At Helix Electric, we’ve never been afraid to aim high. Over the past four decades, we’ve set bold goals—and surpassed them. From expanding into new markets to completing landmark projects, every milestone reflects our drive to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible
(“Prison Circuit” Era)
From 1994 to 1997, Helix became a key player in California’s correctional infrastructure, installing lethal electrified fences at 13 prisons across the state—from Susanville to Blythe and Tehachapi. These high-security systems, monitored by intuitive central computers, delivered up to 5,100 volts and required precision, innovation, and trust. This “Prison Circuit” era was pivotal to Helix’s growth, proving the company’s ingenuity in electrified work and its ability to thrive in remote, high-stakes environments. Though not glamorous, these projects were large, complex, and consistent—fueling Helix’s expansion and sharpening its competitive edge in both public and private sectors.
Expanding Horizons:
The Las Vegas Chapter Begins
By the early 1990s, Helix had built a strong foundation across California and was poised for growth. Vice President Victor Fuchs saw opportunity in Las Vegas after learning about the Galleria Mall project through industry connections. Although the city was known for favoring local contractors, Helix leveraged its relationship with Forest City Enterprises to secure the $5 million job. That breakthrough opened the door to two more major wins: a $6 million Levi Strauss distribution center and a $7 million parking garage at McCarran Airport. By mid-1995, Helix had more than 100 employees working in Las Vegas. Today, it is the largest merit-shop electrical contractor in Nevada, with offices in both Reno and Las Vegas. As Gary Shekhter put it, “Helix has grown with a lot of hard work, a little bit of luck, and being smart.”
Keesler Air Force Base:
A Bold Step Beyond California
In 1998, Hurricane Georges knocked out power at Keesler AFB for nine days. Congress issued emergency funding for a full underground electrical conversion. Helix—just 14 years old and relatively unknown outside California—won the $38.8M design-build contract, its largest and most complex project to date. The high-profile, fast-tracked job spanned the entire base and marked Helix’s first major federal design-build win. It was a bold leap into remote, mission-critical work. As EVP Brian Jordan said, “These were moments that reflected our pursuit of opportunity and challenges.”
Harden Guam:
A Calculated Leap into the Pacific
In 2008, Helix took a calculated risk by launching operations in Agana, Guam to deliver a $55 million design-build prime contract for the U.S. Navy. The project—reinforcing the base’s electrical system against typhoons—included three new substations and 17 miles of underground distribution. Known as the Harden Electrical System, it was a complex, high-stakes job in a remote location. The gamble paid off, expanding Helix’s reach and reputation in the Pacific. Today, Helix continues to operate in Guam, contributing to vital projects across the region.
CHCF Stockton:
Delivering Excellence at Scale
In 2011, Helix played a key role in the $512M design-build of the California Health Care Facility in Stockton—a 144-acre, 1.2M sq. ft. campus with 35 buildings and capacity for 1,722 inmate-patients. Surrounded by electrified fencing and guard towers, the project required precision, security, and scale. Leading this mission-critical infrastructure showcased Helix’s ability to deliver complex work with safety, sustainability, and excellence.
UCLA Ronald Regan Hospital:
Taking on UCLA’s Flagship Medical Center
In 2001, just 16 years after its founding, Helix Electric boldly stepped into its largest and riskiest electrical contract to date—an $85 million contract for the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center. Situated in a highly metropolitan area and spanning 1.2 million square feet, this hospital project was a formidable challenge. With 525 private rooms and cutting-edge trauma, pediatric, and radiology departments, the build demanded precision, endurance, and innovation. Successfully delivering on this complex healthcare infrastructure marked a defining moment in Helix’s growth, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner in high-stakes, mission-critical environments.
Turkish American Community Center
Helix’s Gateway to the Mid-Atlantic
Helix’s first public project on the East Coast, the Turkish-American Community Center in Lanham, Maryland, was a resounding success. Completed in partnership with Balfour Beatty in 2012, the $85M campus features a 700-person mosque in Classic Ottoman style, cultural and fellowship halls, Turkish gardens, and recreational spaces. This landmark project strengthened ties with the local community and inspired Helix to open its Mid-Atlantic office—planting roots for future growth.
From Coast to Capital:
Helix’s Eastward Expansion
Helix Electric officially expanded into the Mid-Atlantic region in 2012, establishing a dedicated office in Virginia to meet growing demand. Since then, the team has delivered high-profile projects including WMATA’s New Headquarters, Tysons Central, and the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C. The office at 9555 Discovery Blvd in Manassas anchors Helix’s presence—supporting deeper client partnerships, community engagement, and continued growth in one of the nation’s most dynamic construction markets.
LAX Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC): Delivering Mega Public Infrastructure at LAX
Helix Electric has been a trusted partner at LAX since the early 2000s, contributing to major aviation infrastructure, including Runway 25L for the Airbus A380. The $1.25B Midfield Satellite Concourse project—a new 800,000 sq. ft. terminal with eleven gates, aircraft aprons, taxiways, and utilities—was completed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This mega project showcased Helix’s ability to deliver complex, large-scale public work with resilience, precision, and excellence at one of the nation’s busiest airports.
Goodyear Manufacturing Facility: Where Innovation Meets Execution
In 2021, Helix established its central hub in Goodyear, Arizona, with a purpose-built 112,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility. Rather than renovate outdated space, the company invested in new construction to support future growth. This strategic move elevated Helix’s image and set a new standard for future growth. Grounded in Lean Construction and powered by advanced 3D modeling, the facility produces high-quality modular skid systems with speed and precision—reflecting Helix’s long-term vision for scalable innovation, operational excellence, and smarter building nationwide.
Hyperscale Data Center Delivered
While Helix had completed data center work before, the confidential 520,000 sq. ft., 130MW hyperscaler project awarded in 2021 marked a major leap into large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure. The two-building campus included data halls, office space, loading docks, and service yards. Helix delivered full power and communication systems, including generator-backed installations and data rack power—ensuring uninterrupted global operations. This mega project solidified Helix’s role in high-performance digital infrastructure, now a key focus for future growth.
Leading the Way in Industrial Water Infrastructure
Helix Electric has become a trusted leader in complex water and wastewater projects across California and beyond. From OCSD’s advanced treatment facilities to the Metropolitan Water District’s largest plant upgrades—and the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant’s EchoWater Tertiary Treatment Facilities—Helix has delivered critical electrical systems with precision and safety. These high-impact projects reflect Helix’s deep expertise in industrial infrastructure—now a cornerstone of its continued growth and strategic focus.
