History of
Nelson Construction
A Clear Vision Carried Through Generations
From the very beginning, Nelson Construction has stayed true to its vision of delivering trusted construction guidance and high-quality building services across Connecticut.
Our management team and subcontractors have always embodied professionalism, technical expertise, and integrity. We believe our future depends on the character of each individual on our team and the way we communicate and serve the most important part of every project—our customers.
1992
Nelson Construction Starts
Nelson Construction was founded in 1992 by father and son, Carroll and Chris Nelson. Originally named C. Nelson Construction, the company began as a small construction business serving both residential and commercial clients throughout central and eastern Connecticut.
1994
A Partnership Beings with Landworks Development
Expanded its operations by becoming the prime construction manager for Landworks Development, a company co-founded by Chris Nelson and his business partner, Ron Janeczko. Over the next three decades, Nelson Construction would go on to build more than 1,000 homes, townhomes, and apartment units for Landworks.
1995
Awarded Builder of the Year
Chris Nelson’s leadership and dedication to quality were recognized in 1995 when he was named Builder of the Year by the Home Builders Association of Hartford County.
2001
First Luxury Home Community
In 2001, Nelson Construction launched its first luxury residential development: Somersby in Farmington. This 50-lot community featured upscale homes ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 square feet, marking a new chapter in the company’s portfolio.
2006
Joined the National 20 Club
Further solidifying his role as a leader in the industry, Chris Nelson joined the National Home Builders and Remodelor’s 20 Club in 2006. Membership in this exclusive group represents a commitment to continual learning and professional development within the building industry.
2007
Office Relocation to Farmington
Nelson Construction moved its headquarters in 2007 to 340 Main Street in Farmington, providing the company with a more central location and upgraded facilities.
2008
National Leadership in Homebuilding
Chris Nelson took on a national leadership role in 2008 when he became Chair of the National Association of Home Builders’ prestigious 20 Club program. The 20 Clubs bring together similarly sized homebuilding companies from across the country to share insights, best practices, and strategies for business growth and industry excellence.
2009
New Leadership and Name
In 2009, Carroll Nelson retired and sold his ownership stake to both Chris Nelson and Rob Powers. Powers officially stepped into the role of Vice President, helping to guide the company into its next phase. At this time, the company officially dropped “C. Nelson Construction” and began operating under its simplified name: Nelson Construction, reflecting its growth and evolving identity in the industry.
2013
New Office and Expansion into Multifamily Housing
The company relocated once again in 2013, this time to the historic Simsbury Grist Mill at 75 West Street in Simsbury. That same year marked a major strategic shift as Nelson Construction entered the multifamily housing market. The company’s first project in this sector, Mill Commons in Simsbury, expanded its focus beyond for-sale homes and townhouses into apartment-style developments, laying the foundation for future growth in multifamily construction.
2020
A New Chapter with External Developers
By 2020, Landworks Development began scaling back its new project development, prompting Nelson Construction to diversify its client base. The company began taking on projects for other developers, focusing heavily on production residential work.
2022
Strategic Partnerships for Single-Family Rentals
In 2022, Nelson Construction deepened its commitment to the growing single-family for-rent market by forming new partnerships with regional developers. These collaborations focused on delivering high-quality rental home communities in the Farmington Valley. Projects launched under this initiative include The Grand Luxury Homes in Granby, The Grand Ryefield in Bloomfield, and The Grand Meadows in East Granby. Each development reflects Nelson’s dedication to thoughtful community planning, high-end construction standards, and meeting the evolving housing needs of Connecticut residents. Today, Nelson Construction continues to provide construction management services to outside residential investors, carrying forward its legacy of professionalism, quality, and adaptability.
Awards & Accomplishments
2024 HOBI Award – Best Single-Family Rental Community
The Grand Ryefield, Bloomfield, CT
2022 HOBI Award – Best Single-Family Rental Community
The Grand Luxury Homes, Granby, CT
2019 HOBI Award – Best New Commercial
Hopmeadow Country Club, Simsbury, CT
2016 HOBI Award – Community of the Year
Highcroft Apartments, Simsbury, CT
2014 Simsbury Chamber of Commerce
Business Leader of the Year – Chris Nelson
2013 HOBI Award – Best Commercial Rehab
The Mill at Hop Brook, Simsbury, CT
2013 HOBI Aware – Community of the Year
The Mill at Hop Brook, Mill Commons, and Mill Pond Crossing
2010 National EnergyValue Housing Award®, Gold
Nelson Construction
2009 HOBI Award – Best Commercial Rehab
Landworks Realty Office, 340 Main Street, Farmington, CT
2008 HOBI Award – Best Energy Efficient Community
Hamilton Way, Farmington, CT
2008 HOBI Award – Best Energy Efficient Spec Home
Hamilton Way, Farmington, CT
2008 CT HBA – Best Energy Efficient / Green Community
Hamilton Way, Farmington, CT
2007 Farmington Chamber Beautification Award
Bradford Walk, Farmington, CT
2004 CT HBA – Best Community Clubhouse
“The Pond House”, Bradford Walk, Farmington, CT
2004 CT HBA – Best Large Attached Community
Bradford Walk, Farmington, CT
2003 CT HBA – Best Traditional Subdivision
Garden Gate, Farmington, CT
2000 CT HBA – Community of the Year
Somersby, Farmington, CT
2000 CT HBA – Best Traditional Community
Somersby, Farmington, CT
1995 CT HBA – Community of the Year
Cornerstone at Farmington, Farmington, CT
1995 CT HBA – Best Small Lot Development in Connecticut
Village Homes, Cornerstone, Farmington, CT