Ujamaa Construction, Inc.

Ujamaa Construction, Inc. Ujamaa Construction Inc. (UJAMAA) offers owners high quality, fast-track general contracting and cons

I Helped Build That | Mrudul PatilEvery landmark project is built through thousands of decisions, countless hours of coo...
06/16/2026

I Helped Build That | Mrudul Patil

Every landmark project is built through thousands of decisions, countless hours of coordination, and teams working together toward a common goal.

As part of our 'Our Block. Our History' campaign, we're proud to spotlight Mrudul Patil, Assistant Project Manager at UJAMAA Construction, whose contributions helped bring the Obama Presidential Center from vision to reality.

Serving as part of the team responsible for coordinating critical building systems and supporting project delivery, Mrudul experienced firsthand the dedication required to deliver a project of this magnitude.

"When I say, 'I helped build that,' I'm reminded of the hard work, dedication, and countless hours our team invested to bring this project to life."

The significance of the work extends far beyond the technical challenges and coordination efforts that took place throughout construction.

"Knowing I contributed to a project that will inspire future generations is one of the proudest moments of my career."

While the completed Center will stand as a symbol of leadership, history, and community impact, what resonates most with Mrudul is the journey that made it possible.

For Mrudul, the experience reinforced that great projects are not defined solely by the structures they create, but by the people who help bring them to life.

UJAMAA Construction is proud to be one of the five firms that make up Lakeside Alliance, builder of the Obama Presidential Center.

As we celebrate the Center's opening, we're honored to recognize the individuals behind the work; the professionals whose expertise, commitment, and teamwork helped create a place that will educate, inspire, and serve generations to come.

Because some projects define a career. Others become part of a legacy.

Project of the Year. Purpose in every detail.Last week, UJAMAA Construction joined the Federation of Women Contractors a...
06/16/2026

Project of the Year. Purpose in every detail.

Last week, UJAMAA Construction joined the Federation of Women Contractors at WomenRock, where Lakeside Alliance was honored with Project of the Year for the Obama Presidential Center.

For us, this recognition represents partnership, leadership, and the power of building something that will serve Chicago for generations.

As part of Lakeside Alliance, UJAMAA is proud to help bring this historic project to life while creating opportunity and capacity in the communities we serve.

That is The UJAMAA Way.

Congratulations to the full Lakeside Alliance team and thank you to FWC for an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence in construction.

We build spaces, but we are really here to build community.This weekend, Team UJAMAA joined our partners at Northwestern...
06/10/2026

We build spaces, but we are really here to build community.

This weekend, Team UJAMAA joined our partners at Northwestern Medicine for the Cancer Survivors’ Celebration Walk & 5K in Grant Park, standing alongside survivors, caregivers, families, and supporters who carry powerful stories.

It was a great way to spend a Sunday morning. Fresh air, a beautiful crowd, and a reminder that showing up matters.

Because of survivors, supporters, volunteers, and teams across the city, the event raised a record-breaking $572,000+ for cancer treatment and research at Northwestern Medicine. We are proud to be part of that impact, and proud to support Northwestern Medicine not only as construction partners, but as community partners.

This is what our culture looks like outside the jobsite: unity, care, and people stepping up for something bigger than themselves.

Shoutouts:
Dave and Dawn Wegner for leading our fundraising efforts
Justin, Marcus, and Robert White for running the 5K

Proud of this team. Proud of this partnership.

We're excited to share that Todd Pressley, MBA, Co-Principal of UJAMAA Construction Southeast, will be speaking as a pan...
06/10/2026

We're excited to share that Todd Pressley, MBA, Co-Principal of UJAMAA Construction Southeast, will be speaking as a panelist at the AEC Roundtable during the 2026 AMAC Airport Business Conference.

June 11, 2026
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

As a leader with more than two decades of experience delivering complex projects across aviation, infrastructure, healthcare, and commercial sectors, Todd brings a practical perspective on collaboration, project delivery, workforce development, and the evolving challenges facing the AEC industry.

The AEC Roundtable will bring together industry leaders to discuss the opportunities, innovations, and partnerships shaping the future of airport development and construction.

If you'll be attending the conference, we invite you to join the conversation and connect with us afterward. We look forward to seeing you there!

A new chapter is beginning on the West Side.Earlier this week, UJAMAA Construction joined McHugh Construction, the Unite...
06/09/2026

A new chapter is beginning on the West Side.

Earlier this week, UJAMAA Construction joined McHugh Construction, the United Center, project partners, and community leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of The 1901 Project.

This transformational investment will help reshape the area around the United Center into a more active, connected, and community-serving district.

For us, this is The UJAMAA Way: building with purpose, creating access, and making sure progress creates opportunity.

Proud to be part of the team bringing this vision to life.

I Helped Build That | Karen PanozzoEvery person on a project leaves their mark.Some pour concrete. Some coordinate sched...
06/09/2026

I Helped Build That | Karen Panozzo

Every person on a project leaves their mark.

Some pour concrete. Some coordinate schedules. Some manage operations behind the scenes that keep the work moving forward.

As part of our Our Block in History campaign, we're proud to spotlight Karen Panozzo, Project Accountant at UJAMAA Construction, whose work helped support one of the most significant civic projects in Chicago's history.

For Karen, being part of the Obama Presidential Center was about more than numbers and reports. It was about contributing to something that will have a lasting impact on future generations.

"I helped support the financial side of the work that kept this historic project moving forward. Being part of a team building the Obama Presidential Center was an opportunity I'll always be grateful for."

