Our History
Like a fresh exterior on a well-built classic, the Elzee group of companies — Elzee GC, Elzee Homes, Elzee Construction, and Elzee Snow — is the new face of an experienced and highly-regarded company. Originally founded as Elzee Construction by Leo (Leibel) Zisman in the mid-1960s, Elzee's reputation quickly spread. By 1970 Elzee was doing so much business that Leo asked his elder brother Berel to come on-board as a partner and Vice President. Together, Leo and Berel would work as partners for over 4 decades.
From its base in Brooklyn, NY, Elzee Construction gained a reputation for honesty, integrity, and quality work. Elzee’s reputation was so highly regarded that when then Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir was being honored with a state dinner during the Sukkot holiday, then NYC Mayor Lindsay called on Leo to build a Sukkah at the Brooklyn Museum. Over time, Elzee grew from doing small renovations and construction jobs to overseeing large projects as General Contractors and developers. In addition to working closely with private clients, Elzee completed major projects in conjunction with community, city, state, and federal housing agencies. Some of Elzee's significant projects include:
Elzee has also excelled at historic preservation and restoration projects, paying exacting attention to every detail. On one project their stonework reproduction was so exact that the architect mistook an original stone for a new one. Elzee's historic preservation work includes:
Additionally, Elzee has stood out for their superb work in numerous commercial and industrial endeavors. From waterfront warehouses to uptown Manhattan doctors’ offices, Elzee has outshone others in their industry. Noteworthy community projects
In 1995, Eli (Elliot) Zisman started working part-time for his uncle and father (Eli is Berel's son) as a manager, foreman, and general apprentice. He joined the business full-time in 1996 upon his graduation from High School. A quick study, Eli was soon managing a major portion of the business, focusing mainly on their property management division.
Eventually, Eli started working on several construction projects, “making his bones” in the field and absorbing the vast pool of knowledge on tap in Leo and Berel. With each successive project Eli took on more and more responsibility and oversight, ultimately taking full control of all aspects of both the in-field and office components.
In 2011 – with Leo retired from the business and Berel in partial-retirement – Eli moved Elzee’s offices to Rockalnd County, NY, where he had been living for about 10 years. Reflecting its new environs, Elzee now focuses primarily on residential, commercial, and industrial jobs for private clients and companies.
From its base in Brooklyn, NY, Elzee Construction gained a reputation for honesty, integrity, and quality work. Elzee’s reputation was so highly regarded that when then Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir was being honored with a state dinner during the Sukkot holiday, then NYC Mayor Lindsay called on Leo to build a Sukkah at the Brooklyn Museum. Over time, Elzee grew from doing small renovations and construction jobs to overseeing large projects as General Contractors and developers. In addition to working closely with private clients, Elzee completed major projects in conjunction with community, city, state, and federal housing agencies. Some of Elzee's significant projects include:
- Highbridge-Nelson Project (Bronx, NY)
- Sutter-Union (Brooklyn, NY)
- Grand Concourse Housing (Bronx, NY)
Elzee has also excelled at historic preservation and restoration projects, paying exacting attention to every detail. On one project their stonework reproduction was so exact that the architect mistook an original stone for a new one. Elzee's historic preservation work includes:
- Mohawk Hotel Restoration (Brooklyn, NY)
- Private historic residence on W 87 Street (New York, NY)
- PS 157 Housing (Harlem, New York, NY) (click here for the NY Times article about this project)
Additionally, Elzee has stood out for their superb work in numerous commercial and industrial endeavors. From waterfront warehouses to uptown Manhattan doctors’ offices, Elzee has outshone others in their industry. Noteworthy community projects
- Mosdoth Day Care Center (Brooklyn, NY)
- Ohel Children’s Home Offices (Brooklyn, NY)
- Prospect Park Yeshiva for Girls (Brooklyn, NY)
In 1995, Eli (Elliot) Zisman started working part-time for his uncle and father (Eli is Berel's son) as a manager, foreman, and general apprentice. He joined the business full-time in 1996 upon his graduation from High School. A quick study, Eli was soon managing a major portion of the business, focusing mainly on their property management division.
Eventually, Eli started working on several construction projects, “making his bones” in the field and absorbing the vast pool of knowledge on tap in Leo and Berel. With each successive project Eli took on more and more responsibility and oversight, ultimately taking full control of all aspects of both the in-field and office components.
In 2011 – with Leo retired from the business and Berel in partial-retirement – Eli moved Elzee’s offices to Rockalnd County, NY, where he had been living for about 10 years. Reflecting its new environs, Elzee now focuses primarily on residential, commercial, and industrial jobs for private clients and companies.