Building a Legacy: JP Cullen’s 100+ Years of Award-Winning Projects and AGC Leadership
At JP Cullen, our story is told through more than just the things we build, but through the relationships we shape, and the milestones we accomplish along the way.
For more than a century, our partnership with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) has shown a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, success, and industry leadership. From early 20th century projects to today’s top-notch facilities, each decade highlights a new chapter in our legacy.
A Timeline of Craftsmanship, Innovation, and Impact
From our earliest projects to our most recent award-winning projects, JP Cullen has consistently delivered the best results that stand the test of time.
Early Foundations (1919–1950s)
JP Cullen’s journey began in the year 1919, starting with the construction of the Samson Tractor Plant, one of the company’s earliest major industrial projects. This milestone established more than just an early presence in the industry; it also ignited a partnership with General Motors that would continue for more than 50 years and expand to over 3 million square feet of work. 
By 1923, JP Cullen was making its mark in higher education facilities with the construction of the University of Wisconsin Madison Leopold Residence Hall. This early campus project highlighted a focus on quality craftsmanship, while integrating construction methods that pushed the boundaries of the time.
Just two years later in 1925, JP Cullen contributed to the memorable Bascom Hall project at UW-Madison. This project represented more than just another building, it also symbolized JP Cullen’s growing reputation for high-quality results, investment in new equipment, and a commitment to skilled trades during a time of vast expansion.
As the decades passed by, JP Cullen continued to make further progress in their work. In 1950, JP Cullen played a key role in the construction of the Service Memorial institute at UW-Madison, making a name in educational construction.
That same year, Cullen’s work at the Madison Vocational School demonstrated advanced structural techniques, including the utilization of steel reinforcement methods that remain present in construction today.
By 1958, adaptability was a key strength of the company. During the construction of the 1 West Wilson State Street Office Building in Madison, to overcome early material challenges, the team obtained new quarries and partnered with skilled stonecutters, with the addition of specialized artisans, to maintain a high standard of quality.
Growth and Expansion (1960s–1980s)
Entering the 1960s, JP Cullen began taking on more complex, large-scale projects. In 1966, construction of Van Hise Hall at UW–Madison marked a major milestone. At 19 stories tall, it was the second tallest building in Madison at the time and showed off JP Cullens skills in high-rise construction.
That growth continued in 1970 with the construction of the Wisconsin Telephone Building in Madison, which further implemented the company’s name in commercial construction.
In 1980, JP Cullen continued to highlight their talent in healthcare construction through their work at the Mercy Hospital in Janesville. The project marked a key step in becoming one of the company’s focus markets, continuing to plan on building environments that support patient care.
Modern Transformation (2000s–2010s)
Entering the early 2000’s, this era highlighted large scale renovations and innovating building solutions for JP Cullen. In 2002, JP Cullen began its long-standing relationship with Camp Randall Stadium. This stadium is one of the most iconic landmarks in Wisconsin, arguably nationally. The $84 million multi-phase project included major innovations and renovations that changed the stadium and set up future work at the facility.
In 2012, JP Cullen ventured back to campus to construct the McClain Center. The project consisted of building a Tensotherm roof system, designed to bring in natural light while meeting the needs of the athletic training spaces.
Going into 2017, JP Cullen completed the Epic Deep Space Auditorium, an innovative and nationally recognized project that earned JP Cullen the AGC Build America Grand Award for Best New Building, worth over $200 million. Developed as an underground structure at the Verona Campus, it blended into the surrounding landscape highlighting creativity, collaboration, and technical mastery.
Recent Award-Winning Work (2020s–2025)
In recent years, JP Cullen has continued to build projects with expert preservation, innovation, and performance. In 2021, JP Cullen restored the exterior of the Wisconsin State Capitol. This multiyear project happened in 2000.
Continuing the ongoing work at Camp Randall, JP Cullen completed the South End Zone renovation in 2022. The project consisted of a five-story addition with premium seating and new convenience, earning JP Cullen the Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering Award
In 2023, the Educators Credit Union project in Oak Creek earned JP Cullen the AGC Build Wisconsin Award for their excellence in commercial construction. The project further displays JP Cullen’s commitment to quality work.
Looking into the future, the UW Health Eastpark Medical Center, completed in 2025, shows the future of healthcare construction. Coming in at 469,000 square feet, and seven stories, the facility contains the only upright proton therapy system in the nation. This addition gives patients more natural treatment experience. JP Cullen used innovative healthcare technology through this project.
Leadership That Spans Generations
JP Cullens project success is reflected by its leadership within AGC. With five Cullen family members serving as an AGC of Wisconsin President, our organization has played a leading role in shaping the construction industry for more than 100 years. In fact, our founder, J.P. Cullen, served as the 3rd AGC of Wisconsin President in 1931, setting the tone for generations to come. That legacy has continued through the decades:
- Mark A. Cullen – 1945
- John Paul Cullen – 1969
- Mark Cullen – 1987
- George Cullen – 2025
We are incredibly proud that each of these leaders has helped shape AGC of Wisconsin and strengthen the industry we are honored to be part of.
A Tradition of Award-Winning Partnerships
From decades of work, JP Cullen has been recognized not only for the things we build, but how we build them.
As a five-time recipient of the AGC Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering Award, we take much pride in our construction collaboration, making sure every stakeholder is aligned from start to finish.
From universities and healthcare facilities to landmarks and commercial buildings, these awards reflect our devotion to delivering the best of results through teamwork.
Building What’s Next
As we look to the future, JP Cullen remains fully committed to honoring our legacy while continuing to innovate across every project and community we serve.
Each project, whether it was completed in 1919 or 2026, shows a shared goal through all JP Cullen projects: delivering spaces and environments that serve communities, support progress, and are built to last, for generations to come.
