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Written by Holly Hunt, Office Manager We believe in bringing timeless and durable structures back to the public. Our love of history, archaeology, and architecture has led us to believe that the glorious and longstanding structures of old do not have to remain in the past. So when Alex, our main builder for Willis Construction, became a carpenter and a mason in his early 20s, he began to study and implement some old world building techniques into his construction. We are willing to go the extra mile to build a beautiful, unique, and quality design and diligent schedule. "Do it Right or Don't do it at all." There is nothing more frustrating as a homeowner than working with a repairman or construction company that is difficult to contact, flakes on projects, or surprises you with extra fees. Being left high and dry without work being done is not only frustrating, but it can severely impede the safety or enjoyment of your property. It is our mission to be dependable and reliable from the moment you contact us to the day your project is finished. Conducting our business the right way includes: staying in touch with consistent communication, organized scheduling, staying true to project agreements, completing required paperwork, and completing work to your specifications. For example, when Alex helped restore a 100-year-old cabin in Estes Park, he built a 500 linear foot privacy fence taking special precautions to ensure it would last with minimal repairs. Instead of dry-mixing concrete in the holes, he thoroughly mixed all concrete before pouring, then troweled an angled ramp away from each post for water drainage. The owner later told us that many visitors compliment the intricate details and unique touches Alex included — including a horseshoe found while digging, added as an embellishment, and wrought iron panels from an antique store hand-selected with the homeowner. At Willis Construction, we believe that a deliberate effort to build something that far surpasses expectations is worth the extra time and care it requires.

Written By Alex Willis Walking through the heart of any downtown has become one of my favorite pastimes. My gaze often drifts upward, marveling at towering buildings crafted from brick, concrete, and limestone — remnants of an old world whose builders are often shrouded in mystery. It all began with a fascination for the ancient construction techniques of the Ancestral Puebloans in the American Southwest. Their buildings, some nearly 800 years old, boast walls up to three feet thick perched on seemingly impossible cliff edges. Through weather and erosion, many still stand as though their occupants just vacated them. These structures, designed to endure, sparked a reverence in me for the art and ingenuity of building. This spirit of creating with care and vision was my inspiration when I founded Willis Construction in January 2024. With just a car and a handful of tools, I set out on a mission to honor the timeless craftsmanship of past civilizations while embracing the possibilities of modern technology. At Willis Construction, we are not just focused on building for today but for the next ten generations. That is why we are committed to re-purposing materials and reducing waste. Construction waste fills our landfills at an alarming rate. On one project, I was contracted to rebuild a fence, replacing rotten posts. Instead of trashing them, I cut, sanded, and repurposed them into greenhouse garden boxes where we grew at least a hundred pounds of fresh produce. The cedar posts were at least 20 years old when removed — with a fresh coat of stain, they will last at least another decade. When I learned I was going to become a father, this mission took on even greater meaning. Ten percent of all profits from Willis Construction are dedicated to restoring and creating spaces — gardens, parks, and timeless buildings — that will inspire awe and connection for decades to come. At Willis Construction, we aim to rekindle the passion and creativity that have shaped the world most awe-inspiring structures. Every brick we lay, every stone we set, and every structure we restore is a step toward building a future of lasting beauty.

Written January 5, 2025 We are perhaps faced with one of the biggest challenges of our generation: addressing the current housing crisis while confronting biodiversity loss. Globally, over 1.2 million plant and animal species are estimated to be under threat of extinction. Yet, we must build — and we must find a sustainable way to do it — given that construction contributes to 37% of total greenhouse gases. The only sustainable practice for a civilization is its ability to remain in equilibrium with its environment. We need materials that can be produced sustainably, reused after their useful life, and maintained with minimal environmental impact. Bricks and modern innovations in cement-making technologies are paving the way. The foundation of modern luxury and convenience lies in the buildings we occupy. This is why we often gather in historic districts and places made of enduring materials like brick, stone, concrete, iron, and limestone. Masons have long understood that if you build a certain way, your structure becomes a living artifact — a time capsule that communicates your values and identity. A new home along the I-25 corridor costs between $400,000 and $500,000. But what are buyers truly getting? Developers have replaced character and inspiration with uniformity, cramming subdivisions with behemoths featuring monotone cement-board siding and minimal yards. Even the materials betray a lack of durability. Faux stone made from lightweight plaster and cement sacrifices long-term value for short-term savings. From our founding, Willis Construction has prioritized more than just profits. Our vision is to plan not just for the next decade but for the next century. Profits will be reinvested to enhance our capacity to build durable structures from brick, stone, concrete, and iron. Our values: Empower workers with higher wages and greater incentives. No mediocrity, no corners cut. Transparency in our construction methods, finances, and business goals. Willis Construction invites you to join our mission. If you want to partner with us, schedule construction for your next project, or simply learn more, please reach out. — Alex Willis, Owner