Caring for people, one engineered solution at a time
Since its humble beginnings in a basement office in 2010, Colman Engineering has grown into a trusted partner in community-focused engineering design. Our timeline highlights the milestones, relationships, and projects that reflect our ongoing commitment to engineering a better future for our communities.
Gil Colman in his basement office in 2010
2010
Gil Colman starts Colman Engineering with a vision to make our world a better place through high-quality, high-touch engineering design services that take a big-picture approach.
Read the Daily News Record article
2011
Gil continues to grow the business and works on projects across this City of Harrisonburg, including designing the preliminary site layout for the Northend Greenway. Gil also starts volunteering with Central Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVHfH), serving on the Building & Site Committee.
2012
Gil focuses on building relationships across the community and even welcomes his first intern. Gil continues his volunteer role with CVHfH.
Gil Colman starts Colman Engineering with a vision to make our world a better place through high-quality, high-touch engineering design services that take a big-picture approach.
Read the Daily News Record article
2011
Gil continues to grow the business and works on projects across this City of Harrisonburg, including designing the preliminary site layout for the Northend Greenway. Gil also starts volunteering with Central Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVHfH), serving on the Building & Site Committee.
2012
Gil focuses on building relationships across the community and even welcomes his first intern. Gil continues his volunteer role with CVHfH.
Colman Engineering's first commercial office space on Main Street in 2013
2013
Colman Engineering moves into its first commercial office space on Main Street in downtown Harrisonburg. Gil becomes a member of the Harrisonburg Planning Commission, which evaluates development proposals and land use plans to ensure alignment with the community's vision and zoning regulations. Gil continues his role with CVHfH.
2014
Colman Engineering starts working on projects for Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), James Madison University (JMU), and Rockingham Petroleum Cooperative—business relationships that continue today. Gil continues to serve on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission and the CVHfH Building & Site Committee. He also joins the CVHfH Board of Directors.
Colman Engineering moves into its first commercial office space on Main Street in downtown Harrisonburg. Gil becomes a member of the Harrisonburg Planning Commission, which evaluates development proposals and land use plans to ensure alignment with the community's vision and zoning regulations. Gil continues his role with CVHfH.
2014
Colman Engineering starts working on projects for Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), James Madison University (JMU), and Rockingham Petroleum Cooperative—business relationships that continue today. Gil continues to serve on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission and the CVHfH Building & Site Committee. He also joins the CVHfH Board of Directors.
In 2015, Colman Engineering begins hiring its first full-time employees
2015
2015 becomes a pivotal year for Colman Engineering, as it begins hiring its first full-time employees. The team works on projects across the City of Harrisonburg, including designing site plans for the Park View Water Tank, JMU's Lakeview Hall renovation, Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, and Gift & Thrift. Gil continues to serve on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission, the CVHfH Building & Site Committee, and CVHfH Board of Directors. He also becomes a member of the Harrisonburg Board of Zoning Appeals, which reviews and decides on appeals for zoning issues, variance requests, and special use permits, ensuring zoning rules are applied fairly.
2016
Colman Engineering continues to receive repeat business from clients and begins working on projects with the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC) and the City of Harrisonburg Public Utilities. The firm is also chosen to work on a site plan for the historic Jamestown Settlement - James Fort recreation, through the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Gil continues to serve on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission, the Harrisonburg Board of Zoning Appeals, and the CVHfH Building & Site Committee. He becomes the Vice Chair of the CVHfH Board of Directors.
2017
The team continues serving clients like JMU, EMU, VMRC, and the City of Harrisonburg and begins working closely with local home builders. Gil continues to serve on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission, the Harrisonburg Board of Zoning Appeals, and the CVHfH on the Building & Site Committee, and serves as Vice Chair of the CVHfH Board of Directors.
2015 becomes a pivotal year for Colman Engineering, as it begins hiring its first full-time employees. The team works on projects across the City of Harrisonburg, including designing site plans for the Park View Water Tank, JMU's Lakeview Hall renovation, Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, and Gift & Thrift. Gil continues to serve on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission, the CVHfH Building & Site Committee, and CVHfH Board of Directors. He also becomes a member of the Harrisonburg Board of Zoning Appeals, which reviews and decides on appeals for zoning issues, variance requests, and special use permits, ensuring zoning rules are applied fairly.
2016
Colman Engineering continues to receive repeat business from clients and begins working on projects with the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC) and the City of Harrisonburg Public Utilities. The firm is also chosen to work on a site plan for the historic Jamestown Settlement - James Fort recreation, through the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Gil continues to serve on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission, the Harrisonburg Board of Zoning Appeals, and the CVHfH Building & Site Committee. He becomes the Vice Chair of the CVHfH Board of Directors.
