Lorentz Bruun Construction is one of the longest operating companies in Portland. This year officially marks the third-generation family-run company’s 75th year in business. Mark Bruun, Lorentz Bruun president, recently shared some insights from the last seven-plus decades.

Connect CRE: How has the company changed in the last 75 years?

Bruun: We’ve always tried to remain true to the culture and values that have defined us over the years, but after 75 years and three generations of family ownership, change is inevitable. LBC’s headcount and footprint have grown tremendously, and we have expanded our expertise to include a broad array of construction practices throughout the PacNW markets. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to quality, sustainability, corporate citizenship and community involvement. That was important for our founder and it’s just as important to us today.

Connect CRE: How many projects have you completed thus far?

Bruun: Frankly, we’ve sort of lost count! We celebrated the completion of our 10,000th project in 1995 and have been off to the races since. We’re probably somewhere over 20,000 today.

Connect CRE: Are any particularly special?

Bruun: Each project is a unique opportunity to make an impact and leave our mark. Right now we’re working on a seismic retrofit of Fountain Place Apartments, a 100-year-old apartment building in downtown Portland. Affordable housing is so desperately needed and we’re honored to be able to work on projects like this.