06/17/2026
Today, our team at Nelson Commercial Construction is proud to share a milestone that means a great deal to us—not just as builders, but as members of the Siouxland community. We have been honored with the William J. Wagner Award for our work on the historic Benson Building in downtown Sioux City.
For us, this recognition is more than an award. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do.
The Benson Building has stood on Douglas Street for more than a century. Like many historic structures, it carried stories, character, and potential—but it also carried challenges. When we took on this project, we knew we weren’t just renovating a building. We were stepping into the responsibility of preserving a piece of Sioux City’s architectural heritage while preparing it for a new chapter.
Revitalizing a structure of this age is never simple. From structural concerns to roof damage to the complexities of modernizing a historic footprint, the project has tested our creativity, our craftsmanship, and our commitment. But it has also reaffirmed something we deeply believe: historic buildings matter. They anchor our downtown, shape our identity, and connect generations.
Receiving the William J. Wagner Award is a testament to the dedication of our entire team—project managers, field crews, partners, and everyone who has poured their skill and passion into this effort. It also reflects the support of community leaders and residents who share our belief that the Benson Building deserves a future as vibrant as its past.
As work continues, we remain committed to delivering a project that honors the building’s history while creating new opportunities for retail, office, and residential life in the heart of our city. We’re excited for what this transformation will bring to downtown Sioux City and grateful for the trust placed in us to help shape that future.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey. We’re honored, humbled, and energized for what comes next.
Nelson Commercial Construction
Building the future. Preserving the past.