Who We Are
TRUE TRADE PARTNER
At Empirehouse, we work with our partners from pre-construction to completion to alleviate problems that may occur throughout the lifecycle of a project. Problem-solving through innovation and collaboration.
We provide expert advice and innovative ideas to our architectural partners through our design-assist planning. Empirehouse goes above and beyond to deliver outstanding quality on your project.
For seventy years, across three generations, Empirehouse has been a women-owned and operated commercial glass company serving the Midwest construction industry. From preconstruction through project completion, our experienced team works directly alongside clients to deliver solutions to address a project’s aesthetic, performance, and budgetary needs.
Serving as the only NACC certified Architectural Glass & Metal Contractor we focused on delivering exceptional quality and value to our construction trade partners and the architectural community. From start to finish, our experienced and knowledgeable craftsman delivers complex enclosure and decorative interior systems to create beauty and function for some of the most iconic buildings in the upper Midwest.
As a leader in the commercial glazing industry, Empirehouse is always seeking advances in technology to improve the predictability and constructability of projects. Our team works through innovative ideas, with complex systems in order to push the boundaries of glass and metal design — all the while maintaining our client experience, creating true partnerships.
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- In 1950 John and Betty Griffith, Empirehouse's first generation opens a door-to-door sales of Jalousie Windows and doors out of their home.
- 1958: Empirehouse starts a manufacturing arm of the business with its decision to fabricate its own storm and jalousie windows moving them into the Minneapolis Warehouse District.
- 1959: Empirehouse becomes one of the largest fabricators and distributors of Jalousie Windows in Minnesota.
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- In the early 60’s Empirehouse expands its product line into commercial aluminum storefront system.
- Controlling all aspects of manufacturing, fabrication, and installation, Empirehouse designs a narrow style door that is still in use today.
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- Product lines continue to expand moving the Empirehouse team onto Washington Ave in Minneapolis.
- 1972: Empirehouse relocates to even larger facility — an old lutefisk packaging plant in downtown Minneapolis. (1055 North 5th Street in Minneapolis)
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- Empirehouse grows their scope of work into larger commercial and multi-family complexes.
- Soon after Empirehouse starts designing custom systems venturing deeper into glass and metal fabrication for public works, hi-rise, and industrial projects.
- Empirehouse lands its biggest monumental project to date working on Oak Ridge Conference Center, in Chaska MN.
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- In 1991 Empirehouse becomes a Certified DBE Women-Owned Business in the State of Minnesota.
- Empirehouse continues to push on by expanding into the public market with fabrication and installation of curtainwall, glass handrails, and specialty decorative interior glass.
- In 1999 John Griffith, Sr. suddenly passed away and was not able to see the next millennium and a new generation of Empirehouse steps in.
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- Empirehouse moves to a larger facility with three times the fabrication space, allowing the commercial glass company to take on larger, more complex projects.
- In the Mid-2000s Empirehouse expands beyond its Minnesota borders, working on projects throughout the Midwest.
- In the late 2000s Empirehouse moves to Mounds View, MN, where the facility allows the team to add new equipment, work with new materials, and take on even more challenging projects.
- In 2009, Betty Griffith one of the original founders passes and her influence lives on through the continued generations.
- Empirehouse then had the opportunity to work from concept to completion with the design of Lakewood Mausoleum where the 1st generation currently lays to rest.
- With the ever changing industry, we also added new equipment including CNC machines which provided more speed and quality assurance to our fabrication process.
- In 2016 Empirehouse becomes the first Midwest commercial glass company to be awarded the North American Contractor Certification (NACC).
- In 2017 3rd Generation takes over and continues building off the vision of the 1st and 2nd.
- In 2018 Joint venture begins with Wells Concrete to develop an Integrate Enclosure System.
- In 2019 Empirehouse is awarded the Women Business Enterprise National Council and continues to add to its list of complex architectural glass, specialty glazing, and metal projects.
- In 2020 Empirehouse acquires Twin Cities Glass, continuing to grow by add industry knowledge, workforce and equipment.
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