In the competitive landscape of construction, Level 3 Construction stands out as a California-based general contractor specializing in hospitality and multifamily projects. Founded in 2006 by Ian Mahon, the company builds smart, future-ready spaces that blend form and function—and respond to the way people live, work, and connect. This include multifamily, mixed-use, affordable, hotel, student housing, and senior living projects. With a client roster that includes industry giants like Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Starwood, Level 3 has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. By blending cutting-edge technology with a family-oriented approach, the company is redefining the role of a general contractor, creating spaces that enhance communities while fostering lasting client relationships.
Mahon’s journey into construction began in 2004, fresh from earning his general contractor’s license. He initially ventured into building speculative homes, but the endeavor proved challenging. “That didn’t really pan out,” Mahon recalls, “but I knew I loved building, and that’s what I wanted to do with my life.” Undeterred, he sought to refine his craft, working for framing and roofing companies to gain hands-on experience. This groundwork led him to a project manager role at Level 3 Design Group, a firm focused on hospitality design and procurement. Recognizing a gap in their offerings, Mahon partnered with the company to integrate construction services, creating a comprehensive solution for design, procurement, and building. “The rest is history,” he says. By 2017–2018, Level 3 expanded beyond hotel renovation and restoration work. The move into ground-up construction proved to be a pivotal turning point that broadened the company’s scope and ambition.
This transition from renovations to ground-up projects marks one of Level 3’s most significant achievements. “Going off on my own was a huge step as a young entrepreneur,” Mahon reflects, “but as a company, moving from just renovations to ground-up construction was our biggest achievement.” Today, Level 3 offers a robust suite of services, including pre-construction planning, constructability review analysis, budgeting, and value engineering. Positioning itself as “a trusted building partner,” the company transforms client visions into reality, serving both emerging developers in Southern California and global hospitality brands. Its ability to deliver tailored solutions across diverse project types underscores its versatility and commitment to excellence.
At the heart of Level 3’s success is its unique blend of technological innovation and a family-oriented ethos. Mahon, a San Diego State University graduate with a degree in business and information systems, has embedded advanced technology into the company’s operations. From project management software to real-time data analytics, Level 3 leverages tools typically associated with larger firms, all while maintaining the intimacy of a smaller, client-focused organization. “We’re a smaller mom-and-pop, family-oriented company, but we’re heavily focused on information technology,” Mahon explains. “The ownership is always a phone call away, and my involvement in being close and intimate with all of the projects helps.” This direct line of communication ensures clients receive personalized attention, fostering trust and collaboration.
Wendy Dube, Level 3’s marketing lead, emphasized the strength of Level 3’s client relationships and solid reputation. “Trust is everything in construction. Our clients know they can rely on us for both ground-up and renovation projects because we understand their needs and the markets they serve. It’s why we earn their business time and again,” she says. “For example, we’re currently building our second WoodSpring Suites extended stay hotel for a developer based in Florida. We’re also underway on our second affordable housing community in North County San Diego for a local developer. ”This loyalty is a testament to Level 3’s reliability and reputation. The WoodSpring Suites Santee project, a 122-unit ground-up hotel, exemplifies the company’s growing presence in larger-scale developments. Mahon describes it as “very exciting,” noting its significance as a milestone in their ground-up construction journey.
Level 3’s portfolio reflects its adaptability and commitment to quality craftsmanship. The recently completed South River Village, a 43-unit, 47,000-square-foot affordable housing project in San Diego County, marked the company’s first ground-up affordable housing endeavor. “It was a significant milestone for us,” Mahon says, emphasizing the project’s role in addressing the region’s housing needs. Another recent success, an 18-unit high-end coastal apartment complex with retail space in trendy South Oceanside, was described as “a nice tight infill project.” These projects showcase Level 3’s ability to navigate complex urban environments while delivering high-end spaces that blend functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The company’s work extends beyond technical expertise, guided by seven core values: exceptional service, uncompromising quality, integrity, safety, technological innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement. “Level 3 Construction brings visions to life through meaningful collaboration built on trust, expert craftsmanship, and proactive construction management—creating lasting value for our clients and communities,” the team states. This ethos permeates every project, from small-scale renovations to multimillion-dollar developments. Safety, in particular, is paramount, with Level 3 prioritizing the well-being of personnel and clients “above all.” By staying at the forefront of emerging technologies and building trends, the company ensures its projects are both innovative and sustainable, meeting the evolving demands of the industry.
“Level 3 Construction brings visions to life through meaningful collaboration built on trust, expert craftsmanship, and proactive construction management—creating lasting value for our clients and communities.”
Level 3’s focus on hospitality and multifamily construction aligns with broader market trends, particularly in California, where demand for affordable housing and modern hospitality spaces continues to grow. The company’s expertise in multi-unit ground-up construction positions it to capitalize on these opportunities, delivering projects that cater to diverse demographics, from students and seniors to workforce families. Its renovation arm remains a cornerstone of its business, with a track record of revitalizing hotels to meet contemporary standards. Meanwhile, the shift to ground-up construction has opened new avenues for growth, allowing Level 3 to tackle larger, more complex projects.
Looking to the future, Level 3 is poised for strategic expansion. Mahon’s vision for 2025 and beyond centers on scaling the company’s ground-up construction portfolio. “Our focus is to keep our renovation arm going while bringing in more ground-up construction, bigger projects,” he says. Currently, Level 3 handles ground-up projects valued between $5 million and $12 million, but Mahon has set an ambitious goal: securing a $20 million ground-up project, whether a hotel or apartment complex. “We want to do more of these projects simultaneously throughout the year,” he adds. This growth strategy is underpinned by a commitment to maintaining the company’s core values, ensuring that expansion does not compromise quality or client relationships.
Level 3’s ability to balance innovation with a personal touch sets it apart in a crowded industry. By leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance project delivery, the company competes with larger firms while retaining the agility and warmth of a family-run business. Its repeat clients, ranging from local developers to international hospitality brands, reflect the trust it has earned through consistent performance. As Level 3 pursues larger projects and expands its footprint, it remains dedicated to its mission of creating transformative spaces that uplift communities.
From its humble beginnings in hotel renovations to its current role as a leader in ground-up construction, Level 3 Construction embodies resilience, adaptability, and a passion for building. With a clear vision for the future and a steadfast commitment to its values, the company is well-positioned to shape the built environment of California and beyond.
