Larry Erhardt Sr., who founded Erhardt Construction Co. and oversaw several major projects that reshaped downtown Grand Rapids, died on Feb. 5 at the age of 94.
After starting the company in 1962, Erhardt’s enduring portfolio included downtown landmarks such as DeVos Place Convention Center, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Van Andel Arena, phase one of the Van Andel Institute and the Plaza Towers. Beyond leading those projects, Erhardt made intentional efforts to mentor the next generation of leaders, according to several West Michigan construction executives.
“In many ways, Larry Erhardt was among the last of that early generation of visionary business leaders and community stakeholders that began investing and reshaping downtown Grand Rapids over 40 years ago,” said Ben Wickstrom, who took over as president, CEO and majority owner of Erhardt Construction at the end of 2017 after the second generation. “Larry Erhardt helped lay the foundation for what we enjoy and continue to build upon today.
“Always a man of humility, he probably wouldn’t make that claim, he would just say he was fortunate to work alongside so many other great people.”…