The landscape of municipal construction has undergone significant changes over the past several decades, driven by digital innovation, evolving community needs, and a renewed emphasis on collaboration. As a construction management firm with more than 100 years of experience, S. M. Wilson & Co. has witnessed—and contributed to—this evolution, project by project, brick by digital brick. For municipalities, the true test of construction is not only in the bricks laid, but also in how digital tools and partnerships ensure facilities that grow with the community’s needs.
A New Era of Municipal Facilities
Municipal projects today are more than just buildings; they serve as community anchors designed for flexibility, technology integration and long-term value.
The Godfrey Fire Protection District Fire House #1 and Administration Building is a prime example. This $7.5 million project replaced two existing fire stations and established an administrative headquarters for the District. The fire protection district is now centrally situated and has room to grow to meet the increasing demand for emergency services. The 15,095 sq ft modern facility includes four drive-thru apparatus bays, space for medical supplies and other equipment, training and administrative areas, meeting rooms, offices and living quarters. S. M. Wilson served as the project’s construction manager while working with the design partner, FGM Architects. After completion, the project received the Fire House State Design Awards 2024 – Gold Award for Volunteers/Combination Fire Station. This project demonstrates how municipalities are utilizing modern facilities to enhance safety, efficiency and long-term planning.
“The completion of our new state-of-the-art fire station marks a significant milestone for the Godfrey Fire Protection District. Our collaboration with S.M. Wilson has been exemplary, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence and community safety. We are thrilled with the results and confident that this facility will improve our service capabilities and response times, ensuring the well-being of the community we serve,” noted Gerard Fischer, Trustee President of the Godfrey Fire Protection District.
The City of Edwardsville R.P. Lumber Center is another excellent example. The $11.1 million recreational complex, completed in 2022, provides year-round space for activities and meetings. It features an NHL regulation-size ice rink, an indoor track, and a fitness center with a four-lane track overlooking the rink, which can accommodate up to 650 spectators. The building also features a Teen Center with 4,365 sq ft of indoor/outdoor space, as well as community rooms that can be divided into smaller sections as needed. S. M. Wilson served as the project’s general contractor while working with the design partner, Chiodini Architects. The project was recognized as a 2023 AGC St. Louis Keystone Awards Best Practice Finalist and mentioned in Rink magazine, the official publication of the United States Ice Rink Association.
“S. M. Wilson’s pride in their work quality and willingness to do any task to help the project run smoothly exceeded our expectations. The City sees S. M. Wilson as a collaborator and partner and appreciates their dedication to our project and community,” commented Art Risavy, Mayor of Edwardsville.
Collaboration and Communication: The Digital Foundation
The success of modern municipal projects depends on transparent communication and collaboration. S. M. Wilson’s approach is built on these principles, using digital tools to keep all stakeholders informed and engaged.
“S. M. Wilson was phenomenal at keeping me up to speed and in the loop. The communication was very easy and very professional. It made it much less stressful for me,” said Chris Conrad, the City of Highland’s City Manager, in reference to the Highland Public Safety Facility.
Chiodini Architects, the design partner on the R. P. Lumber Center, believes that municipal design should balance functionality, efficiency and community identity, Michael Chiodini commented.
“The Edwardsville R.P. Lumber Center exemplifies this approach—delivering a flexible, multi-purpose facility that supports recreation, wellness and civic engagement, while reflecting the values of the community it serves,” Chiodini said. “Equally as important was our strong relationship with S. M. Wilson as contractors, fostering a highly collaborative process that realized the City’s vision.”
Digital transformation has also enabled more efficient project delivery. S. M. Wilson’s use of digital scheduling, virtual meetings and real-time documentation helps keep even the most complex municipal projects on track and within budget.
Community Commitment and Local Engagement
S. M. Wilson’s dedication to community engagement is fundamental to its municipal work.
“We believe taxpayer dollars should support local businesses and community members. S. M. Wilson is committed to involving the local workforce. We have completed more than 100 municipal/public projects and will continue to serve as a dedicated team member working with the City,” stated Mark Cochran, COO of S. M. Wilson.
This commitment spans all project phases, from pre-construction planning to closeout, ensuring each project not only meets technical standards but also strengthens community ties.
“To be successful, design and construction projects require durable, robust relationships between the constructor and architect. This need intensifies when building municipal facilities to house fire service and EMS agencies, 9-1-1 call centers, and other public safety operators – projects which deliver complex programs of space needs through unique detailing and plans that accommodate restricted access and specialized equipment,” offered Joshua N. Mandell, Principal and Vice President of FGM Architects Inc.
“Our firm has been privileged to partner with S. M. Wilson, who has demonstrated time and again that they are leaders in clear communications, effective project and construction site management and looking ahead to identify and solve problems before they create delays or cost impacts.”
Looking Ahead
As municipal construction continues to progress, digital tools, collaborative delivery methods and a focus on community value will remain central.
The future of municipal construction will continue to be built—brick by digital brick—through innovation, partnership and a steadfast commitment to the communities served.
Ranked #69 by Building Design + Construction’s Top 100 Government Building Construction Firms, S. M. Wilson’s expertise in municipal projects includes more than $3.6 billion in construction management experience and the construction of 100+ public projects.
S. M. Wilson is a full-service construction management, design/build and general contracting firm with offices in St. Louis, MO and Edwardsville, IL. Founded in 1921, the company is composed of dedicated professionals committed to exceeding client expectations. As a 100% employee-owned company, S. M. Wilson takes pride in a people-first approach and its position as one of the leading construction management firms in the Midwest. For more information, visit www.smwilson.com.