Karen's role may have been behind the scenes, but she understood the importance of every contribution made across the project team.

And when she reflects on her experience, one feeling rises above the rest; gratitude.

"I'm proud to have been part of building a Presidential Center for one of the most influential leaders of my lifetime. Opportunities like this don't come along often."

The Obama Presidential Center is the result of thousands of contributions, both visible and unseen. Karen's story is a reminder that every role matters, and every person helps shape the final outcome.

UJAMAA Construction is proud to be one of the five firms that make up Lakeside Alliance, builder of the Obama Presidential Center.

As we celebrate the Center's opening, we're honored to recognize the people behind the work; the professionals whose dedication helped transform a vision into a landmark that will inspire generations to come.

Because history isn't built by one person. It's built by teams committed to something bigger than themselves.

I Helped Build That | Devonta ElzySome projects are measured in square feet, schedules, and milestones.Others are measur...
06/05/2026

I Helped Build That | Devonta Elzy

Some projects are measured in square feet, schedules, and milestones.

Others are measured by the impact they'll have for generations.

As part of our 'Our Block. Our History.' campaign, we're proud to spotlight Devonta Elzy, Superintendent at UJAMAA Construction, and one of the many dedicated professionals who helped bring the Obama Presidential Center to life.

For Devonta, this project represented something much bigger than construction.

"This wasn't just another construction project. It was a highly complex museum built to preserve history, inspire leadership, and serve communities for generations to come."

Every day on site carried a sense of purpose. The work wasn't simply about building a structure, it was about helping create a place where future generations can learn, reflect, and be inspired.

"Being part of this project meant helping shape a place our community will experience for generations."

And like many who contributed to the project, Devonta knows the pride that comes with seeing the finished result.

"It means everything to be able to bring my family and friends here and say, 'I helped build that.' Knowing I played a part in creating something that will inspire generations is a source of immense pride."

UJAMAA Construction is proud to be one of the five firms that make up Lakeside Alliance, builder of the Obama Presidential Center.

As we celebrate the Center's opening, we're honored to recognize the people behind the work; the builders, leaders, and community members who helped make history on our block.

Because some projects change communities. And some leave a legacy that lasts for generations.

A new chapter for care on Chicago’s South Side. 💜Earlier this week, UJAMAA Construction joined Advocate Health Care, Pow...
06/04/2026

A new chapter for care on Chicago’s South Side. 💜

Earlier this week, UJAMAA Construction joined Advocate Health Care, Power Construction, community leaders, and residents to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Advocate Trinity Hospital.

This historic project represents more than a hospital — it represents access, opportunity, and long-term investment in the people and families of the South Side.

That’s The UJAMAA Way: building with purpose, building with community, and making sure progress creates real impact.

Proud to be part of bringing this vision to life.

A Seat at the Table | Ron LewisSome projects test your expertise. Others remind you why the work matters.As part of our ...
06/04/2026

A Seat at the Table | Ron Lewis

Some projects test your expertise. Others remind you why the work matters.

As part of our ‘Our Block. Our History.’ campaign, we're proud to share the first installment of A Seat at the Table, a leadership series highlighting the voices behind UJAMAA Construction's contribution to the Obama Presidential Center. Today, we feature Ronald Lewis, Vice President, whose leadership helped guide our role on this landmark project.

For Ron, the significance of the Obama Presidential Center extended far beyond construction.

"Everyone had an emotional connection to what we were doing. We realized the significance of every step in this process. We knew it was an honor to be part of this project."

One of the moments that stayed with him most wasn't about schedules, budgets, or milestones.

"I'll never forget the young student who confidently told his mother that one day he would have my job. That's the kind of impact this project created."

The Obama Presidential Center represents more than a building. It represents possibility. It represents what can happen when young people can see themselves reflected in the people, partnerships, and professions helping shape their communities.

And it represents something else that stood out to Ron:

"This was the first project in my career where there were approximately the same number of women in leadership roles as men."

That spirit of inclusion, opportunity, and representation is part of what made this project so meaningful.

UJAMAA Construction is proud to be one of the five firms that make up Lakeside Alliance, builder of the Obama Presidential Center. As we approach the Center's opening, we're honored to recognize the leaders, builders, and community members who helped make this moment possible.

History is being made on our block. We're proud to have had a seat at the table.

Our Block. Our History. A landmark is opening in our community. History is being made on our block. And we're proud to h...
06/03/2026

Our Block. Our History.

A landmark is opening in our community. History is being made on our block. And we're proud to have built it.

As the Obama Presidential Center prepares to open on June 19th, UJAMAA Construction is proud to launch 'Our Block. Our History.' campaign recognizing the people, partnerships, and purpose behind our contribution to this historic project.

UJAMAA Construction is proud to be one of the five firms that make up Lakeside Alliance, builder of the Obama Presidential Center.

For us, this project is personal. The Center stands less than a mile from our Stony Island office. It rises in a community where we work, serve, and invest every day. What many people will see as a landmark, we see as a reflection of the dedication, craftsmanship, and commitment of the men and women who helped bring it to life.

Over the next several days, we'll share stories from the UJAMAA team members who contributed to the project, reflections from our leadership, and insights into what it means to have a seat at the table on one of the most significant civic projects of our generation.

This campaign isn't just about a building. It's about opportunity. It's about partnership. It's about demonstrating what is possible when trust, inclusion, and community-centered development come together.

Most importantly, it's about the people behind the work.

Join us as we celebrate Our Block. Our History.

Address

7744 S Stony Island Avenue
Chicago, IL
60649

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 5pm

Telephone

+17733741300

Website

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