History:

Leland Torrence Enterprises traces its roots back to 1978, founded by Leland Torrence Sr., who began his career as a skilled carpenter and traditional home builder in Vermont and California. Originally established as a comprehensive construction company focused on general contracting and real estate development, the firm soon developed a strong specialty in historic restoration.

Early on, we revitalized 23 residences in New Haven’s esteemed Fair Haven Historic District and engaged in preservation efforts across the broader New Haven area. Our portfolio expanded over the years to include numerous landmark structures and advisory roles on projects throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island.

A significant milestone came in 1991 when we began evolving into a vertically integrated construction services firm, emphasizing residential and institutional remodeling and restoration. During this period, we partnered with key collaborators, including Schiavone Management on a transformative restoration of 18 buildings along College and Chapel Streets, and developed expertise in long-term capital improvement planning with a focus on energy efficiency and historic preservation.

In 1995, Leland founded THE GUILD of Fine Craftsmen and Artisans, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving specialized building trades and advancing craftsmanship.

The next generation joined the company in 2011 when Leland Torrence Jr. brought expertise from two woodworking schools and hands-on experience in Colorado, infusing fresh energy and perspective. In 2016, Pawel Stepien and his skilled team further strengthened the company’s construction management and field capabilities.

Today, Leland Torrence Enterprises specializes in the restoration, remodeling, and expansion of historic residential and institutional properties. Our projects range from mid-century modern homes to architect-designed landmarks. Working closely with local architects, designers, and property owners, we revitalize properties throughout the Greater New Haven area—preserving their legacy while thoughtfully integrating modern elements to meet contemporary needs.

Our commitment to excellence is unwavering. We continually benchmark our work against the highest standards and engage with local, state, national, and international organizations to ensure our practices remain at the forefront of the industry. Our guiding philosophy remains: research globally, construct locally.

Get in touch

We at Leland Torrence Enterprises know that finding the right fit between owner, architect and builder is key to a successful project. Many of our clients have been with us for over three decades and most of work is derived through word of mouth.

We encourage people who are interested in our services to call our references, look at our work and determine if we can best serve your needs.

Contact us today ▸