Honoring Our Past, Shaping the Future

History and Heritage

For seventy years, spanning three generations, Empirehouse has proudly upheld its legacy as a women-owned and operated commercial glass company serving the Midwest construction industry.

Click through the slider below to learn more about our rich history.

1950s

1950: Empirehouse’s journey began when John and Betty Griffith, a World War II veteran and his entrepreneurial wife, started a door-to-door business selling Jalousie windows and doors. Popular for four-season porches, these innovative crank-operated windows, with custom brackets and screens, were designed to suit Minnesota’s climate.
1958: Empirehouse begins fabricating its own windows, marking the beginning of its manufacturing legacy.
1959: By the decade’s end, Empirehouse has become one of Minnesota’s largest fabricators and distributors of Jalousie windows.

1950: Empirehouse’s journey began when John and Betty Griffith, a World War II veteran and his entrepreneurial wife, started a door-to-door business selling Jalousie windows and doors. Popular for four-season porches, these innovative crank-operated windows, with custom brackets and screens, were designed to suit Minnesota’s climate.

1958: Empirehouse begins fabricating its own windows, marking the beginning of its manufacturing legacy.

1959: By the decade’s end, Empirehouse has become one of Minnesota’s largest fabricators and distributors of Jalousie windows.

1960s

In the early 60’s Empirehouse expands its product line into commercial aluminum storefront systems.
Controlling all aspects of manufacturing, fabrication, and installation, Empirehouse designs a narrow style door that is still in use today.

In the early 60’s Empirehouse expands its product line into commercial aluminum storefront systems.

Controlling all aspects of manufacturing, fabrication, and installation, Empirehouse designs a narrow style door that is still in use today.

1970s

1970: As Empirehouse’s product offerings expanded, the company moved to a larger facility on Washington Avenue in Minneapolis, signaling its commitment to innovation and meeting client needs. After spending three years at PPG in Milwaukee, John “Grif” Griffith brought his experience to the family business, joining the firm.
1972: Just two years later, Empirehouse outgrew its new space and moved into an even larger facility, transforming a former lutefisk packaging plant in downtown Minneapolis into a hub for innovative glass and metal design. During this time, both Nancy and Alan join the family legacy—Nancy taking on a full-time role in finance and estimating, while Alan became a marketing, sales, and product representative for commercial windows and doors.

1970: As Empirehouse’s product offerings expanded, the company moved to a larger facility on Washington Avenue in Minneapolis, signaling its commitment to innovation and meeting client needs. After spending three years at PPG in Milwaukee, John “Grif” Griffith brought his experience to the family business, joining the firm.

1972: Just two years later, Empirehouse outgrew its new space and moved into an even larger facility, transforming a former lutefisk packaging plant in downtown Minneapolis into a hub for innovative glass and metal design. During this time, both Nancy and Alan join the family legacy—Nancy taking on a full-time role in finance and estimating, while Alan became a marketing, sales, and product representative for commercial windows and doors.

1980s

Empirehouse broadens its expertise, taking on larger commercial projects and ventures deeper into glass and metal fabrication, developing custom systems for public works, high-rise, and industrial projects.
The Empirehouse team secures its largest project to date, contributing to the iconic Oak Ridge Conference Center in Chaska, MN.

Empirehouse broadens its expertise, taking on larger commercial projects and ventures deeper into glass and metal fabrication, developing custom systems for public works, high-rise, and industrial projects.

The Empirehouse team secures its largest project to date, contributing to the iconic Oak Ridge Conference Center in Chaska, MN.

1990s

1990-1993: The early 90s saw Empirehouse expand into the public market, specializing in the fabrication and installation of curtainwall systems, glass handrails, and specialty decorative interior glass.
1991: Empirehouse transitioned ownership to John and Betty Griffith’s children—Nancy, Alana, and Grif—marking a new era of leadership and becoming a Certified DBE Women-Owned Business in Minnesota. Nancy filled the role of CEO, while Alana held the title of Vice President) driving marketing and sales, becoming deeply engaging with the architectural community. Grif served as President, leading preconstruction, estimating and operations.
1998: Mike Gilbert, now President, joined the team in architectural sales under Alana’s mentorship, later excelling in roles such as Preconstruction Manager, Fabrication Manager, Project Manager, and Senior Project Manager.
1999: Following the sudden passing of John Griffith Sr. the next generation of leaders continued to step up, fulfilling the family legacy and driving Empirehouse into the new millennium.

1990-1993: The early 90s saw Empirehouse expand into the public market, specializing in the fabrication and installation of curtainwall systems, glass handrails, and specialty decorative interior glass.

1991: Empirehouse transitioned ownership to John and Betty Griffith’s children—Nancy, Alana, and Grif—marking a new era of leadership and becoming a Certified DBE Women-Owned Business in Minnesota. Nancy filled the role of CEO, while Alana held the title of Vice President) driving marketing and sales, becoming deeply engaging with the architectural community. Grif served as President, leading preconstruction, estimating and operations.

