Otto Baum Company, Inc.

09/09/2026

Celebrating the successful completion of concrete work a few weeks ago at Triopia CUSD 27. We replaced the existing barrier curb along the east driveway, added parking along an existing chip and seal driveway on the west side of the school, and added sidewalks around campus. Great job Jimmy Asbury and crew! .

09/04/2026

As Labor Day approaches, the Executive Team at Otto Baum Company, Inc. would like to recognize and thank the union trades and their members whose dedication and craftsmanship have played a vital role in our company's success.

Since 1937, Otto Baum Company has proudly served Central Illinois and beyond. Otto Baum came to America from Germany seeking a better future and, through hard work and determination, built a reputation for quality craftsmanship. One of the most important decisions he made was partnering with the union trades, a relationship that has helped shape our company for more than 80 years.

Today, that partnership remains as strong as ever. From masonry and concrete to civil construction and restoration, our success continues to be built by skilled men and women who bring expertise, determination, and pride to their work every day.

Being a tradesperson requires a unique combination of skill, problem-solving ability, perseverance, and physical endurance. These professionals work in challenging environments, adapt to changing conditions, maintain the highest safety standards, and help deliver quality projects for our customers and communities.

This Labor Day, we proudly honor the union tradespeople who have contributed millions of hours to Otto Baum Company, our customers, and the region we serve. Thank you for your commitment, hard work, and the lasting impact you make every day.

Happy Labor Day to all union tradespeople. We appreciate all that you do and wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

09/03/2026

The new masonry wall at the corner of 4th & Kirby for Gies Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois was completed in time for the Fighting Illini's first football game of the season tonight.

University stakeholders praised the entire project team's collaboration, ability to meet an accelerated schedule, and the finished appearance of the new wall. Great work by Jared Silver and crew!

Go Fighthing Illini!

08/31/2026

For nearly 90 years, Otto Baum Company, Inc. has been guided by principles that have shaped how we serve customers, work together, and build lasting relationships.

Recently, our leadership team put those principles into writing through a formal Mission, Vision, Motto, and reaffirmation of our core Values. These statements are not a change in direction. They are a reflection of who we have been and how we have operated for generations.

As we look to the future, we believe clearly defining these principles will help current and future team members carry forward the legacy of craftsmanship, leadership, service, and relationships that have defined Otto Baum Company, Inc. since 1937.

08/26/2026

Mark was a long time employee of OBCI, his family is in our thoughts and prayers.

View Botch's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

08/24/2026

How difficult is it to build a 20'x40' building out of concrete masonry units (CMU) and clad it in a brick veneer? How about if it is for Lock and Dam 22 and is in the middle of the Mississippi River on an elevated concrete slab 8' off the ground? Nothing Mark Walbring and crew can't handle. Looking great! .

08/14/2026

After setting a limestone sign it made us wonder what other things weigh compared to the stone. Enjoy some pictures from this week and then tell us which of these weighs the most?

A) Bayliner VR5 (20' class) on a trailer
B) Limestone Sign (8' × 2' × 2')
C) Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4
D) JLG 1932 Scissor Lift

Reply with your answer. Bonus points if you can put all four in order from heaviest to lightest and don't use google 😊 !

08/10/2026

Otto Baum Company, Inc. just completed a summer project rebuilding a parapet at the Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

What is a parapet and what does it take to rebuild one that is over 100' above the ground with access only through a roof hatch up a ladder?

Take a look at these pictures to see. Our crew, led by Cody Cox, removed and salvaged the stone, removed the brick wall, built a new CMU wall, and then reinstalled all the stone.

Good to go for another 100 years. Go Fighting Illini!

08/07/2026

Today we celebrate Chad Horner and wish him all the best in his retirement!

Chad joined Otto Baum Company in 2020 as a Foreman (Local 231 Laborer), on our Civil Team. Throughout his time with OBCI, Chad has been a valued member of the team, contributing to the successful completion of many projects and helping uphold the strong work ethic and dedication that define our company.

Thank you, Chad, for your hard work, commitment, and the contributions you've made during your time with us. We appreciate all you've done and wish you many years of happiness, good health, and new adventures in retirement.

Please join us in congratulating Chad on this well-earned milestone and thanking him for his service to OBCI!

08/03/2026

Big things are happening in Chatham!

Our concrete crew is hard at work constructing the foundations for the new Chatham Village Hall and Police Department. The progress captured in these photos represents hours of planning, teamwork, and craftsmanship on the jobsite.

Otto Baum Company, Inc. is performing all concrete and masonry work on the project, and we're excited to see this facility taking shape. Shout out to Matt and the entire team for their quality work.