McKissack & McKissack, the nation’s oldest Black-owned construction and design firm, has had a presence in Philadelphia since 1994, writes Noah Zucker for BisNow.

Originally founded in New York City in 1905, the local office was founded during a time of stark contrast. While then NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani was retreating from public contracts with minority- and women-owned businesses, Philadelphia was the opposite.

Then-Mayor Ed Rendell and City Council President John Street were meanwhile actively supporting and expanding initiatives related to minority- and women-owned business enterprises.

“Given these contrasting landscapes, it was a strategic decision to establish a presence in both cities rather than put all our eggs in one basket,” said CEO Cheryl McKissack. “Many firms went out of business during that period, but by diversifying our operations, we ensured that McKissack & McKissack could not only survive but continue to grow and thrive.”

McKissack & McKissack’s history going all the way back to the late 1700s. One of Cheryl’s former enslaved ancestors and another former slave started building churches and schools for the Black community, helping make a name for themselves.

Continuing on that legacy, McKissack highlights three key drivers that lead the company: resilience, excellence, and the legacy of Black entrepreneurship.

Read more about the legacy of the nation’s oldest Black-owned construction and design firm at BisNow.

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on PHILADELPHIA Today in February 2025.