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When Joseph Hughes graduated from Portland State University 鈥� with a general studies degree 鈥� he wasn’t sure what he should do.

Hughes had enjoyed summertime construction work during his college years, so he fell back into that. Then, following a layoff in 1981, he began doing business as Joseph Hughes Construction with 鈥渓iterally just a dog and a pickup.鈥� Three years later, Hughes incorporated in Oregon, adding an 鈥淚nc.鈥� to the company name.

For the first 10 years, JHC made its name in tenant improvements, focusing on them almost exclusively. By the early 1990s, the firm was a leading builder of fast-food restaurants in the Portland area 鈥� Boston Market, McDonald’s, Carl’s Jr. and Jack in the Box, along with some sit-down restaurants, like IHOP. By the end of the decade JHC was constructing suburban retail buildings and suburban office buildings.

Recessions have at times altered JHC’s trajectory. After the slump of the early 2000s, the company added more condo projects to its portfolio. When the 2008 recession hit, JHC treaded water for a few years before making 鈥渟ignificant鈥� cuts to survive. Today, it’s operating close to pre-2008 levels, with 32 employees and an expected volume this year of between $20 million and $25 million. And JHC remains one of four Starbucks contractors in the Portland area, having remodeled nearly 80 locations in four years.

Hughes said construction has let him live life on his terms.

鈥淲hat I first liked about construction was you weren’t in an office; you were outside all day,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd the only thing you take home with you at the end of the day, you can wash off in the shower.鈥�

Fisk Tire Building

JHC is fully refurbishing and seismically upgrading this 93-year-old warehouse building at 380 N.W. 13th Ave., in the heart of the Pearl District, for owner Pearl Partners LLC. The $1.6 million project includes fire, life safety and energy upgrades, new windows and an interior remodel over 30,000 square feet and two floors of commercial space. Home and 鈥渓ifestyle鈥� product seller Room and Board will replace House Happy as the second-floor tenant. Work began in June and is expected to conclude in December. The designer is Alan Jones Architecture. Listed amenities include exposed ceilings, hardwood floors, skylights, shower and kitchenette and kegerator.

Golden Poles condos

This 30-unit condo project in Government Camp replaces a similar project, the Golden Poles Chalet, which was destroyed in a fire in spring 2015. The 82,840-square-foot, ski-run-adjacent, wood-frame-on-concrete development is valued at $8.5 million. The architect is BLRB Architects. JHC crews are framing the three-story-over-a-garage units. Work should conclude in March 2017, depending on the weather, Hughes said.

鈥淚t’s nasty up there,鈥� he said.

Happy Valley Senior Living

JHC is tackling this $6 million senior housing complex in Portland at 13011 S.E. Foster Road. The wood-framed project has 68 units across 57,000 square feet. The buildings are framed and the roof is on. Work is scheduled to conclude by Christmas. The architect is Van Lom Group.

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church phase II

St. Luke’s is expanding its narthex, upgrading interiors and adding space at 4595 S.W. California St. in Portland’s Maplewood neighborhood. The $1.3 million project is under construction, and the building is remaining occupied throughout.

Eola Hills Wine Cellars

Joseph Hughes Construction is adding a 7,000-square-foot pre-engineered steel building to the winery’s production facility at 501 S. Pacific Highway in Rickreall. The architect is Devco Engineering. JHC performed the original project. The new structure will house wine production operations.

Stickmen Brewing Co.

The firm is performing a 26,078-square-foot tenant improvement to this industrial building at 19475 S.W. 118th Ave. in Tualatin. The architect is Mackenzie.

R+L Carriers

JHC is adding 20,000 square feet to the facility at 9010 N.E. 13th Ave., in Portland’s East Columbia neighborhood. The $1.5 million project is being designed by Livermore Architecture & Engineering.

Builder’s Choice is a 91视频 feature offering a look at the projects being tackled by local architecture, engineering and construction firms. To have your firm’s projects considered, contact 91视频 construction reporter Garrett Andrews at 503-802-7226 or [email protected].