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ADDRESS: 163 FITCH ST., NEW HAVEN, CT 06515 PHONE: (860) 222-7131 WEBSITE: UPSCALECT.COM TOP EXECUTIVES: PARTNERS AVRAHAM MEHL AND DAVID MARASOW PRODUCT OR SERVICE: GENERAL CONSTRUCTION NO. OF EMPLOYEES: 15 YEAR FOUNDED: 2018 Thinking like landlords elevates New Haven construction company W hen owners hire Upscale Construction Inc., they benefit from an experienced team of construction professionals who understand not just what it takes to erect a building but also what it means to operate one. Upscale Construction's leaders bring extensive experience in managing properties, and they lean on that expertise – as well as the market data they have collected over the years – to advise their clients. "at's why our customers keep coming back to us," said David Marasow, a partner in the company, which is based in New Haven. "We know what it feels like to be the landlord, and we know what the end product needs to look like." In some cases, that may translate into advising clients not to build some- thing or to revise their plans if they have the flexibility to do so. In other cas- es, it means keeping an eye out for factors during construction that may affect end users of the company's projects, even if they don't make a difference for Upscale Construction. "Something we push inside our office all the time is to make sure that we're making the right decisions for the customer," Marasow said. "If a decision doesn't affect our bottom line but will benefit the client in the long run, we make sure to communicate that. Our customers appreciate that we're trans- parent, and that builds lasting relationships." Before starting Upscale Construction in 2018, Marasow and his partners developed and managed thousands of rental units across New York and Con- necticut. ey specialized in transforming neglected properties into thriving communities, undertaking overhauls that included everything from struc- tural repairs to aesthetic upgrades. Upscale Construction began with multifamily work and was active in con- verting former skilled nursing facilities into apartments, a challenging line of business. But in recent years, the company has transitioned to doing more commercial and industrial work. Recent projects include a $2 million renovation of the main lobby in the Pent Park office building in Milford. Upscale Construction converted the lobby into a modern, multifunctional space designed to elevate tenant amenities. e project included construction of a new gym, a vibrant game room and a spacious, stylish restaurant area to enhance social and dining experiences. While uncertainty pervades the economy and many building owners are sitting on the sidelines, Marasow is optimistic. With interest rates moderating, Upscale Con- struction has been seeing a resurgence in decision making around development. One area of growth is office space, a sector many believed was on the decline. "People still want quality spaces, and we're here to help create them," Marasow said. But whatever the market demands – be it residential, commercial or industrial – the professionals at Upscale Construction are prepared to adapt. "We're always open to new challenges and new opportunities. We just want to continue doing good work and making a difference in the communities we serve," Marasow said. 28 HARTFORD BUSINE SS JOURNAL | 2025 BUSINE SS PROFILE S