History

From humble beginnings in 1945, S. Falck Nielsen launched a construction company that bears the family name. Mr. Nielsen was born in Fredrikstad, Norway, the son of a contractor. In 1926 he graduated as a construction engineer from Oslo University. He later emigrated to and across Canada, and worked his way down the coast to San Diego. Mr. Nielsen began his career in San Diego as a project manager building Balboa Park for the Pacific Expo.

Architects and clients quickly recognized Mr. Nielsen as a fine craftsman with profit-making talents. He had the diplomacy to maintain strong friendships with business associates. Mr. Nielsen respected and advanced the role of the job superintendent to plan, expedite, and coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers. Although Mr. Nielsen advised on job plans, schedules, and trouble-shooting, he deferred to the superintendent to make the final decision. Nielsen Construction Company has performed on many projects throughout the Southwest, including various projects at UC San Diego, Sea World, and downtown San Diego.

Under his leadership and up to Mr. Nielsen’s retirement, Nielsen Construction grew into San Diego’s most respected and trusted builder. Mr. Nielsen worked alongside some of San Diego’s great visionaries in building some of the city’s iconic structures: UCSD Library, Sea World and its various expansions, the Civic Center, and the first residential high rise in downtown, the Meridian. This legacy also included a commitment to philanthropy and serving San Diego.

Today the family name and legacy live on in Nielsen Construction California. The company was formed in 2003 by three principals with deep ties to the original company, including the namesake grandson of Mr. Nielsen. The principals of Nielsen Construction California share more than 95 years of construction and building experience in Southern California. Nielsen Construction California is honored to operate from this foundation as it builds the next generation of projects.