BHS Grows in Lawrence: Led By Fernando Velilla
BHS Construction is proud to announce the addition of Fernando Velilla as a new market leader, as the company continues to expand into the Lawrence and Kansas City markets. As a premier commercial general contractor based in Manhattan for 60 years, BHS is rapidly growing across Northeast Kansas and strengthening its presence in Lawrence.
With over two decades of experience in construction management and strong ties to the Lawrence area, Velilla brings valuable local knowledge and leadership. Since moving to the Lawrence area in 2000, he spent 18 years with a Lawrence-based general contractor and later acquired and expanded Lawrence Decorating Service. Under his leadership, the company quadrupled in size, becoming a trusted partner for institutional and commercial work, and was recently sold and rebranded as Sunflower Painting Solutions. During his time as owner of Lawrence Decorating Service, Velilla frequently collaborated with BHS on projects including St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and Manhattan Area Technical College.
“Working with Fernando over the past few years while he owned and operated Lawrence Decorating was a great experience for BHS. Fernando became a preferred contractor of ours, and when the opportunity to bring him onto the team arose, we jumped at it. He was eager to get back into the Construction management realm and we are elated to have him join as our Leader in the Lawrence and Kansas City market”
BHS brings extensive experience in delivering high-quality commercial spaces ranging from $1 million to $50 million, including schools, churches, medical facilities, and higher education buildings. Notable past projects in the Lawrence community include Bishop Seabury Academy, DCCCA, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Chi Omega. Ongoing work in Manhattan includes the Aggieville redevelopment, a city recreational park and sports complex redevelopment, and multiple Kansas State University projects. Known for transparency, an owner’s mindset, and commitment to excellence, BHS is built to build.
The company’s active project with USD 343 Perry-Lecompton has been a catalyst for their commitment to the Lawrence community. Fernando’s arrival signals a deeper investment in community relationships and long-term growth.
Velilla’s portfolio entails projects like St. John’s Catholic School, Stull United Methodist Church, and Frontier Farm Credit. Velilla has contributed to over 30 projects on the University of Kansas campus, including the Spencer Museum of Art Renovation, Lied Center Addition, and Swarthout Music Hall.
An active member of the Lawrence community, Velilla is a parishioner at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, where he volunteers his time and skills to assist with building maintenance. His children attended Lawrence public schools, deepening his personal and professional investment in the future of the city.
“I’m excited to join BHS Construction and to help bring the company’s culture of quality, collaboration, and integrity to my hometown. Having been connected to this community for over 25 years, I recognize Lawrence is a special place, and I’m honored to continue building here.”
With Velilla’s leadership, BHS Construction is poised to contribute meaningfully to the region’s future growth, offering high-quality general contracting and construction management services backed by decades of trusted experience.
