Over 130 Years of Architectural Sheet Metal Craftsmanship
Wagner and Son has been part of Chicago's architectural story since 1894. When Albert Wagner opened his sheet metal shop in the Lakeview neighborhood
About Wagner and Son
In 1894, Albert Wagner opened his sheet metal shop in the Lakeview neighborhood as Chicago was experiencing its first great expansion. The city was rebuilding, growing, and establishing itself as an architectural center. Mr. Wagner worked alongside some of the era's most notable architects—Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and John Maher—creating the custom metalwork that brought their visions to life.
That was five generations ago. Today, Wagner and Son continues the tradition of quality craftsmanship that Albert Wagner established. We're still creating custom architectural sheet metal, still working on projects throughout Chicago and beyond, and still approaching every job with the same attention to detail that built our reputation over more than a century.
What We Do
We specialize in architectural sheet metal for residential, commercial, and historic buildings. Our work includes custom cornices, skylights, standing seam roofs, commercial gutters, church restorations, ornamental metalwork, and just about any other project that involves quality metalwork and architectural detail.
Some projects are straightforward installations. Others are complex restorations that require historical research, custom fabrication, and techniques that match period craftsmanship. We handle both, and everything in between. Whether we're creating a custom skylight for a modern home, installing commercial roof edge metals on a warehouse, or restoring a century-old church dome, the approach is the same—figure out what the project needs and execute it properly.
Our Fabrication Shop
Having our own fabrication shop in Crystal Lake makes a significant difference in what we can accomplish. We're not limited to catalog products or dependent on suppliers for custom pieces. When a project needs metalwork built to specific dimensions or unique designs, we fabricate it ourselves.
This in-house capability gives us control over quality, timing, and problem-solving. If a restoration requires replicating an ornamental detail that hasn't been manufactured in decades, we can build it. If a commercial building needs roof drainage components sized for its specific configuration, we fabricate them to exact specifications. If an architect designs something that requires custom metalwork, we can collaborate on solutions and produce the pieces needed.
Our shop works with copper, aluminum, steel, and other metals, creating everything from simple gutter systems to elaborate ornamental crosses for church steeples. The fabrication capability is what allows us to take on the wide range of projects we handle.
Our Approach
We've stayed in business for 130 years by doing work that lasts and treating clients fairly. That sounds simple, but it's what matters. We show up when we say we will. We provide accurate estimates. We use quality materials. We complete projects efficiently. When issues arise—and they do on any construction project—we communicate clearly and solve problems.
Experience matters in this work. We've seen buildings from every era of Chicago's history. We understand different construction methods, architectural styles, and the specific challenges that come with both new construction and historic restoration. That knowledge base allows us to anticipate problems, provide realistic timelines, and deliver solutions that actually work.
We work with homeowners, property managers, contractors, architects, and building owners. Each type of client has different priorities and concerns. A congregation restoring their church needs different things than a property manager dealing with commercial gutter failures. We adjust our approach accordingly while maintaining the same standard of workmanship.
Where We Work
Our Crystal Lake office and fabrication shop serve clients throughout Chicago, the suburbs, and nationwide. Most of our work happens in the Chicago region, but we've handled projects across the country when they require our specific expertise or custom fabrication capabilities.
The majority of our residential and church restoration work happens locally. Commercial projects sometimes take us further afield, particularly when buildings need specialized metalwork or when we're working with architects and contractors on multi-location projects.
Five Generations
Five generations of metalworkers is unusual in any trade. The skills and knowledge accumulated over that time—the understanding of what works and what doesn't, the techniques for solving unusual problems, the relationships with other trades—all of that contributes to how we approach projects today.
We're not doing the exact same work Albert Wagner did in 1894. Buildings have changed, materials have evolved, and codes and standards are different. But the fundamental principles haven't changed. Quality materials, proper techniques, attention to detail, and standing behind your work—those things still matter, and they're what we deliver.
Years in Business
Projects and counting
Let's Talk About Your Project
If you have a project that involves architectural sheet metal—restoration, new construction, repairs, or custom fabrication—we'd be happy to discuss how we can help. We'll visit your property, assess what's needed, and provide a detailed proposal.
Call (815) 527-8732 Today