2017
The team continues serving clients like JMU, EMU, VMRC, and the City of Harrisonburg and begins working closely with local home builders. Gil continues to serve on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission, the Harrisonburg Board of Zoning Appeals, and the CVHfH on the Building & Site Committee, and serves as Vice Chair of the CVHfH Board of Directors.
In 2018, Colman Engineering secures a new, larger office space on South High Street in Harrisonburg
2018
As the Colman Engineering team grows, it becomes clear they will need more office space, so the search for a new location begins. Colman Engineering is accepted into the SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program. Gil continues to serve on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission and the Harrisonburg Board of Zoning Appeals and continues serving CVHfH on the Building & Site Committee and as Vice Chair of the CVHfH Board of Directors. He also becomes a member of the Stone Spring Urban Development Area (UDA) group, which aims to shape the long-term vision for growth and development in the Stone Spring area, balancing new development with the preservation of suburban and rural landscapes.
Featured projects launched in 2018 include: Harrisonburg Fairview Pump Station Replacement; Westmoreland Drive Waterline Replacement; Cargill Site Plan Update; Harrisonburg Co-housing Property Rezoning; Mossy Creek Brewery Site Plan; JMU Jackson Hall Renovation; and the JMU East Campus Drainage Study.
As the Colman Engineering team grows, it becomes clear they will need more office space, so the search for a new location begins. Colman Engineering is accepted into the SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program. Gil continues to serve on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission and the Harrisonburg Board of Zoning Appeals and continues serving CVHfH on the Building & Site Committee and as Vice Chair of the CVHfH Board of Directors. He also becomes a member of the Stone Spring Urban Development Area (UDA) group, which aims to shape the long-term vision for growth and development in the Stone Spring area, balancing new development with the preservation of suburban and rural landscapes.
Featured projects launched in 2018 include: Harrisonburg Fairview Pump Station Replacement; Westmoreland Drive Waterline Replacement; Cargill Site Plan Update; Harrisonburg Co-housing Property Rezoning; Mossy Creek Brewery Site Plan; JMU Jackson Hall Renovation; and the JMU East Campus Drainage Study.
The team celebrates a successful 2019
2019
Colman Engineering moves into its new location on South High Street in Harrisonburg, with enough space to accommodate the growing business and its flourishing internship program. Gil continues to serve on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission, the Harrisonburg Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Stone Spring Urban Development Area (UDA) group. He also continues serving CVHfH on the Building & Site Committee and as Vice Chair of the CVHfH Board of Directors.
Featured projects launched in 2019 include: VMRC Townhomes; JMU Arboretum Children's Garden; Congers Creek Townhomes; JMU's JMAC 6; and the Rucker Dam Decommissioning and Stream Restoration.
Colman Engineering moves into its new location on South High Street in Harrisonburg, with enough space to accommodate the growing business and its flourishing internship program. Gil continues to serve on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission, the Harrisonburg Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Stone Spring Urban Development Area (UDA) group. He also continues serving CVHfH on the Building & Site Committee and as Vice Chair of the CVHfH Board of Directors.
Featured projects launched in 2019 include: VMRC Townhomes; JMU Arboretum Children's Garden; Congers Creek Townhomes; JMU's JMAC 6; and the Rucker Dam Decommissioning and Stream Restoration.
Sam conducts a residential site survey
2020
Although the pandemic hits hard, clients continue to bring new projects to Colman Engineering and company growth remains steady. Colman Engineering receives its first Stormwater Management Plan Reviewer certification. Gil accepts the role as Chairman of the Harrisonburg Planning Commission and continues his roles on the Harrisonburg Board of Zoning Appeals and the CVHfH Board of Directors. He joins the Harrisonburg Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Advisory Committee (OAC).
Featured projects launched in 2020 include: Suter Street Subdivision; The Towns at Congers Creek; JMU Harrison Street Parking Lots; Shenandoah Valley Academy; and the VMRC Weaver Property.
Although the pandemic hits hard, clients continue to bring new projects to Colman Engineering and company growth remains steady. Colman Engineering receives its first Stormwater Management Plan Reviewer certification. Gil accepts the role as Chairman of the Harrisonburg Planning Commission and continues his roles on the Harrisonburg Board of Zoning Appeals and the CVHfH Board of Directors. He joins the Harrisonburg Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Advisory Committee (OAC).
