PLACES OF Prayer
Hi, we’re Straub Construction.
We build spaces for communities to work, learn, pray and live. We love doing it. Which explains why we’ve done it for more than a century. Back in 1920, Ernest J. Straub, Sr. got to work developing churches, schools and homes in the Mission Hills area of Greater Kansas City.
Today, we carry on his legacy of developing our Kansas City communities through structures that serve others.
OUR SPECIALTIES
Education: K-12 and Higher
Corporate
Historic renovations
Multifamily
Religious
Senior living
Specialty projects
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
45
LOCATIONS
7775 Meadow View Dr. Shawnee, KS 66227
YEAR ESTABLISHED
1920
OUR SERVICES
Preconstruction
Construction Management
Design-Build
General Contracting
Sustainability
Tenant Improvement
Campaign Support
Leaders who inspire.
ERNIE STRAUB, CHAIRMAN & CEO
Ernie ensures we’re living our mission.
He’s been in construction for over three decades, continuing his grandfather’s third generation company. Across the city, Ernie is known for his generosity and philanthropic nature, instilling those same values into the work we do at Straub.
DAN VANDONGE, VP OF OPERATIONS
Dan is all about efficiency.
He has played a pivotal role in implementing key processes at Straub, maximizing team autonomy and productivity. He also oversees our Project Management team, helping guide them during all phases of construction administration and beyond.
JOE RIEDEL, VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Joe is driven by relationships.
Most days, you won’t find him in the office, he’s out and about in the community meeting people and staying connected. Joe is passionate about sharing Straub’s story and is eager to discuss your organization and project needs.
Believe in what you build.
Giving back is instilled in who we are.
Giving back to the community is embedded in our DNA. We actively support more than 50 local charities.
We provide materials as well as our project managers, superintendents and laborers to charitable organizations across Greater KC. And we applaud our employees who volunteer to renovate houses, make presentations to student groups, fundraise for special causes, work at food pantries and remain active in their community churches, schools, scout groups and more.
In 2023, we fought to end hunger, poverty and homelessness in Kansas City.
During our 2023 Annual Week of Giving, the Straub team impacted
600+ LOCAL FAMILIES
Everyone’s favorite week at Straub is our Annual Week of Giving. For 8 years, we’ve dedicated an entire week to giving back— serving 3+ local nonprofits each year.
Thelma’s Kitchen
Morning Glory Ministries
Shawnee Community Services
Restoration House of Greater Kansas City
Children’s Mercy Hospital
Olathe Pregnancy Center
Kansas City Hospice
Our Lady’s Montessori School
Bishop Sullivan Center: Adopt a Family
Mother’s Refuge
Morning Glory Ministries
We view our success by the number of people we impact.
Between 2018-2028, 125,000 families each week will be impacted by facilities we’ve built–and we’re committed to growing that number.
OUR EXPEREINCE
Places of Prayer
A strong history in the Catholic community.
OUR CATHOLIC PROJECTS
Queen of the Holy Rosary FIAT Center
The Benedictines of Mary Queen of Apostles Monastery
Priory of Our Lady of Ephesus Church
Priest Retreat House
Abbey Guest House
The Monastery of Saint Joseph
Avila University
Goppert Performing Arts Center
O’Rielly Hall & Learning Commons
Benedictine College
St. Michael Hall
Lemke Hall
University of Saint Mary
Berchman’s Hall
Miege Hall
Fitness and Wellness Center
DePaul Library
Berkel Memorial Stadium
St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center
One City Café at Bishop Sullivan Center
Savior Pastoral Center
St. James Academy
Athletic Field
Classroom Additions
Wrestling Addition
Bishop Ward High School
St. Paul Catholic School
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church & School
Church of the Ascension
Sacred Heart of Jesus New Church
School Addition
Bathroom Renovation
St. Peter’s School
St. Therese Catholic School
Our Lady’s Montessori School
Good Shepherd Catholic Church
Church of the Nativity
St. Vincent De Paul Academy
Church of the Annunciation
St. Charles Borromeo Parish
Holy Angels Catholic Church
New Church
Adoration Chapel Addition
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
St. Philippine Duchesne
St. Monica Catholic Church
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
Villa St. Francis Catholic Care Center
Sisters of Charity
Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist
As parishes grow or humbly start to sprout, we build churches and places of prayer to accommodate parishioners. Open the doors, see all the people.
Since 1920, we’ve worked on over 50 churches in the Kansas City metro. Every church and parish is unique, and we’ll work passionately to understand your specific needs.
A church is more than a structure, it serves as a platform to help you live your mission.
