Massachusetts, like much of North America, is grappling with a severe housing crisis marked by limited supply, surging demand, and skyrocketing costs. While federal and state governments work to secure funding to address this issue, the construction industry is tasked with turning these resources into tangible solutions. At the forefront of this effort in Western New England is Western Builders Inc., a Granby, Massachusetts-based firm celebrating its 50th anniversary on May 22nd, 2025. Known for its preconstruction, general contracting, and construction management services, Western Builders has earned a reputation for integrity, reliability, and collaboration. I had the opportunity to speak with President Bryan Hughes, Marketing & Communications Specialist Heather Roy, and Project Executive D’Lynn Healey from their Granby office, where the company was founded in 1975.
“Western Builders is more than a contractor; we’re problem-solvers and long-term partners, and we pride ourselves on being the kind of company people want to work with again.,” says Heather Roy. “Our robust corporate foundation, supported by substantial bonding capacity, allows us to prioritize building honest relationships with subcontractors, owners, architects, and our own team. This trust-based approach ensures we deliver on our commitments. Everyone here—from leadership to field staff—takes ownership in the success of each project.” This ethos of accountability and partnership has been the bedrock of Western Builders’ longevity, a point emphasized by D’Lynn Healey, who has been with the company for two decades. “When I started at Western, I was the young newcomer,” she recalls. “I’ve watched colleagues who began and end their careers here, which is rare in this industry. Our unity has enabled us to weather economic downturns, regulatory shifts, and labor shortages—challenges that have sidelined other firms. We take pride in that resilience.”
The construction industry is inherently volatile, closely tied to economic cycles. Western Builders’ ability to navigate these fluctuations stems from its cohesive culture and long-term perspective. “Construction rides the economy’s waves,” D’Lynn explains. “We’ve faced recessions, changing building codes, and workforce challenges, but our team’s commitment to sticking together has been our strength. It’s allowed us to maintain consistency and trust with our clients, even in turbulent times.” This stability is reflected in the company’s workforce, where superintendents with over 20 years of experience bring deep expertise to every project. “Our people are our greatest asset,” Heather adds. “Their dedication and knowledge set us apart in an industry where turnover is common.”
Western Builders serves a diverse range of clients in both public and private sectors, resulting in a varied portfolio that includes affordable housing, senior living facilities, academic institutions, and cultural landmarks. The funding source for a project often dictates its trajectory. “Public projects typically involve competitive lump-sum bids for state-owned properties,” D’Lynn explains. “Private projects, on the other hand, might be funded by developers’ capital, income tax credits, or other financial mechanisms. Our role is to understand the funding landscape and provide preconstruction services and value engineering to ensure every dollar is maximized.” This meticulous approach helps clients avoid costly missteps by aligning design and construction decisions with budget realities.
A significant portion of Western Builders’ work focuses on affordable housing, much of it funded through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. Bryan Hughes elaborates: “LIHTC projects are complex, often spending three to four years in preconstruction. We collaborate with design teams to refine plans through value engineering, ensuring projects meet budget constraints while adhering to Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) requirements and sustainability standards like Passivhaus. Regulatory and pricing changes over these years add complexity, but we act as a guide, helping clients secure tax credit approvals and navigate the process.” In contrast, private sector projects are less encumbered by regulations but are heavily budget-driven. “We run multiple cost scenarios during preconstruction to give owners a clear picture of expenses,” Bryan says. “Delivering honest estimates, even when they’re tough to hear, is critical to a project’s success.”
One of Western Builders’ standout capabilities is managing occupied renovations, particularly in sensitive settings like senior housing and public spaces. These projects require meticulous planning to minimize disruption while ensuring safety and operational continuity. D’Lynn recounts a notable example: the renovation of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. “This was a seven-phase project in a partially occupied space,” she says. “We transformed the interior into a modern, interactive experience for visitors, upgrading it to meet current technology standards. The Dome’s exterior panel skin posed a unique challenge—it was like a giant puzzle. Each panel was numbered, removed, and replaced, with roofing work completed underneath. We had to innovate on the spot, as there was no precedent for such a structure.” This adaptability underscores Western Builders’ ability to tackle complex, unconventional projects with creativity and precision.
