As it celebrates 21 years, Toro Construction continues to help communities and build with integrity
Chicago-based company, Toro Construction (Toro) is a dynamic provider of pre-construction management services, general contracting and sole-performing trades such as carpentry and drywall. As it celebrates its 20-year anniversary, President Luis Vazquez reveals how Toro reached this key milestone. “Stubbornness, persistence and resilience! In addition, Toro has remained a relationship-based company after 20 years – we still work with the same clients, mentors and coaches. Our employees have been integral to our success too. The secret is being surrounded by great people, and we’ve been fortunate in finding enough talent in the market to help us grow. We always try to hire people who share our values and community mindset. We want every employee to grow with us.”
Luis runs Toro alongside his wife Socorro, CEO, and his brother Carlos, Director of Field Operations. “Socorro deals primarily with the financial aspect of the
business and brings about balance in the company when it comes to some of the decision making, as she is more neutral,” continues Luis, describing the founder’s responsibilities within the company. “She keeps us bonded in a healthy way – she can detect any conflict and is always thinking about the reputation of the company. My job is to essentially bring work to the company, and Carlos’ job is to execute it. We all just respect each other’s roles.”
Community-focused housing
Recent investments include the company’s move to new headquarters in 2022 at Orland Park, Illinois, which Luis describes as an opportunity to move forward following the challenges of the pandemic. “The building became available when another business closed its doors and, initially, it felt too big – however, I then saw the potential for growth. We could hire more people, open new departments in the company and attract larger contracts with direct clients, rather than relying on the subcontracting side.”
One of Toro’s new projects is the Missing Middle housing initiative, awarded by the City of Chicago, which focusses on ground up apartment buildings. Being its first role as developers, this marks the beginning of the company’s mission to support neighborhood growth through sustainable design. Working in partnership with JP Architects, the venture includes Toro’s sister company, Integrity Wall, for prefabrication of the buildings.
“We also have a joint venture with Power Construction for the 30 N. LaSalle project,” Luis adds. “We’re a minority partner but it’s part of the LaSalle revitalization project by the City of Chicago, so we feel blessed with this opportunity and fortunate to be involved with 30 percent of the work in this corridor.”
Another exciting project in the company’s pipeline is the launch of Vazquez Housing Development, a new branch of Toro dedicated to high quality and community-focused housing. Luis highlights how he has been personally preparing for the launch. “I just completed a course for emerging developers entering the low-income housing space. This has been an incredible opportunity to gain more, deeper insight into affordable housing, developing and financing knowledge so we can apply it to Vazquez Housing Development.
“Expanding this development is my focus for 2026, alongside the delivery of our first Missing Middle project. We’re also trying to advance affordable housing work with our client United Power. We’re currently developing the Back of the Yards neighborhood in North Lawndale, and we are contracted to build 40 single low-income family homes in Roseland too – those three neighborhoods are underway at the same time.
“We’d like to keep collaborating with community-driven projects like Plant Chicago, an old firehouse, and the Lasalle corridor rehabilitation efforts. Ultimately, we aim to strengthen our partnerships and invest in training, technology and sustainable growth.”
Building with integrity
Building with integrity Sustainability is hugely important to Toro, and Luis states the business is very intentional when it comes to greener construction methods. “Our use of prefabricated wall systems through Integrity Wall helps reduce waste and speed up timelines. We integrate energy efficient materials and building systems in our designs, promote electric-only homes and strive to reduce emissions. Sustainability for us is about building responsibly and supporting long-term community health.”
Community is also at the heart of Toro’s work. It purposefully takes on projects that are designed to make Chicago stronger and more equitable, specifically Vazquez Housing Development which Luis is hoping will lead in affordable and community-centered housing across the city. He explains what else is in store for Toro over the next five years: “I also want to offer full turnkey solutions in construction and development, growing our prefabrication capabilities for faster builds. Most importantly, I want to continue transforming neighborhoods and creating opportunity. Right now, we’re focused locally but hopefully we can move to other US states and continue doing the same.
“As a Latino-owned business, diversity is built into our DNA – our team reflects the communities we serve. That’s one of our biggest strengths. Different perspectives lead to better ideas, smarter solutions, and stronger partnerships. And it’s not just about our representation; it’s about collaboration and inclusion for every stage in construction. I’m incredibly proud of what we have accomplished and I’m grateful to our partners, team and community for believing in our mission to build with integrity for people, for families and for the future of Chicago.”