Built from the Inside Out: CWC Earns WBJ Top 10 Interior Construction Ranking
Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) is proud to be recognized as one of the Top 10 Largest Interior Construction Firms in Greater Washington by the Washington Business Journal, ranking #10 on the publication's 2026 list.
Watch: Waterline Construction Timelapse
Watch the Waterline construction timelapse as Coakley & Williams Construction brings this 365-unit multifamily community in Dumfries, Virginia, to life. See the project transform from foundation to completion.
Camp NAWIC Inspires the Next Generation of Women in Construction
Camp NAWIC is inspiring the next generation of women in construction through hands-on learning. See how Coakley & Williams Construction helped campers build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while exploring careers in the construction industry.
Watch: Why Adriana Loves Working at Coakley & Williams Construction
Discover what it's like to build a career at Coakley & Williams Construction through the eyes of Adriana, one of our dedicated team members. In this employee spotlight, she shares what makes CWC a rewarding place to work, the supportive culture she enjoys, and why she chose to build her career here. Watch the video to learn more about joining the CWC team.
Watch: Building Sheridan School
Watch Coakley & Williams Construction transform Sheridan School through a thoughtfully designed addition and renovation that enhances learning spaces, accessibility, and the campus experience.
Bisnow VA State of the Market Features CWC Leader
Coakley & Williams Construction was proud to be represented at Bisnow's Northern Virginia State of the Market conference by Pat McCrary, Senior Preconstruction Manager & Partner, who participated as a panelist discussing investment, development, and construction trends impacting multifamily and master-planned communities throughout the region.
Construction Begins on Saint Peter School Modernization in Washington, DC
Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) joined Saint Peter School, parish leadership, students, families, alumni, and community members on Capitol Hill to celebrate the groundbreaking and blessing of the school's long-awaited modernization project.
CWC Recognized by MWMCA for Inclusive Partnerships
Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) was honored by the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association (MWMCA) as the 2026 “Most Inclusive Prime Construction Company for Minority Business Enterprise” during the organization’s 23rd Annual Spring Breakfast on May 8, 2026.
Watch Westwood Country Club Renovation
Go behind the scenes of the recent lower-level renovation at Westwood Country Club as the club’s President/COO and Assistant Project Manager discuss the vision, craftsmanship, and coordination behind the transformation of the club’s wellness and hospitality spaces.
CWC Recognized with ABC National Health and Safety Award
We are proud to share that Coakley & Williams Construction has been recognized with a National Health and Safety Award from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).
CWC Named ABC National Contractor of the Year
CWC has been named the 2026 National Contractor of the Year by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), one of the construction industry’s most respected honors.
Megan Ross Named ASA Metro Washington Project Manager of the Year
We are proud to share that Megan Ross has been named Project Manager of the Year by the American Subcontractors Association of Metro Washington.
This recognition is especially meaningful as Megan has received this honor for the second consecutive year.
Megan’s leadership, consistency, and commitment to her teams have made a lasting impact across the projects she leads. She is known for her ability to build strong relationships, communicate clearly, and keep teams aligned from preconstruction through completion.
Conway Education Center: Perspectives from the Project Team
The completion of the Conway Education Center marks an important milestone for the project team and the community it serves. This video captures those perspectives and highlights the people behind the project.
CWC Named GC of the Year by American Subcontractors Association of Metro Washington
We are proud to share that Coakley & Williams Construction has been named General Contractor of the Year by the American Subcontractors Association of Metro Washington in the $250M–$500M category.
Meet The Team Behind the Carl F. West Project
Behind every project is a team working together to deliver it. This video shares the team's perspectives and highlights the work that goes into delivering a project like this ahead of schedule.
Celebrating Innovation: Ribbon Cutting for the Mars STEAM Building at Foxcroft School
Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) was proud to join Foxcroft School faculty, students, alumnae, and community partners for the ribbon-cutting celebration of the new Mars STEAM Building, a space designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and collaboration for generations to come.
