Legacy continues to build for Stevens family

PAT LITOWITZ
New Castle News

October 23, 2007

Ed Stevens' father wasn't pleased when he read his son's ninth-grade report.

The topic: The ever-popular, "What Will I Be When I Grow Up?"

The response: Masonry contractor.

"My dad, like all other dads, said, 'Go to school. Go to college. You're not going to be a bricklayer.'

"I wanted to be what my dad was and grandfather and uncle were," the New Castle resident said. "I brought that (report) home, and my dad said 'No.'"

Despite his father's misgivings, Stevens became the family's third-generation bricklayer.

Tonight, he and Stevens Masonry Construction Inc. will be recognized for their contributions in constructing the New Castle Junior-Senior High School. During ceremonies at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh, he will accept the 2007 Western Pa. Golden Trowel Award for internal masonry work on an educational structure, grades kindergarten through 12.

"I'm happy for Ed Stevens," said David A. Esposito, a principal with Eckles Architecture. "He worked hard to build that building."

Eckles designed the facility for the New Castle Area School District. Deklewa Construction Services served as the project's construction manager. Started in June 2003, the facility was completed in September 2005.

"Everybody involved in it is happy," he said. "We're proud of it."

Grandfather George W. Stevens started the family-based business. Uncle George C. Stevens continued the tradition.

Edwin C. Stevens Sr. founded the current company in 1986. Today, he serves as a consultant and quality control expert. Ed Stevens Jr., who co-owns the company with his brother George, is an estimator and project manager. His brother also is the company's field superintendent.