LE SILLON
A John Deere Publication100 Years in Business | Valley Construction Co. | John Deere
Fall 2025
Hitting 100
Midwest Builder Marks a Century of Impact, With More to Come
5 MIN READ
As they arrive to begin their workday, the crew at Valley Construction Co. is greeted by the layered symphony of a bustling, riverfront city.
To one side of their jobsite, the steady hum of traffic signals another busy day in downtown Davenport, Iowa. On the other, waves from the Mississippi River crash against the shore, stirred by strong gusts of wind.
Between the two, a 10-acre stretch of land lies relatively still. But that won't last long.
Valley Construction is leading a $27-million redevelopment effort known as Main Street Landing. Once complete, the site will serve as a multifaceted park, plaza, and green space. The enormity of the project is not lost on Greg Hass, the president of Valley Construction.
"It's one of the largest infrastructure projects Davenport has ever taken on — and it's right here on the riverfront," says Hass as he peers across the expansive jobsite.
"Hopefully it becomes a great local destination as well as something that draws people from outside the area." The project's timing aligns with a major milestone for the company leading it.
Valley Construction is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. During that time, the Rock Island, Illinois-based firm has unquestionably made its mark on the region.
"It seems like everywhere I drive in the Quad Cities, I see something we've touched or built," Hass says. "That says a lot. And to take on something this big during our 100th year — that's something special."
Rooted In Legacy
Hass doesn't have to look far to see reminders of his family's legacy.
Just steps from the Main Street Landing site stands the Peterson Paper Building. The historic structure was built by his great-grandfather, part of a multigenerational construction lineage that began when Hass's great-great-grandfather emigrated from Germany in the mid-1800s.
Representing the third generation, Hass's grandfather founded Valley Construction in 1925. By the time Hass was growing up, the company was thriving. He often joined his father and grandfather at jobsites.
"Like any kid, I was into the machinery," Hass recalls. "But I also paid attention to my dad and grandpa. I saw how they treated people. I saw their commitment to quality."
Those values remain central as the company continues to grow. Valley Construction now handles earthwork, asphalt and concrete paving, underground utilities, nuclear, rail, and heavy civil infrastructure. It employs more than 100 workers, with Hass always focused on bringing in new talent.
Project Manager Aaron Lubitz joined the company four years ago, drawn by Valley Construction's reputation and deep community roots.
"Everyone in town knows Valley, and everyone knows the Hass name," Lubitz says. "Once you're here, you understand why. You see the detail, the standards, and the commitment to community."
"And to take on something this big during our 100th year – that’s something special."
Enduring Impact
Lubitz now leads the Main Street Landing project, which is slated to open in 2026 and will include an ice rink, splash pad, and multilevel, ADA-accessible playground. A new pedestrian bridge will stretch over the nearby railyard, making the space easily accessible.
"We're taking this piece of land that wasn't being used for much of anything and making it something special," Lubitz says. "That's something that drives us every day."
Before the project's benefits can be realized, a lot of work must be done. Crews are currently shaping the land and installing sewer pipe, conducting the essential work that paves the way for what's next.
On a typical day, a dozen or more Valley Construction crew members are on-site. Their work is supported by multiple John Deere skid steers, dozers, and excavators.
A 35-year veteran operator and two-decade Valley Construction employee, Jim McElyea is tasked with running the 650 P-Tier Dozer. McElyea admits he initially scoffed at the SmartGrade™ technology he now employs daily.
"I didn't want anything to do with it at first," he says, laughing. "I figured that kind of stuff was just for people who couldn't run the equipment on their own."
But his view changed. After seeing technology's impact in the field, he's come around.
"For me, it was a learning experience," McElyea says. "With the GPS, you basically have all the plans and blueprints in front of you. There's less downtime, it makes you more productive, and it makes the job go by quicker."
Generational Pride
It's no coincidence that operators like McElyea are equipped with the latest tools. Hass knows Valley Construction can only click when all parts of the operation are reaching their full potential.
"When I think about being around for 100 years, I know that's only possible because of a lot of hard work and sweat from a lot of great employees."
With that in mind, Hass takes immense pride in making sure he sets his workers up for success. That means putting them in the right machines with the right technology.
"Their job is not easy," Hass says. "They have to battle difficult weather and tough terrain. That's why we go with John Deere. We know these machines will always perform."
Much like he feels a connection to his operators in the field, Hass also feels a deep, continuing bond with the generations that preceded him. As a harsh Midwest sun beats down on the riverfront, Hass surveys his own jobsite before briefly turning his gaze toward the nearby Peterson Paper Building.
Hass's late father and grandfather are no longer around to see how Valley Construction has grown. But he thinks he knows how they would feel.
"I believe they'd both be very proud of where our company is today," he says. "With what we've been able to accomplish and achieve, we've kept their legacies moving forward."
Valley Construction Co. is serviced by Martin Equipment, Rock Island, Illinois.
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A John Deere 350 G-Tier Excavator digs a trench to prepare for adding trench boxes.
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A John Deere 350 G-Tier Excavator digs dirt and a 650 P-Tier moves the mount to level and grade the dirt.
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A John Deere 350 G-Tier Excavator scoops and piles it up, getting the area ready for drainage pipe installation.
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