Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted General Contractor in the DMV Area
For over six decades, Coakley & Williams Construction has established itself as a trusted leader in the construction industry, specializing in multifamily housing, life science facilities, educational institutions, and government projects across the DMV region. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, our team of passionate builders combines deep local expertise with a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and client collaboration. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality results that reflect our clients' visions while fostering lasting relationships through transparency, accountability, and exceptional service. Our integrated approach ensures seamless project execution from concept to closeout, leveraging advanced technologies and proven methodologies to meet complex challenges. With a focus on community impact, we prioritize environmental responsibility through LEED-certified practices and sustainable construction techniques.Our leadership team brings decades of collective experience, guiding strategic growth while maintaining the core values of trust, expertise, and partnership that have defined our success since 1961. Recognized as a 2025 Best Place to Work, we invest in our employees' development to ensure a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. From groundbreaking designs to award-winning renovations, we transform bold ideas into spaces that enhance how people live, learn, work, and thrive. Our dedication to client satisfaction is evident in every project, where we actively seek feedback and maintain open communication to exceed expectations. By building strong partnerships with subcontractors and prioritizing community engagement, we create lasting value for our clients and the regions we serve.
Services
Multifamily Construction
Life Science Facilities
K-12 School Projects
Government Building Renovations
Sustainable Construction
Details
- Year established: 1961
Highlights and features
- 60+ years of construction expertise in the DMV region
- Client-focused approach with integrated preconstruction and operations teams
- Award-winning sustainability practices with LEED-certified professionals
- Proven ability to deliver complex, large-scale projects on time
- Strong local partnerships with subcontractors and community organizations
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
What people say
Exceptional communication
Award-winning results
Honesty and attentiveness
Excellent construction quality
Game-changing partnerships
Services
Multifamily Construction
We deliver high-quality multifamily housing solutions tailored to modern living needs. Our expertise includes mixed-use developments, senior living communities, and affordable housing projects. With a focus on design innovation and functionality, we create spaces that enhance residents' quality of life while maximizing investment returns for developers across the DMV region.
Life Science Facilities
Our specialized life science construction services cater to cutting-edge research and pharmaceutical manufacturing needs. We implement advanced mechanical systems, controlled environments, and compliance-ready infrastructure to support critical healthcare innovations. Projects like the Kite Pharma T-Cell facility demonstrate our capability to deliver complex, regulated spaces that meet stringent industry standards.
K-12 School Projects
We transform learning environments through modern K-12 school construction and renovations. Our approach combines safety, functionality, and inspiring design elements that support educational outcomes. Recent projects include Truesdell Elementary's sustainable upgrades and Bullis Lower School's state-of-the-art facilities, reflecting our commitment to shaping future-ready learning spaces.
Government Building Renovations
We specialize in modernizing government facilities while maintaining operational continuity. Our portfolio includes civic centers, administrative offices, and specialized public infrastructure projects. By adhering to strict regulatory requirements and employing security-conscious construction methods, we deliver upgraded public spaces that enhance community services and government efficiency.
Sustainable Construction
As ENR Top 100 Green Contractors, we integrate sustainability throughout our projects. Our LEED-certified professionals implement energy-efficient systems, waste reduction strategies, and eco-friendly materials to create environmentally responsible buildings. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also delivers long-term cost savings and healthier spaces for occupants across all project types.
People
Lynn Stith Bennett
Chief Executive Officer
With over 30 years of leadership experience at CWC, Lynn Stith Bennett drives strategic vision and operational excellence while maintaining the company's founding values of trust and expertise.
Greg Harraka
President & COO
As Managing President and COO, Greg Harraka oversees daily operations and project execution, leveraging decades of construction management experience to ensure client satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Terrence Caulfield
Chief Business Officer
Terrence Caulfield leads business development initiatives, building strategic partnerships and expanding CWC's market presence while maintaining the company's commitment to client-focused construction solutions.
Sherry Kissal
Executive Director, Strategy & Acquisition
Sherry Kissal drives strategic growth initiatives and acquisition opportunities, combining industry expertise with innovative thinking to position CWC for sustained leadership in the construction sector.
Sean Coakley
Business Development Executive
Sean Coakley focuses on expanding CWC's market reach through relationship-building and client engagement, leveraging deep industry knowledge to identify new opportunities across the DMV region.
Questions
What types of construction projects does CWC specialize in?
CWC specializes in multifamily housing, life science facilities, K-12 and higher education buildings, government projects, hospitality venues, and corporate interiors across the DMV region.
How long has CWC been in business?
Coakley & Williams Construction has been building exceptional projects in the DMV area since 1961, with over 60 years of industry experience.
Does CWC offer sustainable construction services?
Yes, as ENR Top 100 Green Contractors, we implement LEED-certified practices and sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact while delivering long-term value.
Can CWC handle complex, large-scale projects?
Our proven track record with projects like the Kite Pharma T-Cell facility demonstrates our capability to successfully deliver challenging, time-sensitive developments across multiple sectors.
How does CWC ensure client satisfaction?
We maintain open communication, actively seek feedback, and keep leadership accessible throughout each project to ensure alignment with client goals and expectations.
What areas does CWC serve?
CWC primarily serves the DMV region including Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, with a deep understanding of local regulations and market needs.
Reviews (3)
Jordan Bayless
Nov 19, 2021
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UNSAFE PRACTICES AND DANGEROUS FOR THE COMMUNITY Would not recommend. If you are a developer avoid them at all costs! Their management team is very unresponsive. During their seemingly endless and constantly extended construction processes, they block roads and alleys from both sides without proper authority and no notice. A memorable time is when they opened a manhole in the alley and had no cones, personnel, or anything to signify there was an open hole in the ground with a man working.
There is absolutely zero consideration for the existing communities where they break ground. 0/10 would rather try and work with DCRA. Update: They have now even put cones outside of my gate and told me I couldn't enter my through my own front gate as a result of their poor planning and execution. Additionally, they are using my porch to aid in construction without any request or notice. This is made even worse by the fact that massive cement blocks are suspended over my front yard for extended periods of time, again without request or notice. Very dangerous. I am just glad I was able to get photos in case my property, or a person, is hurt as a result of their ineptitude.
There is absolutely zero consideration for the existing communities where they break ground. 0/10 would rather try and work with DCRA. Update: They have now even put cones outside of my gate and told me I couldn't enter my through my own front gate as a result of their poor planning and execution. Additionally, they are using my porch to aid in construction without any request or notice. This is made even worse by the fact that massive cement blocks are suspended over my front yard for extended periods of time, again without request or notice. Very dangerous. I am just glad I was able to get photos in case my property, or a person, is hurt as a result of their ineptitude.
Chris
Mar 06, 2020
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The superintendent is behind on a project and they keep sending other superintendent to try to fix the mess the last one made
Rj Skidoo
Nov 04, 2019
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They short change orders and leave it up to the contractors to pick up the shorted items. Their PM's are placed on wrong jobs for their skill set. Unrealistic goals and backcharge for the little petty items. All around white collar thieves in a blue collar industry!
