The Associated General Contractors of Maine and over 150 contractors gathered April 22 at the University of New England in Portland to celebrate the recipients of the 2026 Build Maine Awards, recognizing the year’s most outstanding construction projects and the teams behind them.
A panel of judges from across the design, engineering, construction and owner communities evaluates each project. The judging process is confidential and considers a criteria including safety, innovation in construction techniques and materials, contribution to the community, ability to meet the challenges of complex projects, environmental sensitivity and overall client satisfaction.
“These award-winning projects represent the very best of Maine’s construction industry,” said Kelly Flagg, executive director of AGC Maine and a 2025 Mainebiz Outstanding Woman in Business.
Dam and bridge
In the municipality and utility division, H.E. Callahan Construction Co. was recognized for its work on improvements to the Sleeper Dam in Sabattus, considered a critical investment in the long-term safety, functionality and environmental stewardship of the region’s water infrastructure.
In the bridge division, the rehabilitation of the Southport Swing Bridge demonstrated Cianbro’s ability to deliver complex infrastructure improvements while maintaining uninterrupted service to the communities that depend on it. Working on a historic movable bridge with a level of complexity required tight coordination between the contractor, client and several engineering partners, including VHB, Total Control Systems, Wiss, Janney and Elstner Associates.
Universities
In the building division, Consigli Construction Co. was recognized for its work on the University of Southern Maine’s Crewe Center for the Arts.
The building integrates advanced structural systems with curated materials. The performance hall showcases custom-designed acoustic elements and integrated building systems. Constructed within an operational campus, the project required meticulous planning to maintain safety and minimize disruption to students, faculty and visitors. The team also relocated a 200-year-old farmhouse.
In the building renovation division, PC Construction was recognized for its work on the University of Maine’s Shawn Walsh Hockey Center and Harold Alfond Sports Arena. The $40.1 million project modernized the facility while preserving its historic character.
Platform and connector
In the specialty and subcontractor division, N.S. Giles was recognized for its work on a first-of-its-kind floating concrete research platform, contracted by the University of Maine, constructed at the Trenton boat launch and launched into Frenchman Bay during a king tide before being transported offshore for final deployment.
In the highway division, Sargent Corp. was acknowledged for its work on the I-395/Route 9 connector, a six-mile controlled-access highway that connects the region with 12-foot lanes, 8-foot shoulders, five bridges and a modernized interchange with I-395.
