About River City Construction
In all that we do, we work to create environments that enable people to do extraordinary things in work and life.
Core Values
Integrity
Always do what is right.
Excellence
Execute with pride.
Relationships
Invest in partnerships.
Innovation
Challenge the status quo.
Our History
Our story began with a commitment to craftsmanship and connection. Today, that same purpose continues to drive every project, partnership, and community we help build.
1984
THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA
From the ashes of V. Jobst & Sons, our six founders stepped forward with the idea that they would approach business differently than other companies in the industry. Not only would they build quality construction, but they’d also build lasting relationships with every client we work with. Meet THE ORIGINALS: Jim Barr, Don Brennan, Wynne Carter, Lu Ori, and Joe West.
THE FIRST… BUT NOT THE LAST
Within the first two weeks of incorporation, River City Construction is awarded five projects totaling $4.7 Million. This sets the stage for rapid growth and helps establish us as a leader in the construction industry.
1985
THE START OF A LONG-STANDING RELATIONSHIP
River City Construction is awarded our first project with a Fortune 500 company, heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar, Inc. This marks the beginning of a long-standing relationship. To this day, Caterpillar remains one of River City Construction’s largest and most important clients.
1990
A LEADER IN THE CORRECTIONS MARKET
Having completed many correctional facilities for the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Capital Development Board, River City Construction is awarded the Big Muddy River Correctional Facility in Ina, Illinois. The Big Muddy project paves the way for River City Construction’s endeavors into the Southern Illinois region. To this day, both the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Capital Development Board remain important partners of River City Construction.
1992
NEW GROWTH IN BENTON
River City Construction opens its doors in Benton, IL after numerous project successes within the Correctional and Water/Wastewater Treatment markets.
2001
UNTAPPED TERRITORY
River City Construction is awarded the University of Missouri’s Life Science Building project. This opportunity provided us even more University of Missouri projects including the Virginia Avenue Student Housing Complex in 2002 and the Brewer Field House in 2003. Our work with MU makes River City Construction a strong player in the Central Missouri market. To this day, MU continues to be one of RCC’s largest clients in the Central Missouri region.
2002
THE HOUSE THAT RELATIONSHIPS BUILT
River City Construction opens its new headquarters at our current location in East Peoria, IL. The Benton, IL location continues to operate in Southern Illinois.
2004
MISSOURI EXPANSION
Building on our success with the University of Missouri, River City Construction opens our Ashland, Missouri office. Higher Education quickly becomes our leading market sector in this region. Our buildings become known for being more than just buildings, but centers of learning that shape tomorrow’s leaders.
2008
A LASTING LEGACY
Jim Barr, one of the original founding six and President retires. Bernie Koch takes the reigns
TAKING THE BASE
River City Construction is awarded its largest single project contract since its inception at Scott Airforce Base for the ADAL USTRANSCOM Consolidation and USTRANSCOM Joint Intelligence Operations Center (JIOC). River City Construction continues to work at Scott Airforce Base and maintains strong relationships with the Federal Government.
2016
BUILDING THE FIRST OF ITS KIND
River City Construction beats our previous record for the largest single project and is awarded the New Fulton State Hospital project for the State of Missouri. The new 300-bed high-security psychiatric hospital is one of the first of its kind and will help transform the practice of mental health treatment.
2017
PASSING THE TORCH
John Sutherland assumes the Presidency when Bernie Koch retires.
2019
TRANSFORMING MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FACILITIES
On the heels of completing the Fulton State Hospital, River City Construction is awarded the design/build contract for the new In-Patient Treatment Center for the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Capital Development Board. When complete, the facility will transform the treatment of mental health within the Department of Corrections and help shift a longstanding paradigm.
2020
TURNING THE PAGE ON A NEW CHAPTER
Leanne Skuse takes the helm as President, ensuring that River City Construction remains true to its VISION and guiding principles: providing quality service, superior craftsmanship, safety excellence, and relationship-based business practices.
2023
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITIES WHERE WE LIVE AND WORK
The RCC | Foundation, founded in 2023, is built on strong relationships and reflects the RCC team’s commitment to philanthropy and community service. Our team members actively contribute their time and effort to organizations that make a difference in the communities where we reside and work.
ADDING TO OUR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS PRESENCE
Expanding from the already successful Benton location, O’Fallon has become home to our newest office location.