DTC Member Spotlight: JE Dunn Construction

Downtown Council Member Spotlight

The Downtown Council Member Spotlight showcases DTC member companies and organizations, and the ways they contribute to the quality of life in Downtown KC.

Spotlight on JE Dunn Construction, featuring its World Headquarters setting at 1001 Locust St. in Downtown Kansas City.

For 100 years, JE Dunn has been proud to have its headquarters in the heart of Downtown Kansas City. The current office contributes to the tapestry of KC’s ever-changing skyline that the company has played a pivotal role in shaping. 

In 1924, John Ernest (Ernie) Dunn founded JE Dunn Construction with one goal in mind — build relationships while changing skylines. Carrying out his vision of a company rooted in strong values, JE Dunn has grown in number and capabilities throughout its 100-year history yet has never strayed from the founding values of uncompromising integrity, unparalleled concern for excellence, and an unwavering belief in the value of its employees. 

JE Dunn now has 26 offices around the country and is the 8th largest domestic contractor with more than 4,000 employees. The work touches nearly every facet of the industry, and the portfolio of projects spans dozens of markets, including healthcare, aviation, corporate environments, federal and military, industrial, education, mission critical, science and technology, and more. 

JE Dunn is nationally recognized for giving back through the company’s Community Impact team. Giving back to communities is core to the company and its employees.  

Thanks to its employee match program, community ambassador network, and philanthropic leadership within each of the 26 local offices, the company contributed to more than 1,000 nonprofits in 2023 and donates 10% of its pre-tax net income to charities each year.

JE Dunn regularly backs initiatives that support Downtown Kansas City from the arts, to education, to homeless services.  

A national Centennial initiative, Building a Legacy: A Century of Generosity, kicked off in 2024, extending JE Dunn’s community impact, and celebrating the employees and communities that have been foundational to the company’s success and longevity. Click here to learn more about the centennial celebration including the 100 Stories for 100 Years campaign.

Employees selected 10 worthy organizations to receive a $100,000 grant to empower their work in the same communities where JE Dunn employees live, work, and build, for an additional impact of $1 million nationwide. The JE Dunn team will surprise those organizations with their grants throughout the year.  

“Reaching our Centennial, I’ve reflected on how much the company has grown while maintaining our initial values,” said Gordon Lansford, President and CEO of JE Dunn. “I give so much credit to the Dunn family — as well as our employees, clients, and partners — who got us here and helped to build such a unique place.

“I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to be a part of how JE Dunn’s next 100 years begins.” 

In addition to being a proud Downtown resident, JE Dunn has also supported the Downtown Council. Both Bill Dunn, Sr. and Steve Dunn served on the DTC board for many years, respectively.

JE Dunn Chairman and Chief Investment Officer Tim Dunn is co-chair of the South Loop Project, which stemmed from the Imagine Downtown KC Strategic Plan. He is among several JE Dunn representatives who have been involved on DTC committees and task forces over the years.

Paul Neidlein, president of JE Dunn’s Advanced Facilities Group, is now serving as a vice chair of the Downtown Council Board. 

“It’s truly an honor and privilege to support and give back to the Downtown community where we not only build but also work each day. Downtown Kansas City is vibrant, and JE Dunn is proud to be a part of it.” Neidlein said.

“On a personal note, I have lived Downtown in the past and we are currently planning to move Downtown in the near future.” 

JE Dunn has been in Downtown KC for decades and has appreciated the work the Downtown Council has done to help highlight the business and community organizations that call Downtown home.  

“We are committed to reinvesting in Downtown. We believe in the growth here,” Neidlein said. “There is a great magic to Downtown Kansas City, and it’s important for all of us to contribute to its growth, success, and evolution.

“We are grateful for organizations like the Downtown Council that are committed to that same sentiment.”

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