Bush Construction has made a significant move by expanding its business reach to St. Louis. This acquisition of a Missouri-based real estate development company has opened up new opportunities and strengthened its position in the industry. The deal between Davenport-based Bush and Urban Improvement Conglomerate (UIC), a St. Louis-based firm, was announced on December 10th. It is an immediate acquisition, as stated by Bush company leaders.

Enhanced Services and Shared Vision

"This merger brings together two industry leaders with a shared vision of delivering exceptional projects. It seamlessly integrates innovative design, creative development, and a proven general construction process. Together, we are better able to serve our clients and meet their diverse needs," said A.J. Loss, president and CEO of Bush Construction. The acquisition allows Bush Construction to extend its services to the St. Louis market, providing comprehensive solutions to clients.

Operational Transition and Employee Integration

UIC will operate under the Bush Construction name moving forward. During the transition, ongoing contracts may still reference UIC as the companies work to align all operations under one unified brand. This ensures a smooth transition for clients and employees alike. The merged company will have more than 75 employees, with seven team members based in the St. Louis office. The Quad Cities home office will serve both markets, facilitating seamless collaboration between the two locations.

Strengthened Leadership Team

An affiliate of McCarthy-Bush Corporation, Bush Construction is a commercial construction company offering an integrated approach. Under the new structure, Brent Crittenden will serve as director of development at Bush Construction, and Sarah Gibson will assume the role of director of design in St. Louis. Several other key members of the UIC team will also be joining Bush Construction. Additionally, Ryan Welborn, a longtime Bush employee, has been promoted to vice president of construction, overseeing all construction operations in both markets. This leadership team brings together diverse expertise and experience.

Commitment to Community

Bush Construction and UIC share a common commitment to community building and development. This acquisition will enable both companies to continue delivering high-quality projects across the Midwest that positively impact the communities they serve. "Our merger signifies a commitment to delivering a better construction experience. By uniting our strengths, we are poised to set new standards of excellence and drive innovation in every project we undertake," said Mr. Loss.

In Macon, Georgia, a significant incident took place in 2017. Two construction workers, Russell Magoon and John Page, arrived at their work site at 416 Craft Street one morning only to discover that materials were missing. They specifically noted that two ladders and a drop cord were nowhere to be found. The address they occupied was that of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Admission of Burglary and Plea Bargaining

Marlowe Jermaine Jackson, Sr., a 50-year-old man, was charged with burglary in the second degree and criminal attempt to commit a felony. However, he only pled guilty to the burglary charge. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop the criminal attempt charge, which was related to an attempt to pry open the door of a building on the site. This decision led to a different sentencing outcome for Jackson.

Discovery of the Truck with Missing Materials

The construction workers had noticed a truck that seemed to have the missing materials hanging from the back. This discovery prompted them to follow the truck to the Pawn Max on Pio Nono Avenue. There, they claim that Jackson ran away. But later that evening, Bibb County deputies were able to arrest him.

Sentencing and Probation Conditions

After entering a guilty plea on Thursday, Jackson was sentenced to five years. However, the judge allowed him to serve his sentence on probation. As long as he adheres to the terms of his probation, he will not have to serve a day in a state prison. His probation also bars him from returning to the scene of the crime and contacting the case's victims. This probationary period is crucial in ensuring that justice is served while also giving Jackson an opportunity to reform.