Springfield Underground gets top developer honor

The Springfield Contractors Association's 2002 Developer of the Year is growing above and below ground.

Springfield Underground Inc. received recognition as the area's top developer at the SCA's annual Salute to Construction Banquet, held Nov. 7 at the Clarion Hotel.

SCA President Wayne Towe credited the company with investing as much as $30 million in the local economy through development in the last 18 months.

"This developer works at keeping all its business local," Towe said. "(Springfield Underground) makes a special effort to hire only Springfield contractors."

For 56 years, Springfield Underground, founded and owned by the Griesemer family, has been capitalizing on Missouri's prevalent caves and turning them into unique warehousing spaces. It houses goods of local and national companies such as Kraft Foods, Dairy Farmers of America, Graybar Electric, Willow Brook Foods Inc., Aaron's Automotive Products Inc. and Buske Lines.

Towe said Springfield Underground, which owns more than 600 acres of land, also is planning above-ground warehouse development in the future.

The Developer of the Year is decided by a vote of SCA committee members, led by chair Kris Evans. The committee takes into consideration a number of factors, including total investment, use of local workers, quality and economic impact of developments, and contributions to the community.

Other Salute awards:

Todd Matthews of Ozark Mountain Interiors Inc. received the Craftsman of the Year award for his work on the Southwest Missouri State University Meyer Library/Information Center addition and renovation project.

Bruce Johnson of Walton Construction Company Inc. won the Superintendent of the Year honor. Johnson served as superintendent on the $7.2 million Evangel University Barnett Fine Arts Center.

The Craftsman and Superintendent of the Year awards are presented by the American Institute of Architects Springfield.