Chicago-based F.H. Paschen, a national general contractor, construction manager and design-builder group, opened a new office Oct. 3, in Merrillville.
The new 5,000 square foot facility at 708 E. 80th Place expands the company’s presence in Indiana. The Merrillville office adds to the company’s existing presence in Lafayette. It strengthens the company's regional operations as part of its Civil Group. The focus area for F.H. Paschen Civil Group in Indiana stretches from Lake County in Northwest Indiana across to South Bend and down to Tippecanoe County and Lafayette.
The office opening serves as a homecoming for the office leadership. F.H. Paschen’s Merrillville office will be led by Jim Reitz, a seven-year F.H. Paschen veteran and Merrillville native. Reitz graduated from Merrillville High School in 2005. Joining him is Operations Manager Dave Beale, another Merrillville native and member of Merrillville High School Class of 2001.
“Coming back to open an office in the community I grew up in is an incredible opportunity,” said Reitz, vice president and Merrillville office lead, in a press release. “We have the team, the know-how and a deep commitment to deliver the kind of work Indiana leaders can count on for decades to come.”
The new Merrillville office also features an in-house estimating team led by Northwest Indiana natives: Chief Estimator Eric Wasko, a Hobart High School graduate, and Senior Estimator Jonathan Siminski, a Hebron High School graduate.
F.H. Paschen’s Civil Group in Indiana specializes in self-perform work including foundations, earth retention, bridge construction, concrete pouring and paving, flat work and underground utilities like sewer, sanitary systems and water main installation.
Projects currently led by F.H. Paschen in Indiana include a multi-year reconstruction of a portion of US-35 in La Porte, scheduled for completion in 2026, and the demolition and reconstruction of Ripley Street over 80/94 in Lake Station.
“Our new office in Merrillville reflects both the demand for quality infrastructure and our commitment to being a long-term partner in Northwest Indiana in building it,” Jim Blair, F.H. Paschen CEO, said. “Jim and Dave exemplify our mission of delivering exceptional work while staying connected to the communities we serve.”
