About Us

White Construction is a Detroit-based, minority-owned construction firm with roots stretching back to 1989. In fact, the company proudly operates under the motto “Constructing Your Vision… Since 1989”. Founded by engineer W. Bernard White, P.E., the firm began with Bernard’s life savings and a vision to transform Detroit’s built environment. Over nearly four decades the company has grown into one of Michigan’s leading general contractors, completing 80+ projects including major sports and public facilities. White Construction’s diverse portfolio spans Comerica Park (Detroit Tigers) and Ford Field (Detroit Lions) stadiums to civic landmarks like the Detroit RiverWalk and public safety headquarters. The company even played a key role in Detroit’s renaissance projects – partnering on the new downtown hockey arena (Little Caesars Arena) and building stations for the M-1 Rail Woodward Avenue streetcar.

From day one, White Construction has been a family-owned business. Founder W. Bernard White continues to advise the company, while his son Donovan J. White now serves as President. Donovan joined the firm early in his career, honing his skills with an industry internship at Barton Malow, and formally took the helm after decades of experience on the job. Under Donovan’s leadership,

White Construction is building on its legacy. He has “taken the reins” and is focused on strengthening the team, expanding into new markets, and even opening satellite offices to support growth across Michigan and the Midwest.

White Construction’s core values center on client collaboration, excellence, and a results-driven work ethic. As President White describes, the firm’s informal motto is “getting it did” – a playful slogan meaning “we got it done”. This proactive mindset illustrates that when White Construction takes on a job, the team approaches it as already completed and immediately moves on to the next challenge. In practice, the company couples this cando attitude with deep client engagement and a passion for quality. Every project team – architects, engineers, supervisors and support staff – is committed to clear communication, schedule adherence, and continuous problem-solving to exceed client expectations.

White Construction’s mission is to deliver high-quality construction solutions that bring our clients’ visions to life. From pre-construction planning through project close-out, we emphasize integrity, safety, and collaboration on every job. Our goal is always on-time, on-budget delivery of facilities that serve communities well into the future. We leverage modern technology and proven methodologies to manage costs and timelines, but we balance that with a “common sense” approach that White’s leadership learned over decades of hands-on experience.

Looking ahead, President Donovan White continues to focus on smart growth: expanding the staff’s capabilities, re-engaging in key Michigan markets, and exploring new offices to support statewide and regional work. The company’s ongoing mission remains the same as in 1989: to build quality projects that meet our clients’ needs and to leave a positive impact on the communities we serve.