LM Autrey Residence – Courtesy McCree General Contractors
McCree General Contractors & Architects Inc. is celebrating a century of shaping Central Florida’s built environment, marking 100 years since its founding on Jan. 25, 1926.
The Orlando-based firm, long recognized for its role in designing and constructing some of the region’s most vital spaces, launched its centennial celebration this year with a focus on both legacy and future growth. Company leaders say the milestone is as much about honoring past partnerships as it is about continuing to invest in the region’s development and workforce.
“Being part of Central Florida’s growth for the past 100 years is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Richard McCree Jr., CEO of McCree General Contractors & Architects Inc. “From schools and civic spaces to cultural, professional, and healthcare facilities, our work has helped shape how communities in this region live, learn and come together. As we mark our centennial, we’re focused on honoring that legacy while continuing to design and build places that support Orlando’s next chapter.”
McCree has played a defining role in the region’s growth through its integrated design-build model, which brings architecture, engineering and construction services together under one roof. The firm was an early adopter of this approach in Orlando, championing the model in 1959. Today, that collaborative framework supports projects ranging from schools and healthcare facilities to public safety buildings, community centers and commercial spaces across Florida.
1st National Bank – Courtesy McCree General Contractors
Over the decades, McCree has completed more than 200 educational projects statewide, including work for Orange County Public Schools, Valencia College, the University of Central Florida, Rollins College and the University of Florida. The company has also delivered more than 300 healthcare facilities, as well as major municipal buildings such as city halls and government centers in Clermont, Inverness and Lake Mary.
Its portfolio includes notable cultural and community landmarks such as Reiter Park in Longwood, the College Park Community Center, the Mercado at ICON Park and the SAK Comedy Lab at Church Street Station. McCree has also been a leader in historic preservation, with 50 projects listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and four designated as National Historic Landmarks.
The firm’s history dates back even further than its official founding, with founder W.A. McCree Sr. completing the Orlando Mayor Autrey Residence in 1921, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Throughout its centennial year, McCree plans to host community-focused celebrations, release a new book on its history, debut an anniversary logo and produce a video series highlighting its impact. The initiatives aim to reflect on how the region has grown alongside its built environment and to emphasize the role thoughtful design and construction will play in the decades ahead.
The company also points to its longstanding relationships as a cornerstone of its success, with some partnerships spanning more than 70 years, including Orlando Health, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Orange County Public Schools and the Salvation Army.
As McCree enters its second century, the firm is positioning itself not just as a builder of structures, but as a partner in shaping the future of Central Florida’s communities.