From Interiors To $100M Builds: CWC Expands Across The DMV

For nearly 65 years, Bethesda-based Coakley & Williams Construction, or CWC, has provided general contracting services throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia area. But what started in 1961 as a simple general contracting firm has grown into much more. 

“We’ve evolved with our ‘build mindset,’” said Lynn Stith Bennett, who was recently named CEO of CWC. “We provide preconstruction, construction and design-build services, but more than that, we believe that every action we take contributes to building something that goes beyond buildings. It's about the relationships we're developing, growing our teams, giving back to the community, building in every sense.” 

President and Chief Operating Officer Greg Harraka said that while the firm first built its reputation in warehouses and hotels, it has since expanded into six distinct business units delivering projects across K-12 and higher education, corporate interiors, hospitality, multifamily living, government facilities, commercial spaces, and science and technology.

Bennett and Harraka have been with the firm for nearly 40 years, coming in as project managers and working up to their current roles. Bennett said they are extremely “future-focused” and that, despite the company’s growth, they want it to remain a place where they know everyone’s name and their families and provide an excellent experience for their clients and employees.  

“We're building an organization that's prepared for the future,” Bennett said. “Our team has the capacity to deliver large-scale projects while continuing to excel in commercial interior work.”

Harraka said his and Bennett’s growth at CWC is the path they want to help forge for all employees. 

“Whether people join us at the start of their careers or later on, they’ll find opportunities to grow to the level they aspire to,” he said. “When I came out of college, I wasn’t sure exactly where I wanted to go, but I knew I wanted to grow with one company — and I’ve been able to do that here.”

Big Plans For Big Projects 

Bennett and Harraka’s big plans for the future of CWC go beyond growing and nurturing its workforce. They plan to expand the portfolio as well. 

Harraka highlighted the Carl F. West Estates multigenerational housing project, which CWC is building in downtown Washington, D.C. The nine-story building, set over a two-story below-grade parking garage, is being constructed on a “postage stamp site” surrounded by occupied residential and commercial buildings and a Metro stop.

Leveraging its expertise in complex urban construction, CWC is six months ahead of schedule, with delivery expected this month. Once complete, the independent senior living community will include 179 affordable units featuring 36 uniquely designed “grand family” units for grandparents raising grandchildren. 

CWC also recently broke ground in partnership with Hines on Potomac Shores, a six-story, 345K SF multifamily project with approximately 365 units in Dumfries, Virginia, about 20 miles south of Washington. 

“We’re comfortable working in the suburbs or in the heart of the city,” Harraka said. 

He added that beyond $100M projects, the team also tackles $2.5M tenant build-outs in downtown D.C. — work that demands agility, coordination with tenants and creative solutions for building in active spaces. 

“For us, building relationships is what matters most,” Bennett said. “We’re committed to creating strong partnerships with our clients while embracing the challenges that come with what we build.” 

The firm is also building a new biomanufacturing facility for the American Type Culture Collection on its Manassas campus. The site previously housed a single-story high-containment building, which was demolished to create a two-story facility that will bring together all lab, administrative and support functions. CWC has been involved from the outset, providing preconstruction services to align the budget with the owner’s goals and managing procurement while permits were secured. 

“We’re creating a highly advanced building, particularly when it comes to the mechanical and electrical systems,” Harraka said. “We’re three months ahead of schedule.”

Bennett attributed CWC’s ability to take on these large-scale projects to decades of experience, its highly trained staff and its ability to stay nimble and adapt to the needs of any client. 

“It’s really about collaboration and planning upfront with our clients and trade partners — getting involved early and staying engaged throughout the design and construction — that’s our proven process,” she said. 

Bennett said the firm's future is bright. She and Harraka are focused on expanding CWC's portfolio while preparing the next generation of company leaders. 

“We know the D.C. market and are ready to advance,” she said. “We’re excited to showcase our expertise, demonstrate our ability to deliver complex projects and continue contributing to our community, clients and employees.” 

This article was produced in collaboration between Studio B and CWC. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.