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Member News
Member News is a forum for companies to share information with the Central Florida Chapter membership, free of charge. This service is available to all member companies on a first-come, first-serve basis, as space permits. Content should be editorial in nature, such as new contracts, finished projects, employee promotions, etc. and not promoting business products and services.
For more information contact Alssa Mathews at 407.628.2070 or send an email to: bcf@abccf.org Visit abccentralflorida.com/media/building-central-florida/
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Wharton-Smith, Inc.
…The day was rainy and dreary, yet the celebration was perfect! O’Nekay Campbell and her four young children cut the ribbon on their brand-new, four-bedroom Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka home in Sanford. For the first time, they will have a house and yard in which to play.
O’Nekay was thrilled to be buying the 2023 “HomeBuilders Blitz” house, constructed through Habitat’s partnership with WhartonSmith, Inc. Construction Group and the 29 subcontractors they enlisted to donate funds or materials, talent, and labor. The partnership with Wharton-Smith, a commercial-industrial contractor headquartered in Sanford, is over a decade long.
O’Nekay’s new home is a promise kept to her children. A supervisor at a neurology practice, she worked hard, putting in sweat equity hours and taking financial literacy, home maintenance, and other classes to become a successful homeowner. “The house is a blessing with my name on it. This property was made for me.”
A company’s character is revealed in what it does, reads Wharton-Smith’s website. “And WhartonSmith’s character is one of truly caring about quality of life and affordable homeownership right here in our community,” said Habitat Seminole-Apopka CEO Penny Seater. “Their President & CEO Tim Smith is dedicated to giving back. He loves when he can turn the keys over to a family like O’Nekay’s.”
Tim believes homes like this can be a solution to the affordability crisis. “This home may not be the total solution," he said. “But it does make an impact on the overall issue.” That’s why Wharton-Smith helps Habitat make an impact one house and one family at a time and why he encourages other local builders to do the same. Please visit HabitatSeminoleApopka.org to become involved.
Williams Company Management Group
…recently built its fourth consecutive new home for Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County’s “Home for the Holidays” building initiative. Their veteran team was able to build this new home for a well-deserving family in just 10 days, with all the labor and materials donated by their amazing subcontractor and member subcontractors team! The “Home for the Holidays” build is a great event that brings their team together each year to create a positive impact on the community and create affordable housing for families that are a part of the Habitat for Humanity program. For over 100 years, Williams Company has embraced supporting local charities, and they plan to continue giving back to their community for another 100 years!
…proudly introduces Andy Yarber as their newest divisional manager. Andy has an impressive 30-year career in the construction industry with robust experience in both field and operational roles and holds a degree in construction management from Michigan State University. In his role, Andy will focus on enhancing customer service in the industrial and hospitality sectors. Andy's reputation for delivering results and fostering innovation aligns seamlessly with the company's vision, marking a significant milestone in Williams Company’s trajectory.
WPC
…broke ground on an exciting new multi-family development – 52 at Park. Located at 3255 West Colonial Drive, this development is set to transform the Central Florida landscape, offering a modern and vibrant living experience in the heart of Orlando.
Comprising a mix of two 4-story buildings, six 3-story structures, and a clubhouse, this development will boast 300 units. The project broke ground in January of this year and is expected to be completed by early 2026.
Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC), a prominent advocate for affordable housing and community strengthening, has chosen WPC as the trusted construction partner for their latest development. Their mission revolves around providing quality, affordable homes while delivering social, environmental, and financial benefits to residents and communities.
WPC's extensive expertise in multi-family construction positions them to bring Lincoln Avenue Communities' vision to life, creating an exceptional living environment focused on comfort, community, and connectivity. This partnership underscores Lincoln Avenue Communities' confidence in WPC's ability to execute its vision effectively.
“We are thrilled that our newest ground-up development, 52 at Park, broke ground this month,” said Jordan Richter, LAC vice president and project partner. “When complete, 52 at Park’s 300 units will play an important role in helping confront the affordable housing crisis in Orlando, where families and individuals face a limited supply of homes and escalating rents.”
WPC, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, has firmly established itself as one of Florida's premier builders in the multifamily market. With nearly 40,000 completed multi-family units in our portfolio, they are committed to creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging, connection, and vitality. Their dedication to "Do it Right - The First Time" is reflected in every aspect of their projects, from meticulous attention to detail to top-notch craftsmanship.
"We are excited to add 52 at Park to our growing list of multifamily developments across the state," said Jeff Forrest, president and CEO, WPC. "52 at Park exemplifies our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those who will call it home. We look forward to creating a vibrant and thriving community that residents will cherish."