Read Building Washington: Carl F. West Estates — Great Teamwork Results in Early Project Completion
Carl F. West Estates was featured in Building Washington for the teamwork that helped achieve early project completion. Read the full article to learn more.
Carl F. West Senior Estates Ribbon Cutting
Last week’s ribbon cutting at Carl F. West Estates felt like one of those moments that reminds us why we build. The lobby was full of future residents, community leaders, and partners who have spent years working toward this day — and seeing people walk the halls for the first time brought a kind of energy no construction schedule can capture.
CWC Leaders Honored at Bisnow’s Women Leading Real Estate Awards
We’re proud to share that two of our own were recognized among the region’s most inspiring leaders at the Bisnow DMV 2025 Women Leading Real Estate Awards & Happy Hour, held November 18 in Washington, DC. This annual event celebrates women who are driving innovation, collaboration, and impact across the commercial real estate and construction industries.
Building What Grows: Our Award-Winning Experience at the IIDA Mid-Atlantic Showcase
At this year’s IIDA Mid-Atlantic Showcase at the National Building Museum, our Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) team took the theme of community and connection to heart and to the flower bar.
CWC Named Firm of the Year at 2025 NAIOP DC|MD Awards of Excellence
Nearly 500 commercial real estate professionals gathered at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC, for the 2025 NAIOP DC|MD Awards of Excellence, the annual celebration recognizing the projects, people, and companies shaping the region.
Senior Preconstruction Manager Alex Schwartz wins 2025 Founders Award
At Coakley & Williams Construction, the Founder’s Award is one of our highest honors. It recognizes more than results — it celebrates consistency, character, and the kind of impact that shapes our culture for the better. This year, that distinction belongs to someone who embodies all of that and more: Alex Phifer Schwartz.
Occupational Health & Safety Manager Isaac Clarke wins 2025 Founders Award
We are proud to recognize Isaac Clarke, our Occupational Health & Safety Manager, as a recipient of this year’s Founders Award—an honor that celebrates individuals who consistently demonstrate excellence, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to our core values.
Carl F. West Estates: Building a Legacy of Connection & Care In Senior Living
A New Model for Home & Family
At the corner of 14th and Harvard Streets in Northwest DC, a new chapter in community development is taking shape. The ribbon cutting for Carl F. West Estates marks not only the completion of a remarkable construction journey but also the beginning of a brighter future for hundreds of residents in the District.
Truesdell Elementary Opens Its Doors to a Brighter Future
Truesdell Elementary School in Ward 4 officially opened its doors this fall with a ribbon-cutting celebration that brought together city leaders, educators, students, and community members. The event marked the completion of an $82.9 million modernization project that transforms Truesdell into one of the most forward-thinking and inclusive learning environments in the District.
CWC Ushers in the Next Era of Leadership
Coakley & Williams Construction is proud to announce the promotions of Lynn Stith Bennett to Chief Executive Officer and Greg Harraka to President & Chief Operating Officer.
In the News: 365-unit Multifamily Building Coming to Potomac Shores
Houston-based developer Hines is joining forces with two Japanese real estate groups — Sumitomo Forestry and Chuo-Nittochi Group — to add a 365-unit apartment project to the Potomac Shores master-planned community south of Washington, D.C., in Dumfries, Virginia.
Empowering Future Leaders at Camp NAWIC 2025
Coakley & Williams Construction was proud to support Camp NAWIC 2025, an annual initiative that introduces girls to the many possibilities within the construction industry. As part of the week’s programming, four CWC team members—Executive Director of Marketing & Communications Lisa Schlossberg and Senior Project Managers Emily Fredette, Alex Straub, and Candace Wiggins—volunteered their time to help campers build confidence and explore career pathways.
Sherry Kissal Named IIDA Mid-Atlantic President
We believe that great leadership extends beyond the job site, and we’re thrilled to celebrate one of our own. Please join us in congratulating Sherry Kissal on being officially sworn in as President of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Mid-Atlantic Chapter.
