You’ve probably seen their trucks or noticed their name on a bright yellow permit tucked into a Chicago construction fence. Maybe you’re a subcontractor trying to figure out if they’re the real deal, or perhaps you’re a local resident wondering who's actually tearing up the street on Wrightwood Avenue.
Sumit Construction Co Inc is one of those businesses that operates largely in the "meat and potatoes" of urban infrastructure. They aren't the flashy developers building glass skyscrapers in the Loop. Instead, they’re the ones making sure the water flows, the alleys are paved, and the municipal bones of the city don't fall apart.
But here’s the thing. If you search for them, you’ll get a messy pile of results. You'll find a "Summit Construction" in Ohio, a "Summit Design + Build" in the West Loop, and about five other variations.
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Let’s get the record straight. Sumit Construction Co Inc (notice the spelling, no "m" at the end) is a distinct, family-involved entity rooted deeply in Chicago’s northwest side.
The Reality of Sumit Construction Co Inc
Honestly, most people confuse this company with its larger, more corporate-sounding namesakes. It's a common headache. Sumit Construction Co Inc is a private corporation that has been around since the mid-1980s. Specifically, they incorporated back in July 1985.
They are headquartered at 4150 W. Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60639.
If you drive past that address, you aren't going to see a sleek glass office. It’s a functional, industrial space—a LEED Gold-certified headquarters, actually—that reflects exactly what they do: heavy civil and municipal work. They’ve spent decades winning bids for the City of Chicago, specifically with the Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department of Water Management.
Who is behind the curtain?
It’s not some faceless conglomerate. Based on City of Chicago economic disclosure statements, the leadership has long been a family affair.
- Pratap N. Gohil (Major Shareholder)
- Harendra P. Mangrola
- Kirt N. Gohil (Vice President)
Kirt Gohil is often the face of the operation in professional circles, serving as a key point of contact for the Illinois Ready Mixed Concrete Association and other trade groups.
What They Actually Do (Beyond the "Contractor" Label)
When you look at their project history, a pattern emerges. They are specialists in heavy civil work.
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While a lot of general contractors are basically just paper-pushers who hire 50 subcontractors to do the work, Sumit is known for being more "hands-on" with municipal infrastructure. Their bread and butter includes:
- Water and Sewer Infrastructure: Think manhole repairs, water main replacements, and complex underground utility work.
- The WPA Street Reconstruction: They’ve handled multi-million dollar contracts for the "Works Progress Administration" style street resets in Chicago.
- Alley Paving and Sidewalks: They are frequently tapped for the CDOT Capital Program, specifically for those "Package" deals where a dozen alleys across the city get overhauled at once.
- Specialized Concrete Work: They are heavily involved in the concrete supply and pouring side of things, which is why they are a staple member of regional concrete associations.
One of their massive wins recently involved a $40 million+ Neighborhood Capital Improvement (NCI) contract. That’s not pocket change. It’s a serious level of responsibility that requires significant bonding capacity and a massive fleet of equipment.
The "Summit" Confusion
I have to highlight this because it’s where most people go off the rails.
If you are looking for the company that built the Akron Zoo or K-12 schools in Ohio, that is Summit Construction Company (with two M’s). If you’re looking for the high-end residential builders in Minnesota, that’s Summit Construction Group.
Sumit Construction Co Inc (the Chicago one) is the one you call when you need to move 500 tons of earth or fix a failing sewer line under a busy Chicago intersection. They are a "Certified Minority Business Enterprise" (MBE), which is a crucial distinction in the world of government bidding. It’s a competitive advantage that has helped them anchor themselves as a go-to partner for the city’s massive infrastructure budget.
Is Their Headquarters Actually That Cool?
Actually, yes. It’s a bit of a hidden gem in the 60639 area.
Designed by a+c architects, their headquarters at 4150 Wrightwood is a 23,000-square-foot facility that cost around $6 million to realize. It’s not just a warehouse. They used salvaged and locally sourced brick and steel to create a space that actually won LEED Gold certification.
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It’s got a geothermal system and a green roof. For a company that spends its days working with heavy machinery and gray concrete, their home base is surprisingly "green" and forward-thinking. It suggests a level of craftsmanship that goes beyond just laying asphalt.
Why This Matters for Subcontractors and Locals
If you’re a local business owner or a subcontractor, working with Sumit Construction Co Inc is a different experience than working with a global firm like AECOM or Bechtel.
Because they are a family-owned, Chicago-centric firm, their reputation is tied directly to the 773 area code. They aren't going anywhere. However, like many heavy civil firms, they are often at the mercy of city budgets and political cycles. When the city announces a "Neighborhood Capital Improvement" plan, Sumit is usually at the front of the line.
Key Evidence of Their Scale:
- Project Values: It’s common to see them bidding on projects ranging from $1.2 million (sewer repairs) to $42 million (major road reconstruction).
- Equipment: They maintain a heavy fleet of excavators, pavers, and hauling trucks.
- Longevity: They’ve survived the 2008 crash and the COVID-19 supply chain nightmares, which, in the construction world, is basically a lifetime.
Actionable Insights for Moving Forward
If you are looking to do business with them or are researching them for a project, keep these points in mind:
- Check the Spelling: Always ensure you are looking at "Sumit" (one M) if you are dealing with Chicago municipal work.
- Verify the Bid: If you’re a sub, check the City of Chicago’s Procurement Portal. Sumit’s name pops up constantly under "Awarded Contracts." This is the best way to see their current workload and who the actual project managers are for specific sites.
- Local Impact: If they are working in your neighborhood, they are usually the primary contact for issues regarding site safety or street access. Since they hold the primary contract with the city, they are responsible for the "MOT" (Maintenance of Traffic) and local disturbances.
- The LEED Factor: If you’re an architect or designer, their headquarters is a case study in how to make industrial buildings sustainable. It’s worth a look if you’re interested in urban sustainable design.
Sumit Construction Co Inc is a quiet powerhouse. They aren't looking for fame; they’re looking for the next mile of pipe to lay or the next neighborhood road to pave. In a city like Chicago, that’s where the real work happens.