable, adaptive reuse.
ABC’s Excellence in Construction Competition places a spotlight on project teams that demonstrate innovation, communication, safety, and high-quality delivery. Award categories celebrate collaboration among contractors, owners, architects, and engineers — a hallmark of the design-build approach.
Located in South Bend, this 37,000-square-foot facility integrates a 6,800-square-foot renovation of a historic 1920s Oliver Plow factory building. With a new ice rink, expanded seating, and modern athletic amenities, The Ice Box is positioned to become a major regional sports tourism asset, expected to drive $27 million annually into the economy.
A long-boarded-up Sears store in Elkhart has been transformed into a 48,000-square-foot educational and workforce development center. Highlights include 12 classrooms, a Kids Excel facility, and a hands-on shop occupying the former automotive area. With 20 skylights and large interior glazing, the project delivers a bright, inspiring environment for learning.
An unused building in Goshen has been reimagined into a 22,000-square-foot collaborative office hub, designed to bring field and office teams together. The headquarters emphasizes training, leadership, and innovation, reflecting Ancon’s people-driven culture. It sits adjacent to the company’s existing warehouse, strengthening operational connectivity.
This award recognizes Ancon’s long-standing commitment to ABC’s mission and its leadership in promoting the Merit Shop philosophy statewide.
“Ancon Construction in Goshen, Indiana, is named the winner of the Trolson Model Member Award for 2025. This award coincides with Ancon Construction’s 50th year in business, shared Angela Kenmire, ABC IN/KY North Central Council Manager/Executive Assistant. The original founding of ABC Indiana was in the South Bend area of the state. With Ancon joining ABC in February of 1976, they became one of the early members in the infancy of our ABC Chapter.”
Company leadership says the recognition belongs to its employees and clients.
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“We are honored by these awards from Associated Builders and Contractors,” said Ancon Construction President Doug VonGunten. We congratulate our clients. These achievements would not have been possible without their trust and partnership. This recognition also reflects the commitment and craftsmanship of our Ancon Employee Owners. It’s especially rewarding to see our own headquarters honored, alongside impactful adaptive reuse projects like Goodwill Elkhart and The Ice Box, which showcase our commitment to sustainable development.”
Ancon’s award-winning projects showcase a growing regional push for:
1. Revitalization of vacant and underutilized land
2. Economic development driven by tourism and workforce training
3. Sustainable construction that preserves community history
4. Employee ownership that strengthens craftsmanship and quality
As the Midwest continues to modernize aging infrastructure and repurpose legacy structures, design-build firms like Ancon are playing a critical role in shaping resilient community growth.
The company says these awards serve as a springboard for future innovation as it enters its next 50 years supporting commercial, industrial, and institutional development across Indiana and Michigan.
Originally reported by Ancon Construction in Building Indiana.
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