Cutting-edge police special operations HQ opens in Prince George's County
A new era of public safety infrastructure has arrived in Prince George’s County with the opening of the state-of-the-art Special Operations Division Headquarters for the Prince George’s County Police Department. The facility was recently featured on NBC4 and FOX5DC, with live coverage highlighting its critical role in supporting law enforcement collaboration and rapid emergency response.
CWC Named a 2025 Best Place to Work by the Washington Business Journal
We are proud to announce that CWC has been named one of the Washington Business Journal’s Best Places to Work for 2025! This recognition highlights our commitment to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being.
ABC Regional Construction Summit: Innovating the Future of Construction
Coakley & Williams Construction proudly sponsored and actively participated in the ABC Regional Construction Summit: Innovating the Future of Construction. This premier event, co-hosted by ABC Chesapeake Shores, ABC Greater Baltimore, ABC of Metro Washington, and ABC Virginia, brought together industry leaders to discuss emerging trends and strategies shaping the construction landscape.
Celebrating Women in Construction Week 2025: Building the DMV. Building Careers. Building the Future.
We don’t just build structures - we build careers, opportunities, and a stronger industry. With a 26.6% female workforce - far exceeding the industry average - we’re proud to highlight the incredible contributions of the women of CWC during Women in Construction Week.
Partner & CFO Retires After 33 Years with CWC
While we recently celebrated a new chapter in our history with the opening of our new office in Bethesda, it was time to celebrate the end of another chapter as we celebrated Partner & CFO Joanne Sherwood’s retirement. During her 33-year tenure, she oversaw $5.25 billion worth of revenues (not adjusted for inflation!) and helped establish vital relationships among our Surety, Banking, Insurance, and Auditing partners.
Bringing Art to Life: CWC’s New Headquarters Featuring Custom Artwork by DMV Artist
Our new office at 4500 East-West Highway reflects more than just a new chapter for Coakley & Williams Construction—it’s a space that embodies our Build Mindset and celebrates who we are. One of the standout features is a stunning custom mural designed by Matt Corrado.
A New Chapter for Coakley & Williams Construction: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at Our New Office
Earlier this week, we celebrated a monumental milestone in Coakley & Williams Construction’s journey: the ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new office at 4500 East-West Highway in Bethesda, MD. This event marks the official unveiling of a space designed to inspire collaboration, foster innovation, and reflect the Build Mindset that drives everything we do.
Watch Our Video: Building The DMV
We are a team of passionate builders with deep roots in the DMV area. For more than six decades, we have brought expertise and dedication to every project, shaping the multifamily, education, science & technology, corporate interiors, hospitality, affordable housing, commercial, government, healthcare, industrial, senior living, and repositioning sectors. Coakley & Williams Construction - Building the DMV for more than 60 years.
Senior Project Manager Emily Fredette Wins 2024 Founders Award
Each year, we honor employees who consistently go above and beyond the day-to-day expectations and deliver exceptional performance on the job, amongst their peers, and in the community. The CWC Founders Award was created to provide the name and physical recognition for those whom this award is bestowed upon yearly. This year, Senior Project Manager Emily Fredette was a recipient.
Superintendent Daniel Dragos Wins 2024 Founders Award
Each year, we honor employees who consistently go above and beyond the day-to-day expectations and deliver exceptional performance on the job, amongst their peers, and in the community. The CWC Founders Award was created to provide the name and physical recognition for those whom this award is bestowed upon yearly. This year, Superintendent Dan Dragos was a recipient
Building the Future with Miller & Long and IDEA Public Charter School at Carl F. West Estates
Recently, we partnered with Miller & Long Concrete Construction to host a site tour for students from IDEA Public Charter School at our active project, Carl F. West Estates—a new mixed-use, affordable senior housing development in DC’s 14th Street Corridor. The students participating in the tour are part IDEA Public Charter School’s Career and Technical Education Program and will be the trade and management leaders in tomorrow’s construction industry.