CONTACT OUR CATHOLIC REFERENCES
Archbishop Joseph Naumann
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas prioress@benedictinesofmary.org 816.424.3194
Bishop James Johnston
The Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph prioress@benedictinesofmary.org 816.424.3194
Mother Abbess Cecilia Benedictines of Mary Queen of Apostles prioress@benedictinesofmary.org 816.424.3194
Martha Kauffman
The Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph kauffman@diocesekcsj.org 816.714.2370
Father John Riley
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas frriley@archkck.org 913.721.1570 ext 154
Father Michael Hermes
St. Paul Catholic Church frhermes@spcatholic.org 913.764.0323
Father Richard McDonald
Holy Angels Catholic Church pastorholyangels@gmail.com 913.724.3122
Sister Diane Steele University of Saint Mary diane.steele@stmary.edu 913.758.6329
Father Greg Haskamp
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church ghaskamp@stekc.org 816.523.2405
Dan Himmelberg
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas dhimmelberg@archkck.org 913.515.1975
Steve Minnis Benedictine College sminnis@benedictine.edu 913.360.7400
Father Al Ebach Church of the Annunciation alebachcpps@yahoo.com 816. 628.5030
Monastery of St. Joseph | Benedictines of Mary
Ava, MO
Since our first completed project in 2010 for the Benedictine’s of Mary, Queen of Apostles in Gower MO, the order has seen consistent interest in new vocations to religious life. To increase their reach, the sisters are now building another priory & church in Ava, MO.
This partnership with Baker Architects will include a priory to house 48 women, a church, walkway, and cloister area.
Phase I will begin with the wood frame construction of the priory, all site work and shell of the steel frame church. Phase II includes completion of their beautiful church.
Benedictine College | Library
Atchison, KS
Benedictine College is on the brink of a remarkable transformation. In fall 2025, a cutting-edge, 53,000 square-foot library will take center stage, tripling study space and introducing expanded resources, including new classrooms, individual study areas, and a welcoming coffee shop.
This visionary project also features a museum-quality replica of Independence Hall’s Assembly Room, a symbol of constitutional principles and individual liberty.
The new library will serve both the college community and the public, embodying Benedictine College’s mission to Transform Culture in America through faith, scholarship, and community engagement. Together, we’re crafting a brighter future and expanding horizons for all.
CLIENT INFORMATION Matt Fassero Director of Operations
913.360.7420
mfassero@benedictine.edu
PROJECT
53,000 SF
$34 million
Abbey of Our Lady of Ephesus Gower, MO
The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles called upon Straub to accommodate their growing monastery and community. Praying 3 times a day, the Sisters had a specific vision in mind for their new Abbey – a space that was so architecturally beautiful that it lifts one’s soul.
This new 13,790 SF abbey church features ornate architecture mimicking the historic churches of Europe, boasting hand painted murals, Italian marble, groin vaulted ceilings and splayed windows.
St. Elizabeth Early Childhood Center
Kansas City, MO
A beacon to the Waldo community for over 100 years, St. Elizabeth’s Parish and School needed to improve safety, security and functionality for their students, faculty and staff.
The 20,000 SF project includes a conversion of the existing rectory, built in 1948, into modern learning spaces designed specifically for students’ pre-school through kindergarten. The main sanctuary renovation improves accessibility, functionality, storage and acoustics.
CLIENT INFORMATION
Martha Kauffman
Construction Manager
816.714.2370
PROJECT
20,670 SF
$5.7 million
Design-Builder
Holy Angels Catholic Church
Basehor, KS
Collaborating with the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, a new 2-phase masterplan was put together for Holy Angels Catholic Church to accommodate their growing parish.
Masterplan Phase I: 21,000 SF church and narthex, holding 800 people for worship. The ornate ceiling consists of tongue-in-groove wood decking. Three pairs of 10-feet tall, full-lite glass doors surround a storefront curtain-wall looking into the Nave.
Masterplan Phase 2: A 1,000 SF adoration chapel was added to the existing church.
Good Shepherd Catholic Church
Smithville, MO
Constructed on 35 acres, this church is a breathtaking sight on the landscape. A collaboration with the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, a breathtaking church was built for the growing Catholic community of Smithville.
Good Shepherd Catholic Church is stunning architecture that meets function. The exterior consists of wondrous peaks and natural stone veneer, while the interior showcases an eye-catching ceiling made of tongue-in-groove wood decking.
Construction consisted of a new church, parish hall, seven classrooms, offices, a social hall and parking.
CLIENT INFORMATION
Martha Kauffman
The Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph 816.714.2370
PROJECT
24,840 SF
$4.78 million
General Contractor
St. Paul Catholic School
Olathe, KS
Since the 1960s, St. Paul Catholic School had been occupying a leased space that they were quickly outgrowing. Looking to their future, it was decided to build a new school 4-miles down the road with many updated amenities.
The school features 25 classrooms, administrative offices, and a multipurpose room which dually serves as the church, gym and cafeteria.
