History

P.J. Hoerr is privately owned with our majority owner Mr. Robert Hoerr serving as Chairman and CEO. Robert is the grandson of Philipp J. Hoerr and continues to lead our company based on strong Christian values. He is ably teamed in this endeavor with co-owners Joe Hart, President and COO; Paul Bright, Vice-President; Kirk Anderson, Vice-President, John Moses, Vice-President and Scott Rinkenberger, Vice-President.

What makes P.J. Hoerr different than other area contractors is the large amount of partnered and design/build work that we perform. The vast majority of our work is contracted in this manner. We pride ourselves on being team players and we are very willing and able to take responsibility for both the design and the construction on our projects. We also know that cost is always an issue in construction so P.J. Hoerr will continue to pursue contracts on a hard bid basis. We believe this keeps “our pencil sharp” and maintains our knowledge on current market costs.

In our relentless efforts to maintain a high quality standard while reducing completion time to a minimum, we created three other affiliated companies that work with us to achieve these ends. These firms, Summit Masonry and Stoneworks, Inc., Benchmark Cabinets and Millwork and Van Buskirk Steel, LLC. provide materials and craftsmanship during critical portions of the construction process.

Our P.J. Hoerr team of over 150 full-time employees in our Peoria & Bloomington/Normal, Illinois offices stand ready to develop creative ways to help you design, manage and build your next construction project. Our philosophy of teamwork and our unwavering commitment to Philipp Hoerr’s early ideals of hard work and quality guide us to our ultimate goal…an enthusiastic, long-term and valued client.

Check out our Remembering the Past photo album

The History of PJ Hoerr: On the Move since 1914

Pulling from a variety of photos and objects, this montage was created.

PJ Hoerr Heritage montage

Timeline

1914

1920

1933

The Beginning

In 1914 Philipp J. Hoerr took over personal management of Ideal Concrete Block Manufacturing Company from his father Chris Hoerr. The original plant/gravel pit was located in the East Bluff at the corner of Glen Oak Ave. and Nebraska Ave. in Peoria, IL.

In 1921 Mr. Hoerr moved operations to the East end of Wagon Bridge in East Peoria, IL. This is the current site of the East Peoria Steak 'n Shake Restaurant. (Photo is Philipp J. Hoerr and his first car)

1914

1920

1933

1940

Growth & Expansion

In 1920 we began producing concrete block for residential and some commercial clients. We continued to expand over the years into light commercial and municipal concrete construction.

1914

1920

1933

1940

1950

Focusing on Concrete Work

In 1933 we closed the block manufacturing operation and focused entirely on concrete work. The name was changed to Philipp J. Hoerr Construction Co. The stamp can still be seen on concrete work in the Peoria Area.

1920

1933

1940

1950

1957

move to Central Ave Office

The recent company name change to Philipp J. Hoerr Construction Co. brought a change of location to Central Avenue in Peoria.

1933

1940

1950

1957

1965

Transition of Ownership

In the late 1950's the transition of ownership from Philipp J. Hoerr to Max Hoerr (son) and Wade Fehr (son-in-law) began.

1940

1950

1957

1965

1970

P.J. Hoerr Inc.

In April 1957 we were incorporated and became known as P.J. Hoerr, Inc.

1950

1957

1965

1970

1980

War Memorial Drive Location

Having outgrown the Central Avenue location, P.J. Hoerr moved to it's War Memorial Drive location.

1957

1965

1970

1980

1994

Expanding into Larger Projects

In the 1970's and 1980's we continue to expand into larger building, highway and public utility projects.

1965

1970

1980

1994

1995

Transition of Ownership

Beginning in the late 1980's transition of ownership to the 3rd generation began and completed in 1998. Both Mike Fehr (left) and Max P. Hoerr II (right) left P.J. Hoerr to form their own respective companies.

1970

1980

1994

1995

1996

Opening of Bloomington/Normal Office

In 1994 the decision was made to open the Bloomington/Normal office.

1980

1994

1995

1996

2000

New Chairman & CEO

In 1995 Bob Hoerr is named Chairman & CEO.

1994

1995

1996

2000

2002

P.J. Hoerr Starts Summit Masonry & Stoneworks

In 1996 P.J. Hoerr started Summit Masonry & Stoneworks.

1995

1996

2000

2002

2003

Current Location

Having outgrown the War Memorial Drive location, P.J. Hoerr located to 107 N Commerce Place in Peoria.

1996

2000

2002

2003

2006

P.J. Hoerr Starts Benchmark Cabinets & Millwork, Inc.

In 2002 P.J. Hoerr started Benchmark Cabinets & Millwork, Inc.

2000

2002

2003

2006

2014

New President & COO

In 2003 Joe Hart is named company President & COO.

2002

2003

2006

2014

2017

New Vice Presidents Named

In 2006 Paul Bright, Kirk Anderson and John Moses are named Vice Presidents.

2003

2006

2014

2017

2019

100 Year Celebration

In 2014 P.J. Hoerr celebrates 100 years in business.

2006

2014

2017

2019

New Vice President & Junior Partner

In 2017 Scott Rinkenberger is named Vice-President & Junior Partner.

2014

2017

2019

Van Buskirk Steel, LLC.

In 2019 Van Buskirk Construction Co merges with P.J. Hoerr, Inc. to become Van Buskirk Steel, LLC.

Timeline

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