BOSTON – April 29, 2026 – Kaplan Construction, a WBE general contractor and construction management firm providing comprehensive building programs across Greater Boston, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking five decades of steady growth, long-term client relationships, and a diverse portfolio of construction projects in Massachusetts.
Founded in 1976 by Ken Kaplan, the company began with modest resources – a table saw, a used filing cabinet, and a first project completed for a local cheese shop, where part of the payment came in cheese. In the years that followed, the business was run as much from kitchen tables as from job sites, reflecting the hands-on, family-driven approach that continues to define the company today.
Kaplan grew alongside the revitalization of Boston, building a reputation for high-quality work and a flexible, client-focused approach. Early projects such as the Henderson Carriage Building in Cambridge and the Exeter Street Theatre in Boston helped establish the firm’s expertise in historic rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, transforming older structures into modern, functional spaces. Over time, the company expanded from its early multi-family, commercial, and historic rehabilitation work into a wide-ranging portfolio that includes institutional, academic, healthcare, life science, and residential projects. Along the way, Kaplan built a strong track record of repeat business and enduring client relationships.
That consistency in relationships and operations is rooted in a deliberate, measured approach to growth. During economic downturns, the company prioritized retaining its workforce, with employees willing to adjust schedules and compensation while continuing to build skills and certifications. Many of those early hires remain with Kaplan today, contributing to a culture defined by longevity, with some employees having decades-long tenures.
In 2014, Kaplan completed a long-planned leadership transition when Ken and Cathy Kaplan passed the company to the next generation. Today, the firm is led by President Nathan Peck and Chief Operating Officer Jane Kaplan Peck, both of whom gained substantial experience outside the company before returning to lead it. As they stepped into their leadership roles, they faced the challenge of building internal buy-in while introducing meaningful change. Together, they advanced the integration of new technologies, streamlining workflow and increasing efficiency and communication in project management.
Kaplan’s evolution can also be seen in the growth of its project management team. For nearly four decades, the firm operated with just two project managers. In 2013, Kaplan hired its first female project manager, a milestone that signaled a shift in the company’s evolution. Today, the team has expanded to six project managers, four of whom are women, reflecting both the firm’s continued growth and increasing representation within the industry.
Over the years, Kaplan has received industry recognition at both the company and individual project levels. The firm has been recognized by the Boston Business Journal as a Fastest Growing Company, Best Place to Work, and one of the Largest Woman-Owned, Private, and Family-Owned Businesses in Massachusetts, along with recognition as a finalist for both Massachusetts Family Business of the Year by Northeastern University and Mid-Size Family Business of the Year by the Family Business Association Awards. Kaplan has also been named to The Commonwealth Institute’s Top 100 Women-Led Businesses list eight times. In addition, Kaplan has received several project-specific awards from organizations including Associated Builders and Contractors, Preservation Massachusetts, the Boston Preservation Alliance, Engineering News-Record, and the Boston Society of Architects.
Kaplan remains rooted in Brookline, where its founders originally chose to locate the business within walking distance of home. That connection to the community continues today through flagship projects such as the Brookline Teen Center, Congregation Kehillath Israel, and Trust Early Learners, as well as through ongoing pro bono work, financial contributions, and sponsorships supporting Brookline-based nonprofits.