History of A. Z. Shmina Construction Co.
Established in 1916, A.Z. Shmina has a deep history of building. We have constructed many recognizable buildings and landmarks in southeastern Michigan. Our interactive time line profiles our vast experience and heritage. Click the span of years to see what occured during that time period and click the icons below the years to learn more about each project.
Est. Detroit, Michigan 1916
The A. Z. Shmina Co. Traces its roots back to 1916 Detroit Michigan, at that time a burgeoning industrial center, to a company called A. W. Kutsche Co.
Achilles Zissi Shmina was an immigrant from Yugoslavia, then the Ottoman Empire. He joined his older brother in America in 1909 at the age of 15. He finished high school and then attended Carnegie Mellon University, receiving his degree in Civil Engineering in 1916. The Shmina Family had been contractors on the Old Country for Generations so it was a natural career choice for Achilles. He moved to Detroit in 1920 & joined A. W. Kutsche Co., quickly rising to directing construction & estimating operations. Eventually he purchased the company from Mr. Kutsche upon his retirement.
A. W. Kutsche Co. was a prominent builder of municipal, institutional, industrial & monumental structures. They performed work predominantly in the Detroit area during the 20’s but then all over the United States during the 30’ & early 40’ because of economic conditions and war.
The company was renamed A. Z. Shmina & Sons Co. in 1954 when Arthur & Robert Shmina joined their father in business. The company continued to expand and build significant & prominent structures primarily in Michigan.
The company is currently run by Andrew Shmina, grandson of Achilles.
Through three generations this organization has built and maintained a tradition of excellence in construction. Our reputation, hard won and well established, is for delivering the highest quality structures and for conducting our affairs with the utmost integrity and honesty.