While large-scale construction projects are typically the ones to steal headlines, the importance of small and mid-sized projects can often be overlooked.
For global construction and development firm, Skanska, these projects serve as the cornerstone of the firm’s continued momentum and success — particularly in New England, where over the past five years, the firm has completed $235 million worth of small to mid-sized projects.
“These projects not only created a consistent stream of meaningful work in the region, but also helped the firm foster strong client relationships that build trust and confidence in Skanska to take on larger, more complex work, while simultaneously enhancing the local community,” said Bryan Northrop, Executive Vice President of Skanska Building, New England Region. “They also serve as a training ground for younger team members — such as Project Managers and Superintendents — giving them hands-on experience managing entire projects in the field, from early planning all the way to closeout.”
Skanska leverages small and mid-sized projects to maintain close contact with clients and deliver more personalized solutions.
“The foundation established through these efforts leads to enduring business relationships, which generate ongoing opportunities and access to bigger, more complex work,” Northrop said. “These types of projects also demonstrate Skanska’s ability to deliver high-quality results, no matter the size.”
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For instance, Northrop cited Skanska’s ongoing relationship with Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm’s projects have ranged from a $1.3 million façade restoration to multi-million-dollar lab renovations, such as the recent $11 million overhaul of Robinson Hall.
Known as a “summer slammer” — a project to upgrade educational facilities during the summer months in preparation for students’ return to campus for the upcoming fall semester — the 35,000-square-foot renovation of Robinson Hall in the summer of 2024 modernized the facility in a tight timeline.
Skanska’s work included the installation of a new rooftop unit and over 100 variable air volume systems to ensure optimal climate controls across all floors. Skanska was also responsible for implementing new fire protection and alarm systems. Small fit-outs were bundled into the project, including two classrooms, the entry lobby, and a dance studio.
Similarly, Skanska’s multi-phase collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital at Brookline Place has included over $75 million in fit-outs across eight floors of the clinical facility, helping the institution expand its outpatient and specialty care services.
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The first phase of work, a fit-out of floors one through five, was a $40 million project to create a neurodevelopmental center encompassing 83,700 square feet of clinical outpatient space. After completing that project, Skanska started a phased construction of the remaining three floors. That $37 million project included the fit-out of 58,000 square feet of medical office space on floors six, seven, and eight, including a dental suite, pulmonary hypertension clinic, and a pediatric pain clinic.
“Through our ongoing work with Boston Children’s Hospital and Northeastern University, we’ve established strong, trust-based relationships that extend well beyond a single project,” Northrop said. “We’re proud to be viewed as a reliable partner who can deliver exceptional results, whether it’s a small classroom renovation or a complex medical buildout.”
Small and mid-sized projects also create immediate and noticeable improvements for the communities they serve.
“For Skanska, it showcases our mission, commitment, and dedication to corporate responsibility, extending a project’s value beyond the construction site,” Northrop said.
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The recent completion of the Farokhzad Mathematics Center at the heart of Milton Academy’s 125-acre campus in Milton, Massachusetts, showcases the impact small and mid-sized projects have on the local community. The two-phase, 26,000-square-foot renovation of the former William Coburn Cox Library reimagined the space to meet evolving educational needs. Phase one focused on the renovation of Wigglesworth Hall, which became the new home of a two-level library, skills center, and the history department. Upon completion of the Wigglesworth building, Skanska re-mobilized and began phase two in May 2023 to renovate the balance of the building. This entailed interior demolition, abatement, the creation of a grand central staircase, and classroom space.
In addition, the building received a complete mechanical system upgrade with new air handling and condensing units, a new fire and speaker system, new restrooms, and audio-visual technology.
The creative reuse of existing space created an open, light-filled, modern learning environment aimed at fostering collaborative engagement — all while maintaining the building’s brutalist exterior style. The completed facility has four floors, as well as a high degree of flexibility with a wide variety of learning spaces, from classrooms with writable surfaces on every wall to breakout rooms and an outdoor patio.
“The project not only preserved a beloved campus structure but elevated it for future generations of students,” Northrop said. “Our team utilized their extensive experience in building and renovating educational facilities to deliver a multi-phase complex project that required a high degree of planning, coordination, and execution.”
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Small and mid-sized projects also support Skanska’s workforce development goals.
“The nature of these projects creates an excellent environment for the younger generation of construction professionals to develop their skills and gives them the opportunity to handle advanced responsibilities early on in their careers while gaining experience working the entirety of a project’s lifecycle,” Northrop said. “As these environments require complex coordination between teams and real-world problem-solving, younger team members develop essential skills that balance logistical challenges with client needs and safety.”
Skanska aims to leverage this mindset and approach to build a strong and competent future generation in the industry.
“The renovation of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Smith 11 space, like many of Skanska’s small and mid-sized projects, provided valuable opportunities for younger team members to engage in all phases of project delivery — from setup and coordination to execution and closeout,” Northrop said.
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The 6,000-square-foot fit-out transformed core and shell space on the 11th floor into wet and dry research laboratories, lab support areas, and associated office and amenity spaces. The work also involved the demolition of temporary office space, all completed while maintaining operations in the active facility.
“This complex environment required early and consistent collaboration with the client and project stakeholders, fostering essential skills in communication, adaptability, and problem-solving — key to developing the next generation of construction professionals,” Northrop said.
“On projects like this, it’s not uncommon for a young Field Engineer to be managing subcontractor coordination or for an Assistant Superintendent to be leading daily site logistics,” he added. “They get to see firsthand how every piece fits together.”
This hands-on exposure also helps clarify long-term career paths within the company.
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“We’ve had team members start as Field Engineers, grow into Superintendent or Project Manager roles, and go on to lead larger, more complex jobs,” Northrop said. “These projects are foundational in helping our rising talent define their future in construction.”
Amid economic uncertainties, a balanced portfolio can help ensure continued growth — and offer many other advantages, as well.
“From education and health care to research and community spaces, Skanska’s work on small and mid-sized projects isn’t just about filling a pipeline,” Northrop said. “It’s about building a smarter, stronger future for our company, our clients, and the people we serve.”
