Our History

It began with two brothers who believed in the simplicity of building quality buildings and strong client relationships. More than 60 years ago, Peter and Paul Nicholson graduated from the Wentworth Institute of Technology, started their journey as General Contractors in Salem, MA, and worked to bring their vision to life.

Their firm caught the eye of a local entrepreneur from Quincy, MA who was expanding his own restaurant and hotel chain across New England and beyond. He hired this emerging company to construct the buildings that became key to his growth and success. That man was Howard Johnson, and with him the Nicholson brothers built over 200 Howard Johnson, Ground Round, and Red Coach Grille Restaurants and 80 Howard Johnson Hotels, from Bangor, ME, to as far south as Wilmington, DE, and as far west as Mentor, OH.

That experience shaped the company into the specialized boutique construction firm of today. With expertise in constructing hotel and food service establishments to meet the demands of a high number of occupants, The Congress Companies experienced a natural transition into the Senior Living/Health Care and Multi-Family sectors as market demands evolved.

Working to meet the specific business objectives of each client, The Congress Companies developed their signature consultative approach and preconstruction strategy. Through precise project plans, technical knowledge, and a commitment to quality at every level, Congress has since completed over 80 state-of-the-art construction projects for clients across the Senior Living/Health Care and Multi-Family markets.

Now in their second generation of family ownership, The Congress Companies' years of success in their specialty fields have created a reputation for unsurpassed excellence throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. Led by CEO William Nicholson, Congress continues to grow and build upon their legacy of developing both high quality buildings and client relationships.