“We transformed the interior into a modern, interactive experience for visitors, upgrading it to meet current technology standards.”
Efficiency is a guiding principle at Western Builders, permeating both project execution and internal operations. “The construction industry has evolved rapidly, and we’ve kept pace by adopting new technologies and processes,” D’Lynn says. “While some resist change, we’ve embraced advancements in new technologies, safety protocols, and construction methods. Our team’s forward-thinking mindset drives us to master new techniques, whether it’s installing innovative building envelopes or exploring modular construction.” This commitment to innovation is reflected in the company’s diverse construction methods, which include traditional wood-frame buildings, steel-frame structures, and cutting-edge sustainable designs.
Bryan highlights several recent projects that exemplify Western Builders’ commitment to innovation and addressing the housing crisis. The Amethyst Brook project in Pelham, Massachusetts, consists of two LIHTC-funded buildings, one of which is built to Passivhaus standards. “Passivhaus is a highly intricate, energy-efficient design that demands exceptional construction quality for airtightness,” Bryan explains. “This project positions us at the forefront of sustainable building, a trend we expect to grow as energy efficiency becomes a priority for clients.” Another groundbreaking project is South Holyoke Homes, a 20-unit modular housing development for income-eligible residents. “The units are prefabricated in Pennsylvania and shipped to Holyoke,” Bryan says. “This was our first foray into modular construction, driven by the need to keep costs down. It’s a repeatable model that could help address housing shortages in other communities.”
The Baskin West Main Residences in Chicopee, Massachusetts, represents a shift to steel-frame construction for Western Builders, which has traditionally focused on wood-frame projects. This 105-unit high-rise, slated for completion in summer 2027, is part of a broader effort to revitalize Chicopee’s riverfront. “After years in preconstruction, this project is transforming a site with an abandoned industrial building into a vibrant community,” Bryan says. “Steel-frame construction requires different sequencing and quality metrics, so it’s an exciting challenge for our team.” Similarly, 775 Worthington Street in Springfield addresses critical housing needs through permanent supportive housing. “This development includes shelter beds, emergency housing, and long-term support for the homeless,” Bryan notes. “It’s a testament to our mission of providing solutions for those who need them most.”
These projects serve as a blueprint for scalable housing solutions, demonstrating Western Builders’ willingness to experiment with new methods and materials. “We’re not just building buildings; we’re testing ideas that can be applied elsewhere,” Bryan says. “Modular construction, sustainable design, and urban redevelopment are all part of our response to the housing crisis.” The company’s 50th anniversary has prompted reflection on its past achievements and a renewed focus on the future. “This milestone commemorates where we’ve been, but it’s also about where we’re going,” Bryan explains. “We’re investing in technology—project management software, estimating tools, and safety systems—to stay ahead of industry trends. We’re also bringing in younger staff and fostering their growth to ensure a strong succession plan.”
The construction industry faces a looming challenge: an aging workforce and a shortage of new talent entering the trades. Western Builders is addressing this by partnering with a vocational school in Holyoke, offering co-op programs that alternate between classroom learning and on-site experience. “We want to spark interest among the next generation,” Bryan says. “By showing young people the opportunities in construction, we’re building a pipeline of skilled workers.” This initiative aligns with the company’s core values of determination, accountability, and integrity, which guide our decisions, shape our culture and define what it means to be part of this team.
As Western Builders looks to the next 50 years, it aims to expand its market while remaining rooted in its local community. “Our relationships with local subcontractors give us a competitive advantage,” Bryan says. “We know the region, its challenges, and its opportunities. As we grow, we want to bring our expertise to new areas in need of housing, all while staying true to the clients who’ve trusted us for decades.” This balance of growth and loyalty underscores Western Builders’ unique position in the industry. By embracing innovation, fostering talent, and prioritizing partnerships, the company is not only taking on complex challenges, but also proving what’s possible when construction is driven by purpose and partnership.