Avila University Goppert Performing Arts Center
Kansas City, MO
At Avila University, 23% of undergraduate students participate in performing arts activities. More than 20 community groups and an estimated 14,000 community members utilize or attend performances in the Goppert Theatre, annually.
The new addition includes rehearsal space, an expanded 200-seat black box theater and a new shop for stage design production –providing performing art students with professional-level facilities, practices and equipment.
maggie.mohrfeld@avila.edu
University of Saint Mary
Berkel Memorial Stadium & Press Box, Berchmann Hall Reno, Library Reno, Dining Hall Reno, and Fitness/Wellness Center
Leavenworth, KS
The University of Saint Mary educates students of diverse backgrounds to realize their God-given potential and prepares them for value-centered lives and careers that contribute to the well being of our global society.
Since 2012, Straub has been advocating for the University of Saint Mary and have completed 7+ projects on their campus. These projects include; new athletic stadium, historic building renovation, nursing department renovation, library renovation, dining hall renovation, fitness/wellness center renovation, balcony & stairs remodel, etc.
CLIENT INFORMATION
Sister Diane Steele President diane.steele@stmary.edu
PROJECT $11 million
Construction Manager
St. James Academy Master Plan
Lenexa, KS
Since opening in 2005, St. James Academy has seen significant growth in its student population and needs to upgrade its facilities to support modern learning. Over the past few years, we’ve completed various projects, including a new athletic field, media arts and campus ministry upgrades, renovating the SPARK Center. We are currently building a new multipurpose athletic facility and making stadium enhancements while designing a new performing arts center.
CLIENT INFORMATION
Andy Tylicki President
atylicki@sjakeepingfaith.org
913.238.1896
DELIVERY
Construction Management
PROJECTS COMPLETE & IN PROGRESS
$13.3 million
PROJECTS IN DESIGN
$9 million
Benedictines of Mary Monastery
Gower, MO
The Abbey of our Lady of Ephesus is a Benedictine convent. The order of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles seek to unite themselves with Our Lady at the foot of the Cross. This group of 35+ women strive to live in union with God in prayer, as guided by the Rule of St. Benedict. The monastery features 35 bedrooms, 32 bathrooms, a chapel, library, sacristy, confessional, and chaplains’ quarters. The interior is comprised of reclaimed lumber from the Edison Toy Factory in Minnesota, which was built in the 1800s.
One City Cafe at Bishop Sullivan Center
Kansas City, MO
A basement community kitchen becomes a bright, spacious, restaurantlike dining experience for community patrons. Instead of standing in line for a meal, patrons are seated and waited on by staff and volunteers.
Previously, meals were cooked off-site and brought into the kitchen, where now the Chef has the space and appliances to create healthy home-cooked dining options.
This rehab highlights existing architectural elements: original brick walls, exposed structural beams and polished concrete floors.
CLIENT INFORMATION Doug Langner
doug.langner@bishopsullivan.org
816.561.8515
PROJECT 3,540 SF $1.17 million Design Assist
Shalom House Men's Transitional Living Program
Kansas City, MO
A partnership with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and NSPJ Architects this project is a 21,600 SF renovation of the former Sanctuary of Hope, Prayer and Retreat Center for Priests. This facility was owned by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and donated to Catholic Charities for the purpose of serving this important mission. The old Shalom House location had limited space and could only accommodate 24 men, the renovation will allow them to serve up to 60 men in need.
The new facility will feature 30 bedrooms, meeting rooms, common areas, a new commercial kitchen and a chapel. The scope of work will include finish upgrades, almost a full replacement of the MEP systems, windows and roof replacement.
CLIENT INFORMATION
Kevin Bentley
kbentley@catholiccharitiesks.org
913.321.2206
PROJECT 21,600 SF $2.21 million
Construction Management
Queen of the Holy Rosary FIAT Center
Overland Park, KS
The FIAT Center is a symbol of new life for the Queen of the Holy Rosary community. Inspired by Mary’s FIAT, it symbolizes obedience, trust, and commitment to God’s plan. With over 30 ministries expanding, the center offers an engaging space for parish members to deepen their faith and connect with one another.
CLIENT INFORMATION
Father Bill Bruning
Parish Priest
913.432.4616
DELIVERY
Construction Management
PROJECT 5,277 SF $2.6 million
Cost Plus With GMP
Benedictine College St. Michael Hall
Atchison, KS
153 students now call St. Michael Hall home during their educational journey at Benedictine College. Focused on enhancing the student community, the dormitory also provides large gathering space for student activities and tailgating.
Mimicking the historic buildings on campus, the exterior finishes utilize brick, cast stone and stucco.
Serving as your advocate.
Whether you’re ready to build or in the early stages of a capital campaign, our team will serve as your resource at no charge.
Why do we do this? It’s simple–because we want to help you succeed.
