POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS
Three Contractors. One Mission.
Build Westville team members from the joint venture companies of Garmong, Granger and F.A. Wilhelm worked together on every aspect of the project from the executive level to the field. | Photo Credit: Granger
How the joint venture behind Indiana’s largest correctional project proves that culture, trust and shared goals make all the difference By Kat Balster Three general contractors joining forces to form a single, unified project team is rare. Aligning systems, processes—and most notably, mindsets—has transformed one project into something far greater than the sum of its parts. From manufacturers to the owner’s representatives, the collaboration surrounding Indiana’s $1.2 billion Northwest Indiana Correctional Facility in Westville has created a culture of cohesion that defies industry norms. Now past the halfway point, the project stands as a national model for modernization, driven by purpose, trust and shared commitment. The Build Westville joint venture—comprising Indianapolis-based F.A. Wilhelm Construction; Lansing, Mich.-based Granger Construction; and Terre Haute, Ind.-based Garmong Construction—was built on more than qualifications. It was a strategic alignment of complementary strengths, shared values and decades of correctional experience. Each firm brought something essential. Wilhelm offered financial capacity and large-scale project experience, Granger contributed deep correctional facility expertise, and Garmong, in addition to significant corrections experience, provided critical state relationships and regional insight. Most importantly, they all shared a common culture of craftsmanship and collaboration. “We knew the state was going to build a replacement facility up in Westville, and I really wanted to pursue it,” said Garmong President Paul Okeson. “But at several hundred million dollars, we weren’t capable of tackling that alone. So, I went about forming a team.”
strengths, but we didn’t draw hard lines,” Ivkovich said. “We trusted each other to step in where needed.” Craig Armstrong, senior project manager with Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Elevatus Architecture, observed the effect firsthand. “They didn’t act like three companies. They acted like one. Everyone knew their lane, but they shared the same goal—delivering a complex project, on time and on budget.” That clarity translated into consistency and accountability. “You’re not just representing your company—you’re representing the whole team,” said Ivkovich. “That changes how people show up every day.”
Teamwork Beyond the Core The Build Westville collaboration wasn’t limited to the three core contractors. From day one, the success of the project relied on open coordination with a wide range of partners—manufacturers, consultants and specialty vendors—who were integrated into planning, design and execution. “It’s not just about three firms partnering. It’s about everyone in the ecosystem buying into that same culture of communication and problem solving,” said Davison. “From the design team to the door supplier, everyone had a seat at the table.” One of the most active contributors early on was Noblesville, Ind.-based, Pauly Jail Building Company, whose role as the detention equipment contractor began long before installation. “We assisted with everything from doors and hardware
Inside the Project: Westville Correctional Facility Replacement
The new Northwest Indiana Correctional Facility is the largest state-funded construction project in Indiana’s history—valued at $1.2 billion and funded entirely in cash. Built to replace an outdated facility from the 1950s, the new campus represents a complete reset in correctional infrastructure, designed for efficiency, sustainability and long-term flexibility. · Budget: $1.2 billion · Beds: 4,200 · Special Units: 420 high-security cells, 242 mental health beds · Timeline: Design initiated in 2021, expected move-in by 2027 Key Partners:
· Owner: Indiana Department of Corrections · Owner’s Representative: MH Group · Architect: Elevatus Architecture · Contractor(s): Build Westville JV (Garmong, Granger, F.A. Wilhelm) · DEC: The Pauly Jail Building Company and CML Security · SEC: Accurate Controls and SAS “This isn’t just about new buildings—it’s a total system upgrade,” said Armstrong, project manager for Elevatus Architecture “Everything from energy delivery to electronic access is being reimagined.”
From Shared Values to Shared Responsibilities What started as a joint venture of necessity evolved into an integrated partnership of trust and purpose. “All three of our firms self-perform work. That gives us a different mindset,” said Mitch Davison, project executive with Wilhelm. “We’re not just managing from the top—we know how to get our hands dirty, and that built immediate respect across the team.” The firms—each a union-signatory— found early alignment in both culture and construction philosophy. “It wasn’t something we planned, but once we got into the process, it became clear—we speak the same language,” said Davison. “As we vision-boarded the project during pursuit, we realized we were already aligned in our approach and personalities—especially at the executive level,” added Keith Ivkovich, senior project manager with Granger. “That laid the groundwork for real collaboration.” Rather than build a siloed structure, the group organized itself into seven blended teams—each responsible for a specific project zone, such as housing or support facilities. “We divided responsibilities based on www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025 | 7