History

In December of 1972, Lorenz T. Bannes and Joseph F. Shaughnessy left their positions at a respected St. Louis general contractor to form Bannes-Shaughnessy, Incorporated. The company grew slowly but steadily, quietly building a reputation for quality and integrity, and for the ability to deliver unique building projects.  After a successful sixteen-year run at Bannes-Shaughnessy, Bannes sold his stock to Joe Shaughnessy who then became sole owner of the company. At that time, the company was renamed BSI Constructors. Later in 1989, Joe Shaughnessy’s two oldest sons, Paul and Jim, joined the company.  BSI is now owned by a broad group of active company employees.

Some key milestones for the company:

• 1972 – Bannes-Shaughnessy, Inc. is founded on December 18.

• 1976 – Awarded first $1 million project for Hazelwood Central Senior High School.

• 1981 – Awarded first $5 million project, the Roosevelt Savings Headquarters in Chesterfield, Mo.

• 1987 – Work is completed on current corporate headquarters at 6767 Southwest Avenue in southwest St. Louis City, with 30,000 square feet of office space and a 20,000 square foot warehouse on 3.3 acres.

• 1987 – Awarded first $10 million project, the Washington University Medical Library.

• 1989 – Joe Shaughnessy executes stock repurchase to become sole owner. Company is renamed “BSI Constructors, Inc." Paul & Jim Shaughnessy join BSI as project managers.

• 1990 – Awarded first $20 million project, McDonnell Hall for Washington University.

• 1995 – BSI begins work on a 400,000 square foot office building for A.G. Edwards.

• 2000 – Paul Shaughnessy is named President and Chief Executive Officer of BSI, with Joe Shaughnessy remaining Chairman.

• 2003 – BSI successfully completes its largest single project, a 1.2 million square foot office, data center, and learning center at A.G. Edwards (now Wells Fargo Advisors)

• 2016 – Joe Shaughnessy transitions to Emeritus status, with plans to continue supporting and promoting BSI.

• 2021 — Non-family employees are offered stock ownership opportunities at BSI.

• 2022 — BSI celebrates its 50th year with a celebration of clients, design professionals, friends, and employees at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park.

Leadership Team