History

Over a Century of Experience

Since 1910, honest service, integrity, and building community have been the foundation of Elford. Now in our fifth generation of family leadership and proudly employee-owned, we continue to uphold these values in every project.

Pop Elford

Edward “Pop” Elford decided that the best way to promote integrity in the construction industry was to start his own company. With $153.75 in savings, Pop founded E. Elford General Contractors. Trustworthiness, open communication, and continual learning were the values upon which Elford was built, and over a century later, those values still form and guide the core of our philosophy.

The "Coin Toss" Story

During the Great Depression, Elford Construction and another Columbus contractor submitted identical bids for the Dublin Bridge Project. With both companies' futures hanging in the balance, the decision came down to just a coin toss.

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Historical Timeline

1910-2025

1910

The Founding of E. Elford General Contractors

Edward “Pop” Elford, a civil engineer, decided that the best way to promote integrity in the construction industry was to start his own company. With $153.75 in savings, he founded E. Elford General Contractors.

1927

The Harding Memorial

Architects from across the nation competed for the right to design the memorial, but the commission went to Eric Fisher Wood and Henry H. Hornbostel of Pittsburgh. Their plan called for a simple, yet elegant circular monument resembling a Greek temple. Elford began construction in April 1926 and completed the monument the following year. President Herbert Hoover officially dedicated the site in June 1931.

1936

Dublin Bridge Project

A coin toss determined which firm got the contact – and luck was on Elford's side. The Dublin Bridge was literally the only active project the company had for the rest of 1935. To keep everyone employed during those lean times, Pop Elford decided to cut the shifts to just five hours per day so that all of his workers could be assigned to work on the bridge, ensuring that no one went without a paycheck.

1941

The Beechwold Homes Co.

John W. Galbreath, who made his fortune in commercial real estate development, foresaw a need in 1941 for more new housing in the Columbus area. Galbreath formed the Beechwold Homes Co. to develop a new neighborhood south of Morse Rd. between High St. and Indianola. Three new residential streets were created, and Elford got the contract to line them with new homes – 600 houses in just five months.

1950s

Building Innovation with Battelle

In the 1950s, Elford Construction worked consistently at Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus' premier nonprofit research organization. After constructing a second wing Elford played a vital role in building facilities in West Jefferson, where Battelle developed the world's first nuclear fuel rods and fuel for the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine.

1960s

Revolutionizing Construction with Columbus' First Climbing Crane

Elford acquired a major technological edge in 1961 with the purchase of Columbus' first Linden climbing crane. This groundbreaking equipment revolutionized high-rise construction by ascending alongside the building as work progressed. For seven consecutive years, Elford's crane was a fixture on job sites, leading the city's construction industry into a new era.

1970s

Pioneering Technology with the First In-House Computer

Elford was among the first local construction companies to integrate computing technology, acquiring an IBM System-1400 in the 1970s. The massive machine, requiring manual circuit board swaps for bookkeeping functions, marked a significant technological leap that streamlined Elford's operations and set a precedent in the industry.

1980s

New Leadership and a Vision for Growth

As Columbus grew, so did Elford. In 1984, Thomas J. Fitzpatrick succeeded his father as the fourth-generation leader, introducing a new succession plan and team management philosophy. His leadership focused on leveraging the strengths of Elford's talented team, ensuring the company's continued growth and success.

1990s

Expansion and Award-Winning Projects

During the 1990s, Elford expanded significantly, moving its HQ to a newly remodeled office to accommodate its growing workforce. The decade also saw the construction of Easton Town Center, a landmark project in Columbus's retail landscape. Elford's work on Easton earned the prestigious Build Ohio Award, highlighting the company's expertise and impact on the city.

2000s

Leading Hospital Construction Across Central Ohio

Elford established itself as the expert in hospital construction throughout Central Ohio during the 2000s, building and renovating 13 hospitals across Columbus. The complexity and precision required for these healthcare projects showcased Elford's exceptional planning, skill, and dedication to improving community facilities.

2010s

Revitalizing Columbus Public Schools

In the 2010s, Elford played a critical role in the 15-year effort to revitalize Columbus' public schools. The company constructed 24 new schools and completed additions and renovations to 15 existing buildings, contributing to the transformation of educational facilities across the city.

2020s

Onward and Upward - Expanding Horizons

Elford's growth continues nationwide with the opening of a new office in Charlotte, North Carolina, serving the Southeast region. In Columbus, Elford is set to take on its largest project ever: a new 1,000,000-square-foot terminal for John Glenn International Airport, designed to serve over 13 million passengers annually.

Mary Elford

In 1955, Mary Elford shattered industry norms by becoming the first woman to lead a major Ohio construction company as President of Elford. For a decade, she guided the company through challenging times, ensuring that Elford's employees not only stayed employed, but thrived. Her leadership during this pivotal period is a powerful testament to the strength women bring to any industry, regardless of the era.

Mary's Influence

In 1949, she established an outside Governance Board, recognizing the value of surrounding herself with talented people. This visionary move was transformational for Elford, and we proudly continue this governance structure today as a cornerstone of our success.

As the Columbus Independent aptly stated in 1955:
"She has made her place in a man's world."

Mary and Pop at a table with the governance board, 1949

Since 1910

For over 100 years, Elford has partnered with hundreds of businesses, individuals, and professionals who have been instrumental in our success. We wouldn't be where we are today without your invaluable contributions.

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