Waterloo construction firm closing after 90 years

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — One of Waterloo’s oldest construction companies is closing after 90 years, citing the economy.

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier says Wednesday that Prairie Construction, the successor to Jens Olesen & Sons Co., will close at the end month. The company told its 25 employees last week after a stockholders meeting.

President Mike Christiason says it’s been a “difficult economic climate” and this was the best direction.

Jens Olesen & Sons was established in 1921 and merged with companion company Prairie in 1989.

It built many of the bulidings in Waterloo’s largest manufacturing and retail centers, including the John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works and The Rath Packing Company.