Phoenix Contractors Launches Expanded, Redesigned Web Site Developed by DesignHub

Site Showcases Over 30 Construction and Renovation Projects Recently Completed by Phoenix Contractors

Ypsilanti, MI (January 8, 2010) — Phoenix Contractors, Inc., the Ypsilanti-based commercial contracting company, has launched a redesigned and expanded Web site, www.phoenixco.biz, developed by DesignHub, Inc. of Saline.

Phoenix Contractors’ recent projects, cited in the Web site’s “news” section, have included construction of the new Memory Support Center at Brecon Village Retirement Community in Saline, renovation of a 20-unit apartment building for Avalon Housing in Ann Arbor, and construction of the new Wrestling Center and Towsley Child Care Center for the University of Michigan.

The new site, publicly launched in late December, replaces the site that DesignHub had previously designed and developed for Phoenix Contractors in 2004, and has maintained and upgraded in the years since.

DesignHub worked with Phoenix Contractors to plan the redesigned and expanded Web site, update its graphical user interface, write and edit selected content, take photos of selected properties and staff members, and program, test, and launch the site.

Contractor for Many of the Community’s Most Notable Properties

The centerpiece of Phoenix Contractors’ redesigned Web site is an online portfolio that showcases, in text and photos, over 30 of the company’s most noteworthy recent projects. Phoenix Contractors is a full-service contractor that builds and renovates commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential properties, mostly in Southeast Michigan.

The firm’s projects have entailed educational, healthcare, hospitality, municipal, recreational, religious, and retail buildings, as well as light manufacturing facilities and senior living and cohousing communities.

Building restoration is a particular Phoenix Contractors specialty. The redesigned site’s project portfolio highlights the company’s restoration of the Schwaben Building in Ann Arbor, the historic Flour Mill in Ypsilanti, the Murphy’s Crossing and Merchant Square buildings in Saline, and the Chelsea Courthouse in downtown Chelsea.

An interactive map helps site visitors locate all properties referred to in the site. There are also testimonials from clients.

Brief case studies tell how the company uses green methods and materials to build and renovate in ways that use resources efficiently and help to sustain a clean, healthy environment.

A Vertically Integrated Approach to Commercial Contracting

Also described on the redesigned site are Phoenix Contractors’ professional services in construction, project budgeting and scheduling, and project management.

The site further points to the firm’s vertically integrated management structure as a distinct advantage for its clients. Bill Kinley, the founder and president of Phoenix Contractors, explains, “Vertical integration allows smooth transition between each phase of the project. At the earliest supplier selection phase, we assign a project team that takes responsibility for everything from interviewing, negotiating, estimating, and contracting to construction and closeout of the job.”

Kinley adds, “There are no ‘hand-offs’ during these phases. Our vertically integrated approach assures continuity in the knowledge, understanding, and agreement between the builder and the client that drives each project.”

Premier Office and Retail Space Available for Lease or Rent

In addition, site visitors can learn the contract options offered by the company. These include construction management, design/build, negotiated, and hard-dollar bid contracts.

Other sections of the site provide a brief history of Phoenix Contractors, profiles and photos of the firm’s key professionals, news from the company, and significant awards and recognition won by the firm.

Site visitors can also browse listings of office and retail space available for lease or rent through Phoenix Contractors’ sister company, The Phoenix Company, a commercial real estate development and management firm specializing in renovation properties. Eight buildings — mostly in premier downtown locations in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Saline — are pictured and described, with an interactive map showing their locations.

About Phoenix Contractors

Phoenix Contractors traces its origins to 1979, in a basement where Bill Kinley founded The Phoenix Company to provide commercial construction and real estate services. Six years later, Kinley established a sister company, Phoenix Contractors, Inc. From a one-man start, the two Phoenix companies have grown to employ over 25 people today, with combined annual revenue exceeding $25 million.

Phoenix Contractors now handles an average of 50 construction and renovation projects per year. This has added up to over 1,200 completed projects during the company’s 25-year history.

The Phoenix Company also owns and manages over 615,000 square feet of investment properties in 11 developments throughout Washtenaw County.

More information is available from Phoenix Contractors, Inc., 2111 Golfside Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Phone: (734) 487-9640. Email: info@phoenixco.biz.

About DesignHub

DesignHub is a creative services and marketing firm that works with clients on branding, website design and development, brochures, annual reports, newsletters, advertising, public relations, direct marketing, packaging designs, signage, and trade show displays, as well as marketing strategies and plans. The company was founded in 1999.

Principals of DesignHub include: Karen Ragland, business manager and account executive; Ted Chesky, creative director and graphic designer; and Chris Kochmanski, marketing strategist, account executive, and copywriter. The firm has on-staff and freelance professionals for graphic design and Web site design and development.

In addition to Phoenix Contractors, DesignHub’s clients include Advanced Photonix Inc., Aluminum Supply Co., American Aqua, Bemis Farms Childcare, Berry & Associates, Center for Automotive Research (CAR), Center for Information Management (CIM), Center for Student Studies (CSS), Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation, Chelsea Lumber, Chizek Custom Builders, Chrysler LLC, Corporate F.A.C.T.S., Daniels and Zermack Associates, Daycroft Montessori School, Dexter Research Center, Dimensional Engineering, Electrocon International, Evangelical Homes of Michigan, The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, Hardwood Solutions, Homeowner Services of America (HSA), INSTALL Michigan, JCG Associates, JPRA Architects, Lamaze Family Center of Ann Arbor, Marshall Sales Inc., McMullen Company, Metropolitan Building Services, Motawi Tileworks, OptiMetrics Inc., PTC, Packaging and Shipping Specialists (P.A.S.S.), Peters Building Co., Power Wellness, Program for Automotive Labor and Education (PALE), Rand Construction, Renewal Ministries, the City of Saline, Saline Area Chamber of Commerce, Saline District Library, Saline Parks and Recreation Department, Samson Senior Properties, SignGraphix, Sircon, Solution Recovery Services (SRS), Sun Engineering, Survey Sciences Group (SSG), the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and Vinylife Hose Co.

Further information is available from DesignHub, Inc., 600 W. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI 48176. Phone: (734) 944-8705.