1998: Mike Gilbert, now President, joined the team in architectural sales under Alana’s mentorship, later excelling in roles such as Preconstruction Manager, Fabrication Manager, Project Manager, and Senior Project Manager.

1999: Following the sudden passing of John Griffith Sr. the next generation of leaders continued to step up, fulfilling the family legacy and driving Empirehouse into the new millennium.

2000s

2000: Empirehouse moves from Minneapolis to a 68,000 SF facility in New Hope, providing three times the fabrication space.
2004: Kristine Hutera (Gilbert), now CEO, joins Empirehouse full-time, taking on a variety of roles across the firm, including marketing, sales, HR, and finance building a strong foundation for her future leadership.
Mid-2000s: Empirehouse expands its reach beyond Minnesota, working on projects throughout the Midwest. This strategic growth included notable projects in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northern Iowa, and key Minnesota cities like Duluth and Rochester.
Late 2000s: Empirehouse adopts lean methodologies prior to relocating to their current purpose-built facility in Mounds View, MN. Designed to enhance efficiency and streamline workflows, the space enables the integration of advanced equipment and materials.
2009: Empirehouse mourns the passing of founder Betty Griffith, whose legacy lives on through the company’s commitment to quality and multi-generational leadership. Mike Gilbert steps into a leadership role, guiding the company toward new opportunities, including the Lakewood Mausoleum—a landmark project that now serves as the final resting place for Empirehouse’s first-generation founders.

2000: Empirehouse moves from Minneapolis to a 68,000 SF facility in New Hope, providing three times the fabrication space.

2004: Kristine Hutera (Gilbert), now CEO, joins Empirehouse full-time, taking on a variety of roles across the firm, including marketing, sales, HR, and finance building a strong foundation for her future leadership.

Mid-2000s: Empirehouse expands its reach beyond Minnesota, working on projects throughout the Midwest. This strategic growth included notable projects in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northern Iowa, and key Minnesota cities like Duluth and Rochester.

Late 2000s: Empirehouse adopts lean methodologies prior to relocating to their current purpose-built facility in Mounds View, MN. Designed to enhance efficiency and streamline workflows, the space enables the integration of advanced equipment and materials.

2009: Empirehouse mourns the passing of founder Betty Griffith, whose legacy lives on through the company’s commitment to quality and multi-generational leadership. Mike Gilbert steps into a leadership role, guiding the company toward new opportunities, including the Lakewood Mausoleum—a landmark project that now serves as the final resting place for Empirehouse’s first-generation founders.

2010s

Early 2010s: Empirehouse incorporates computer numerical control (CNC) machines into its fabrication process, enhancing speed, quality, craftsmanship and precision.
2016: Empirehouse becomes the first Midwest commercial glass company to achieve the prestigious North American Contractor Certification (NACC). That same year, Kristine Hutera is named CEO, leading alongside Mike Gilbert, President. Together, Kristine and Mike are building on the visionary foundation established by the first and second generations of leadership.
2019: Under Kristine’s leadership, Empirehouse earns certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, solidifying its commitment to diversity in construction.

Early 2010s: Empirehouse incorporates computer numerical control (CNC) machines into its fabrication process, enhancing speed, quality, craftsmanship and precision.

2016: Empirehouse becomes the first Midwest commercial glass company to achieve the prestigious North American Contractor Certification (NACC). That same year, Kristine Hutera is named CEO, leading alongside Mike Gilbert, President. Together, Kristine and Mike are building on the visionary foundation established by the first and second generations of leadership.

2019: Under Kristine’s leadership, Empirehouse earns certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, solidifying its commitment to diversity in construction.

2020s

2020: Empirehouse acquires Twin Cities Glass, expanding its expertise, workforce, and capabilities. The acquisition brings over 15 skilled professionals, including glaziers and shop talent, while enhancing the firm’s in-house engineering and prefabrication expertise. It also introduces ironworkers through a union contract, further broadening the company’s capabilities. This strategic move strengthens Empirehouse’s foundation of industry knowledge and positions it for continued growth.

2020: Empirehouse acquires Twin Cities Glass, expanding its expertise, workforce, and capabilities. The acquisition brings over 15 skilled professionals, including glaziers and shop talent, while enhancing the firm’s in-house engineering and prefabrication expertise. It also introduces ironworkers through a union contract, further broadening the company’s capabilities. This strategic move strengthens Empirehouse’s foundation of industry knowledge and positions it for continued growth.

Today

With over 75 years of experience, Empirehouse continues to be a trusted trade partner, delivering cutting-edge solutions that transform spaces and inspire iconic design. As the first NACC-certified Architectural Glass & Metal Contractor in the region, we are dedicated to exceptional quality, innovation, and partnership with our construction and architectural collaborators across the Midwest. From start to finish, our skilled craftsmen deliver exceptional glass and metal enclosures, along with decorative interior systems, seamlessly blending beauty and function in some of the region’s most noteworthy buildings. Always at the forefront of the commercial glazing industry, Empirehouse embraces technological advancements to enhance the predictability and constructability of projects. Our team thrives on pushing the boundaries of glass and metal design while fostering strong client relationships and true partnerships.