Lynn Stith Bennett Serves as Chair of Hope Gala for T1D
CWC’s Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Principal, Lynn, will serve as the Chair for the Hope Gala, an annual event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research. Coakley & Williams Construction is honored to sponsor this impactful event, a partnership that reflects our longstanding support of this organization and its vital mission.
Building Futures: Superintendent Leads Project with ACE Mentor Program
At Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC), we’re not just committed to building exceptional structures—we’re also passionate about building futures. One shining example of this is the volunteer work of our very own Superintendent Ben Cozzi, who dedicates his time to the ACE Mentor Program in Annapolis.
CWC Welcomes Clayton Dietze as Business Unit Leader for Interiors
Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) is pleased to announce the addition of Clayton Dietze as Business Unit Leader for Interiors. Clayton brings over 24 years of experience in the construction industry, with a proven track record of successfully leading complex interior projects for major clients.
CWC's Partnership with Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School: Building Futures through Internships
Angie Perdomo, a current Don Bosco high school student interning with our preconstruction team, was recently featured on Fox5's local news while promoting the 3rd annual Cristo Rey Cup.
NoSHA Project Wins Best Multifamily Project in DC
We are thrilled to announce that NoSHA, located at 2220 11th Street, has been honored with the prestigious Best Multifamily Project in DC award by NAIOP DC|MD at their 22nd Annual Awards of Excellence Gala. This recognition celebrates the outstanding work done by our team and highlights the project’s innovation and impact in the District.
Research Square Lab Wins Award of Merit for Best Renovation
We are excited to announce that Research Square Labs has been recognized with an Award of Merit for Best Renovation - Adaptive Reuse/Conversion at the 22nd Annual NAIOP DC|MD Awards of Excellence Gala. This life science conversion project exemplifies our commitment to transforming spaces to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
Governor Youngkin Announces New ATCC Biomanufacturing Facility in Manassas
Governor Glenn Youngkin joined executives from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick, members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors (BOCS), Ewing Cole, and Coakley & Williams Construction to break ground on ATCC’s new state-of-the-art biosafety laboratory.
Building Safety & Community: CWC Partners with DC Fire and EMS During Construction
BSC-CWC recently collaborated with DC Fire and EMS while providing Design-Build services for an extensive renovation and addition at Truesdell Elementary in Ward 4. The project presents a rare and invaluable opportunity: a real-world environment where firefighters could train in often difficult-to-replicate scenarios. This partnership underscores our commitment to community safety and preparedness. We’re not just building a school but contributing to a safer, more resilient community.
See Final Photos: The Urban Grape in Washington, DC
We recently delivered The Urban Grape in Washington, DC! Check out the final photos of this interior renovation project.
Westmont Apartments Wins Multifamily Project of the Year Award | Arlington, VA
We are thrilled to announce that Westmont Apartments in Arlington, VA, has been honored with the prestigious “Multifamily Project of the Year” award from the Home Builders Association of Virginia (HBAV) at their annual Housing Excellence Awards.
Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center Wins DBIA Mid-Atlantic Region Project of the Year | Arlington, VA
We are ecstatic to announce that our Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center project was named “Project of the Year” by the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Mid-Atlantic Chapter! It also earned two additional awards: Best in Design Excellence - Architecture and Award of Excellence - Buildings/Facilities. We partnered with Architects Page/ and MJMA on this unique design-build project, which was delivered to Arlington County in 2021.
From Quebec to Petworth: Mass Timber Installed at Truesdell Elementary | Washington, DC
Our Truesdell Elementary School project team recently celebrated a unique milestone as mass timber traveled all the way from Quebec, Canada, to the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, DC, to be installed on the project! This marks the first use of mass timber on a DC School project and is also the largest use of mass timber in the District’s portfolio.
