Construction company HQ added to National Register of Historic Places

Construction

Feb 4

Written By Staff

16 South Elm Street, circa 1925
Photo courtesy of Midwest Construction Group

The headquarters of Zeeland-based Midwest Construction Group, located at 16 South Elm Street in the historic Zeeland Record Company Building, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. This designation recognizes the building’s enduring significance in the field of communications and highlights its essential role in Zeeland’s cultural and economic story.

Originally constructed in 1925 as the purpose-built home of the Zeeland Record newspaper, the building served as the center for local, regional, and national news for decades. Under the leadership of publisher Adrian Van Koevering, the Zeeland Record Company expanded rapidly in the 1920s, producing both community newspapers and wide-circulation specialty publications. From industry journals supporting Zeeland’s chick-hatching businesses to publications reflecting the community’s deep religious roots, the work produced within these walls connected Zeeland to readers across the region and the country.

The building’s design reflects the functional needs of early printing operations: front offices for customer transactions and a large, column-free production space flooded with natural light to accommodate heavy printing equipment. Several artifacts from this period, including a 1906 printing press and a 1940 paper shear, remain in the building today.

Midwest Construction Group acquired and rehabilitated the property, focusing on preservation and adaptive reuse to honor the building’s legacy while creating a modern, functional workspace. The company also led the nomination process through the National Park Service, ensuring the building’s history will be formally recognized and protected for generations to come.

“This recognition highlights our commitment to preserving history and craftsmanship in every project. Our journey through the nomination process has deepened our appreciation for thoughtful preservation and adaptive reuse. I want to extend special thanks to Tim Isenga for their dedication and perseverance throughout this two-year effort," said Brian VanBeveren, VP of Operations at Midwest Construction. "Their commitment was instrumental in achieving this milestone for Midwest Construction Group, the VanKoevering family, and the Zeeland community.”

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