Featured projects launched in 2020 include: Suter Street Subdivision; The Towns at Congers Creek; JMU Harrison Street Parking Lots; Shenandoah Valley Academy; and the VMRC Weaver Property.
Wilton Fansler from GES-EDAC consults with Deron on an environmental project in 2021
2021
In 2021, the team receives increased requests for its environmental service offerings, including Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plans (SPCC), and Oil Discharge Contingency Plans (ODCP). After completing his terms on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals and the CVHfH Board of Directors, Gil takes on a new volunteer role as a member of the Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) Board of Commissioners, which guides strategic decisions to support affordable housing initiatives and community development.
Featured projects launched in 2021 include: Rockingham Cooperative Dayton Mill; Waterman Self Storage; Laurel Ridge Community College Trades Lab; Redeemer Classical School; BES Techs; and BaBa Ku Staunton.
In 2021, the team receives increased requests for its environmental service offerings, including Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plans (SPCC), and Oil Discharge Contingency Plans (ODCP). After completing his terms on the Harrisonburg Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals and the CVHfH Board of Directors, Gil takes on a new volunteer role as a member of the Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) Board of Commissioners, which guides strategic decisions to support affordable housing initiatives and community development.
Featured projects launched in 2021 include: Rockingham Cooperative Dayton Mill; Waterman Self Storage; Laurel Ridge Community College Trades Lab; Redeemer Classical School; BES Techs; and BaBa Ku Staunton.
Josh conducts a site visit in Dayton in 2022
2022
As the need for housing continues to increase, so does the need for residential site design services. Colman Engineering sees a 50% jump in residential projects from 2021 to 2022. Colman Engineering increases its partnership with business development services provider Dove Development & Consulting, which provides leadership training for the Colman team. Gil continues to serve on the HRHA Board of Commissioners and the CVHfH Building & Site Committee.
Featured projects launched in 2022 include: JMU Village Bridging Project; Wilson Avenue Development; EMU Outdoor Track Redevelopment and Expansion; Berea Christian School; Friendship Properties Partners; Brookhaven Birthing Center; and Laurel Ridge Community College CDL Range.
As the need for housing continues to increase, so does the need for residential site design services. Colman Engineering sees a 50% jump in residential projects from 2021 to 2022. Colman Engineering increases its partnership with business development services provider Dove Development & Consulting, which provides leadership training for the Colman team. Gil continues to serve on the HRHA Board of Commissioners and the CVHfH Building & Site Committee.
Featured projects launched in 2022 include: JMU Village Bridging Project; Wilson Avenue Development; EMU Outdoor Track Redevelopment and Expansion; Berea Christian School; Friendship Properties Partners; Brookhaven Birthing Center; and Laurel Ridge Community College CDL Range.
Congers Creek Townhomes is just one of many new residential projects in 2023
2023
Colman Engineering continues to see an increase in residential projects, from apartment complexes to single-family home developments. Gil begins serving as Chairman of the HRHA Board of Commissioners and continues serving on the CVHfH Building & Site Committee.
Featured projects launched in 2023 include: Tuscan Village; EMU Master Plan Update; Iglesia Familiar Elyon; OSC Truck Stop; Town of Elkton Downtown Pavilion; JMU Modular Building Project; George's Feed Mill Pond; and Marshall's Bridgewater Truck Access.
Colman Engineering continues to see an increase in residential projects, from apartment complexes to single-family home developments. Gil begins serving as Chairman of the HRHA Board of Commissioners and continues serving on the CVHfH Building & Site Committee.
Featured projects launched in 2023 include: Tuscan Village; EMU Master Plan Update; Iglesia Familiar Elyon; OSC Truck Stop; Town of Elkton Downtown Pavilion; JMU Modular Building Project; George's Feed Mill Pond; and Marshall's Bridgewater Truck Access.
Daniel and Fralin gather survey data at JMU in 2024
2024
In 2024, Colman Engineering focuses on fine-tuning its processes across the project lifecycle, ensuring efficiency and excellence in every step. The company welcomes four new interns and deepens its commitment to its company purpose and values.
Gil continues serving as Chairman of the HRHA Board of Commissioners and as a member of the CVHfH Building & Site Committee. He is also appointed to serve on the Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC) Board of Directors (Dec. 2024).
In 2024, Colman Engineering focuses on fine-tuning its processes across the project lifecycle, ensuring efficiency and excellence in every step. The company welcomes four new interns and deepens its commitment to its company purpose and values.
Gil continues serving as Chairman of the HRHA Board of Commissioners and as a member of the CVHfH Building & Site Committee. He is also appointed to serve on the Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC) Board of Directors (Dec. 2024).
