The rehabilitation of Detroit’s Michigan Central Station was recognized by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) as the most outstanding construction project of 2025. As a result, the project’s contractor, Christman | Brinker Corktown Transformational Joint Venture, received the overall top prize in the Baldwin Group Build America Awards.
The joint venture also won a Build America Award for the best construction management renovation project valued over $126 million.
“Completing projects of this scale and complexity requires remarkable expertise, teamwork, and determination,” said Todd Roberts, AGC national president and president of Jackson, Miss.-based ERS Inc. “This award honors the construction professionals whose dedication and skill made this project a success.”
The Christman | Brinker joint venture restored one of Detroit’s most iconic landmarks after more than 30 years of abandonment. Originally opened in 1913, the 59,458 m2 (640,000-sf) Beaux-Arts station had suffered severe structural damage, water infiltration, and extensive deterioration. Over 76 months, the team stabilized, restored, and modernized the building while preserving its grand waiting room, historic concourse, and 18-story tower. Using advanced laser scanning, BIM coordination, and detailed preservation techniques, the team carefully integrated modern systems into the historic structure.
“The Baldwin Group is proud to partner with the AGC in celebrating the 2026 Build America Award recipients and nominees,” said Joe Charczenko, partner and construction practice president. “These projects reflect the highest standard of craftsmanship, innovation, and collaboration in our industry—strengthening communities, advancing infrastructure, and demonstrating what’s possible when excellence leads the way.”
The Baldwin Group Build America Awards highlight the nation’s most significant construction projects. A panel of judges, representing all areas of construction, evaluated an number of submissions this year, assessing each project’s complexity, use of innovative construction techniques and client satisfaction, among other criteria. The awards were announced during the association’s annual convention in Orlando, Fla.
