EAST LONGMEADOW—Laplante Construction recently announced that 2024 marks the 60th year it has been developing luxury homes and commercial properties in Western Mass and Northern Connecticut. 

Founded in 1964 by Ray Laplante, the business designs and develops homes from executive ranches to classic contemporary homes to farmhouse cottages. Over the years, Laplante Construction has also designed and built condominium and new home developments as well as commercial real estate such as professional offices, banks and restaurants. 

Three years ago, Laplante Construction opened an office on Cape Cod, in Chatham. 

A self-proclaimed perfectionist, Ray Laplante learned carpentry skills from his Canadian father, worked in the family firm and launched his own framing business after graduation. Within a few years, he was building luxury homes.

Bill Laplante also worked at the family business through high school and while earning his bachelor’s degree in economics from Trinity College. After graduating in 1992, he joined the Laplante framing crew and transitioned into marketing and finances five years later, becoming president in 2003. 

“I really enjoy working with people and helping them create their dream home,” Bill Laplante said. 

Over the years, Laplante Construction has worked with over 700 clients on projects ranging from $50,000 to $5 million, offering architectural design and project management.

Quality materials, skilled workmanship, crisp and clean finishes, architecturally interesting exteriors and trusted subcontractors and suppliers contribute to business success. “People tell me they can spot a home built by Laplante Construction from the curb,” said Bill Laplante.

The most majestic home Laplante Construction has created in six decades is a replica of President Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. While the original is in Virginia, the Laplante version is in Somers, Connecticut, and was built for the late S. Prestley Blake and his wife, Helen, for Prestley’s 100th birthday 10 years ago. 

Ray Laplante created all the architectural designs by hand, on graph paper, as part of a massive project negotiated with a handshake. The local Monticello features the original façade, including dome roof, and touches that include a foyer with double, soaring staircases; a pantry with a rolling library ladder; and parquet floors and coffered ceilings.

Homes built more recently in the region include such features as a greenhouse, lap pool, golf simulator, Brunswick two-lane bowling alley, and porches, patios and pools overlooking rolling hills.

“Each individual house is a source of pride,” Bill said. 

To learn more, visit laplanteconstruction.com.

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