DECADE ONE
Foundations of Grit (1986–1995)
TOTAL PROJECTS: 185
MULTI-UNIT: 29
COMMERCIAL: 156
On April 1, 1986, Steve and Scott Kier did more than form a company — they laid the foundation for what would become a 40-year legacy of building communities. KIER Construction began with a simple but powerful mission: to Enhance communities and improve the quality of life – one project at a time.
Those early years were defined by opportunity and a relentless work ethic. KIER began by focusing on both ground-up and renovation residential projects, completing 29 during its first decade and building a strong foundation of craftsmanship and trust. In 1988, the company reached an important milestone with its first municipal project — the Roy City Shops. What started as a single public works effort became the beginning of a long-standing commitment to serving municipalities. Today, with more than 30 municipal projects completed, that early opportunity has grown into enduring partnerships built on trust, reliability, and proven performance.
By the end of the 1980s, KIER entered its own “Industrial Age,” completing 28 complex projects for Morton and Thiokol. The technical demands of that work sharpened operational discipline and expanded the company’s capabilities, preparing it to compete for larger industrial and commercial projects.
The early 1990s expanded KIER’s geographic reach. Projects in Evanston, Wyoming — including the (then-hyphenated) Wal-Mart, the Evanston Fire Station, and various housing developments — demonstrated KIER’s versatility and growing regional presence. These formative years weren’t just about growth; they were about establishing the standards, values, and grit that would define the decades ahead.
DECADE TWO
Expanding Scale, Expanding Vision (1996–2005)
TOTAL PROJECTS: 260
MULTI-UNIT: 64
COMMERCIAL: 196
As KIER entered its second decade, growth became evident not just in the number of projects, but in their size and complexity. Nearly doubling its project output, the company expanded confidently in both multi-unit and commercial construction.
In 1997, KIER completed Westland Ford, a $4.5 million project that was the company’s largest commercial build at the time. It marked an important step forward and demonstrated KIER’s readiness to manage larger and more detailed projects.
The late 1990s and early 2000s brought continued focus on multi-unit construction. The Cottage Townhomes in Centerville, Utah ($9.4 million) and the Daybreak Townhomes ($8.2 million) were among KIER’s largest residential efforts during this period. Together, these developments marked an important step in KIER’s evolution as a trusted builder of residential communities.
Between 1996 and 2005, KIER completed 60 financial institutions, reinforcing long-term client relationships and establishing consistency in a highly regulated sector. A defining project of that era was the Goldenwest Credit Union Operations Center, completed in 2000. Serving as the credit union’s corporate headquarters, the four-story, 41,000-square-foot building quickly became a community landmark.
Overall, this decade was one of steady momentum. KIER continued to expand its capabilities while remaining focused on quality work and strong partnerships.
DECADE THREE
Resilience and Reinvention (2006–2015)
TOTAL PROJECTS: 186
MULTI-UNIT: 113
COMMERCIAL: 73
As KIER entered its third decade, project scale and complexity continued to rise. The Junction in Ogden, Utah — completed in 2008 — exemplified that evolution. The 93-unit, 112,529-square-foot, $14 million development required coordination alongside five other general contractors on a single site, marking a decisive move into high-density, mixed-use construction.
Then came the Great Recession.
Like much of the industry, KIER faced tightening markets and uncertainty. Rather than retreat, the company recalibrated — increasing its focus on affordable housing, renovations, and municipal work. What began as adaptation became long-term strength. During one of the most challenging economic periods in recent history, KIER developed deep expertise in affordable housing, a sector that remains central to its portfolio today.
Projects such as Palmer Court, a 201-unit development for The Road Home providing housing for families and individuals emerging from homelessness, reflected that renewed focus and deep commitment to community needs. At the same time, KIER completed the seismic upgrade and design-build improvements for Ogden Fire Station No. 5, reinforcing essential public safety infrastructure during a critical period.
As markets stabilized, new opportunities followed. In 2012, KIER partnered with Big-D Construction on the Worldmark by Wyndham in Las Vegas, Nevada — a six-building, 192-unit resort that expanded the company’s hospitality experience and collaborative reach.
This decade reinforced a defining principle: resilience is not simply enduring difficulty, but emerging stronger because of it.
DECADE FOUR
Leadership, Recognition, and Community Impact (2016–Present)
TOTAL PROJECTS: 165
MULTI-UNIT: 72
COMMERCIAL: 93
As the market strengthened and opportunities expanded, KIER entered its fourth decade with a clear focus: delivering quality projects in the multi-unit and commercial sectors with a strong focus on municipal and educational facilities. This chapter has been defined by steady growth, long-standing client relationships, and a series of meaningful, award-winning projects — all while keeping an eye toward the opportunities ahead.
A significant leadership transition strengthened that trajectory in 2018, when Steve Kier passed the torch to Clint Costley. Having joined the company in 2004 as an estimator, Clint advanced through roles including Director and Vice President of Business Development before being named President. His progression reflects KIER’s commitment to developing leaders internally and maintaining continuity in both culture and vision.
Commercial and institutional construction remained major drivers of activity. Between 2016 and 2019, KIER completed 18 Maverik convenience store locations along with multiple restaurant projects, including Ogden favorite Slackwater Pizza. During the same period, the company delivered several self-storage facilities, partnered on numerous projects for Weber State University, and advanced key public initiatives such as the Ogden-Hinckley Airport Expansion (2025) and the Dee Events Center MEP Upgrade (2026). Together, this work expanded KIER’s footprint with repeat clients, institutional partners, and essential community infrastructure.
Multi-unit construction has remained a cornerstone of the portfolio, with several projects earning industry recognition:
- Park at City Center | 2017 ABC’s Excellence in Construction Award
- Denver Street Apartments | 2019 Urban Project of the Year Award from the Utah Housing Coalition
- Rockpoint Apartments | 2020 UC+D Most Outstanding Project Award
- The Granary Campus | 2023 AIA Utah Merit Award
- The Residences at Sugar Alley | 2025 UC+D Most Outstanding Multi-Family Project & 2025 AGC Multi-Family Project of the Year
With experienced leadership, diversified capabilities, and a record of consistent delivery, KIER moves forward with a clear foundation across every sector it serves — enhancing communities and improving quality of life, one project at a time.
40 Years Built on More Than Concrete
From its beginnings in 1986 as a small local builder to its role today as a trusted leader in multi-unit and commercial construction, KIER’s story is one of steady growth and earned trust.
Through economic shifts, leadership transitions, and evolving markets, one constant remains: our reputation is our most important project.
As we celebrate 40 years, we do so with gratitude — for the clients who place their confidence in us, the partners who build alongside us, the communities we help shape, and the employees whose commitment makes every milestone possible.
The first 40 years built the foundation.
The next 40 will build the future.