Watch Video: Building Carl F. West Estates Senior Living In Washington, DC
Watch Video: Building Carl F. West Estates Senior Living In Washington, DC
Watch Video: Building Bullis Lower School In Potomac, MD
Watch Video: Building Bullis Lower School. Education Project in Potomac, MD
CWC Competes for a Cure at the Breakthrough T1D Real Estate Games!
The Washington, DC skyline isn't just a backdrop for business; it's a stage for community engagement and philanthropy. This year, we proudly participated in the Breakthrough T1D Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Games (formerly the JDRF Real Estate Games), where we competed and connected with our industry peers while raising money for Type 1 Diabetes research!
A Wider Circle's "Home Reimagined" Event - CWC Sponsors and Volunteers | Washington, DC
We were proud to sponsor A Wider Circle’s “Home Reimagined” event, a day of volunteering that involved furnishing and decorating a home for one of their clients in Southeast Washington, DC. Director of Strategic Partnerships Tyler Merrill and Pursuit Coordinator Sophia Ford spent the day volunteering to make the home makeover a success.
CWC Celebrates Take Your Kids to Work Day
Each year, we are excited to celebrate National Take Your Kids to Work Day. This event is not only an opportunity to educate and inspire young minds but also a chance to strengthen the bonds within our CWC family. This year, our Human Resources team planned a fun-filled day for our future builders!
CWC Breaks Ground on Foxcroft School's Mars STEAM Wing | Middleburg, VA
We recently broke ground on Foxcroft School’s new Mars STEAM Wing, an 18,000 SF, two-story addition that will house new science labs, innovation and engineering labs, math rooms, and mechanical spaces.
See Final Photos: Howard University Burr Practice Gymnasium in Washington, DC
We recently delivered Howard University’s renovated Burr Practice Gymnasium in Washington, DC! Take a look at the final photos to see the finished space. The scope of work included replacing the gym floor and lighting, installing new wall and safety padding, volleyball posts, basketball equipment, system controls, and more.
CWC Partner Bill Simons Retires After 28 Years | Watch Video
We began 2024 by celebrating Bill Simons’ retirement. Bill joined CWC in 1996 and during his tenure, oversaw hundreds of projects and mentored countless employees.
See Final Photos: Holton-Arms School Gymnasium in Bethesda, MD
The final photos are in! Take a look at Holton-Arms School’s brand new gymnasium, which included new hardwood floors, refinishing interior walls, new gymnasium equipment, selective demolition for new interior window openings, and more.
Superintendent & ACE Mentor Teaches Students at Long Bridge Aquatics | Arlington, VA
As part of his involvement with the ACE Mentor Program of Annapolis, CWC Superintendent Ben Cozzi recently gave an Environmental Literacy class from Broadneck High School (Annapolis, MD) a tour of our Long Bridge Park Aquatics & Fitness Center project in Arlington, VA.
Lynn Stith Bennett Joins JDRF Mid-Atlantic Board of Directors
We are excited to announce that our Managing Principal & Chief Strategy Officer, Lynn Stith Bennett, has joined the Board of Directors for the JDRF Mid-Atlantic Chapter! JDRF is the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research whose vision is to create a world without T1D.
Project Manager Jonathan Fuentes Wins Founders Award
We are pleased to recognize Project Manager Jonathan Fuentes with the CWC Founders Award. The CWC Founders Award honors employees who consistently exceed the day-to-day expectations and deliver exceptional performance on the job, amongst their peers, and in the community.
Senior Superintendent Jeff Gray Wins Founders Award
The CWC Founders Award was created to provide the name and physical recognition for those whom this award is bestowed upon yearly. This year, Senior Superintendent Jeff Gray was a recipient.
Precision Labs Wins Best Life Science Facility Award | Germantown, MD
Congratulations to the Precision Labs project team for winning the 2023 Best Life Science Facility Award from NAIOP DC|MD!
Project Delivered: Common NoSHA at 2220 11th Street NW | Washington, DC | See Photos
See the final photos of the recently delivered Common NoSHA, the 60 450 sf micro one-bedroom apartments, in Washington, DC.