As we continue our 90th anniversary celebration and decade‑by‑decade journey through our history, we turn to the 1990s, a decade defined by operational growth, technical leadership, and increased organizational alignment.
The decade began with significant investment in both infrastructure and operations. In 1990, the organization acquired a 45,000‑square‑foot industrial building one block south of the 4241 Ravenswood facility. This building became home to Hill Mechanical Services and key support functions including tools, stock, and cartage, supporting continued operational growth for years to come at 1801 Berteau. That same year, a new venture, Hill Mechanical Operations, Inc., assumed responsibility for HVAC, plumbing, and sprinkler systems at DePaul University’s Lincoln Park and Downtown campuses. Working alongside a team of stationary engineers, the company partnered with the University to establish measurable performance goals, improving reliability and efficiency across campus facilities. Hill Mechanical Operations, Inc. also assumed full mechanical operations at the new Comiskey Park, establishing a strong reputation in the management of large, complex facilities.
In 1991, Hill Mechanical Group was awarded its largest contract to date — the heating and air conditioning systems for Motorola’s new cellular telephone manufacturing and office facility in Libertyville, Illinois. That same year, the organization earned Turner Construction’s Chicago Territory Outstanding Quality Performance Award, becoming the first mechanical contractor ever selected. This recognition marked the beginning of a long record of performance excellence; since then, Hill companies have earned the award six times, more than any other subcontractor in the territory.
The firm’s scale and responsiveness were demonstrated in 1992, when Chicago experienced catastrophic flooding. Hill Mechanical Group’s size, organization, mobilization, and communication capabilities enabled it to restore mechanical services at six major buildings, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable partner during critical situations.
Growth continued through strategic diversification. In 1993, Hill Mechanical Group joined forces with Environmental Operations, Inc., forming Hill Environmental Operations, Inc. This new entity steadily expanded to include more than 300 Operating Engineers and became a leader in responding to privatization initiatives across institutional and commercial markets.
Several important milestones followed in 1994. The firm was awarded the $19 million HVAC contract for Motorola’s 1.5‑million‑square‑foot facility in Harvard, Illinois, further demonstrating its capacity to execute large‑scale, technically complex projects. That same year, James B. Hill II joined the organization as a Project Engineer after graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, later earning an MBA. His arrival formally established the third generation of Hill family leadership; today, Jim serves as President of The Hill Group.
Throughout the mid‑1990s, the organization continued to expand its technical expertise, particularly in large steel pipe and ammonia refrigeration systems. In 1995, Hill Mechanical Group demonstrated its ability to perform construction management responsibilities on predominantly mechanical projects by delivering the $14 million New Trier High School air‑conditioning project in Winnetka under budget, completed within two 51‑day summer construction windows.
Organizational alignment and workforce development remained priorities as the decade progressed. In 1996, the firm formalized a long‑term development program designed to grow newly hired project engineers into senior leadership roles. That same year, Hill Mechanical Operations surpassed 200 Operating Engineers, responding professionally to the privatization initiatives of many organizations. Additionally, Hill/Wendt Corp. was merged into L.C. Kohlman, Inc., and the organization was formally renamed Hill Mechanical Corp., further strengthening unity and operational alignment.
The firm’s leadership in complex mechanical systems was further reinforced in 1997, when Hill Mechanical Group became the mechanical contractor of record for four of Chicago’s five largest district cooling plants, representing more than 50,000 tons of refrigeration. The decade concluded with continued recognition for performance excellence when Hill Mechanical Corp. earned Turner Construction’s 1999 Chicago Territory Outstanding Performance Award for mechanical work at the Searle Q Building life science research facility.
The 1990s reinforced the organization’s scale, sophistication, and strategic focus. Through major project achievements, expanded technical capabilities, leadership continuity, and disciplined growth, the firm positioned itself for continued success and evolution in the decades ahead.
Next month, we’ll continue our journey with a look back at the milestones that shaped our company in the 2000s.