The Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company: A Legacy of Maritime Expertise

In the late 19th century, Chicago was bustling with activity as entrepreneurs and engineers looked to establish themselves in the city's growing industrial landscape. It was during this time that two partners, Lydon and Drews, founded the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, a marine construction firm that would go on to make a significant impact on the nation's ports and shorelines.

The company's earliest days were marked by rapid growth and expansion, with Lydon serving as engineer and first president, while Drews, who had extensive experience in marine construction, took on the role of general superintendent. As the firm grew, it established itself as a leading contractor for dredging, docking, and pile driving projects, with a particular focus on building bridges, piers, lighthouses, and tunnels.

One of the company's earliest and most notable projects was the construction of the Chicago Navy Pier, which was completed in the early 20th century. The pier would go on to become a beloved landmark and popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world with its stunning views of Lake Michigan.

In addition to its work on Navy Pier, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company was also responsible for constructing several other iconic landmarks, including the Michigan Avenue Bridge and the MacArthur Lock in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The company's expertise didn't stop at bridges and piers, however - it also built lighthouses, docks, and performed a range of dredging operations to maintain and improve ports across the United States.

Today, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company is one of the largest and most respected heavy construction companies in the country, with a diverse portfolio of projects that span the globe. From the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway between the United States and Canada to coastal port and pier work in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and South America, the company has established itself as a leader in the dredging industry.

Despite its global reach, however, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company remains committed to its namesake waters, performing a range of dredging operations including capital dredging (involving ports), beach nourishment (replenishing or fortifying eroded areas), and maintenance dredging. With over 115 years of experience in the dredging business, the company has built a reputation for excellence and reliability that is unmatched in the industry.

Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company remains a private company with a strong commitment to its employees and customers. With a team of highly skilled engineers and construction professionals, the company is well-positioned to continue its legacy of maritime expertise for generations to come.

Great lakes dredge and dock