SRQ Magazine | July/August 2025: Homes by Westbay Brandstory
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Known for their distinctive designs and commitment to quality craftsmanship, Homes by WestBay has earned a reputation as one of Tampa Bay’s premier homebuilders.
SINCE LAUNCHING IN 2009, HOMES BY WESTBAY HAS GROWN steadily by offering stylish, energy-efficient homes tailored to modern Florida living. This award-winning builder is now expanding into the Sarasota and Manatee area, bringing their signature blend of innovation, personalization and upscale finishes to a new audience along the Gulf Coast. Homes by WestBay was founded in Tampa in 2009 by Willy Nunn. At the time, the housing market was in the midst of a financial crisis and many private custom home builders were closing their doors. Nunn knew there were still people looking to build high-quality homes in the area and they decided to fill that void. Within the first year, Homes by WestBay had built and delivered over sixty homes. As the company grew, they began expanding their team, bringing on experts like Dee Crescini, who had a background in the design world and had built design studios for builders across the state. Originally brought in as the Design Studio Manager, thirteen years later Crescini serves as the company’s Vice President of Design and is also the Division Manager for the company’s new South Division
Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch
Dee Crescini, Vice President of Design and Division Manager, South Division
ONE OF THE REASONS HOMES BY WESTBAY IS ABLE TO deliver custom-quality homes on a production timeline and budget is the versatility built into their home designs. In every community, they offer a variety of floor plans tailored to different lot sizes, giving buyers the flexibility to choose a layout that fits their lifestyle. Many of these plans also include structural options—so a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home might easily become a three-bedroom with a dedicated home office instead. What’s more, WestBay continually updates and refines its offerings. Longstanding favorites like Homes by WestBay’s Key Largo and Biscayne floorplans have evolved over the years in response to changing homeowner needs, with features like reimagined laundry rooms or more functional work-from-home spaces reflecting today’s way of living. Beyond offering a wide variety of floorplans, Homes by WestBay also distinguishes itself with an impressive range of design options that allow buyers to tailor their home to fit their personal style. “When I started in this industry twenty-five years ago, the kind of design studio experience we have today simply didn’t exist in our area,” says Crescini. “Back then, it was challenging for builders to offer homebuyers a variety of choices, and even harder to communicate those selections accurately to trade partners. That often meant, products weren’t installed as expected, and homeowners ended up with a space that didn’t fully reflect their vision. Many had to take on home improvement projects after moving in—just to get the home they truly wanted. Simply because the builder couldn’t provide the investment options buyer desired.”
“Through partnerships with our preferred manufacturers, we’ve been able to develop a process that creates the look of a custom home with the price and build time of a production home.” Crescini says. “Today if you are building a custom home in this market it could take up to 24 months to complete. We accomplish this in seven to eight months.”
Homes by WestBay’s Design Studio
The Key West II Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch
The design studio experience at Homes by WestBay is a true evolution from the traditional approach—thoughtfully curated and personalized every step of the way. Open Monday-Friday by appointment only for contracted clients, the 6,200-square-foot Design Studio showcases an extensive range of materials and finishes, allowing buyers to explore endless possibilities to create their dream home. From today’s most popular and distinctive flooring styles to cabinetry, countertops, and more, the Studio features everything in one inspiring space. Multiple kitchen and bathroom vignettes highlight how each selection works together, helping buyers visualize the full impact of their design choices in real-life settings.
Before their in-person appointment, buyers can begin the process at home by exploring options online through their personal design portal, Wishlist. When they arrive at the Studio,
Giving Back
they’re welcomed by their dedicated design consultant, who has thoughtfully arranged the samples they saved on Wishlist for review—setting the stage for the creation of their future sanctuary.
Over the next eight hours, buyers work closely with their consultant to refine every detail. Together, they explore how light plays across the countertops, making them sparkle from every angle. How the countertops enhance the beauty of their chosen cabinetry and flooring, while the backsplash ties it all together into a polished, cohesive look.
“One item to note that sets us apart from many production builders,” says Crescini, “is that everything you see in our model homes can be replicated in our buyers’ homes. Giving you the opportunity to create the features that had you fall in love with the home in your own home before you move in.”
HOMES BY WESTBAY ISN’T JUST BUILDING COMMUNITIES THEY’RE INVESTING IN THEM. The company has made philanthropy a core part of its mission, partnering with local nonprofits to make a meaningful impact beyond the homes they build. Through their WestBay Gives initiative, they support organizations focused on education, housing stability, and family services, helping to strengthen the very communities where their homes are located. Whether it’s sponsoring fundraising events or encouraging employee volunteerism, Homes by WestBay is deeply committed to giving back. It’s a philosophy that reflects their belief that strong communities start with more than just quality construction—they’re built on compassion and connection. “In Tampa, we have a group of nonprofit organizations that we partner with and have supported with our time, talents and treasures over the years, including A Kid’s Place, Metropolitan Ministries, AMI Kids and Meals on Wheels,” says Crescini. “We’re expanding this in the Sarasota-Manatee area. We have been working with Resilient Retreat, a trauma recovery center in Sarasota. Our team has participated in workdays, sponsored charity events and donated needed supplies. We want to give back to the community and partner with local agencies that have an impact on our community.”
The Islamorada II Crosswind Ranch
Homes by WestBay Communities
THE LEVEL OF FLEXIBILITY AND PERSONALIZATION THAT MAKES A HOMES BY WESTBAY RESIDENCE feel like a custom build comes from their wide range of floorplans and curated design selections. That attention to detail doesn’t stop at the front door—it extends into the planning of each neighborhood as well. Understanding that no two homebuyers are exactly alike, Homes by WestBay creates neighborhoods that are as diverse as the people who live in them. Whether you’re seeking walkability, resort-style amenities, natural surroundings, or family-friendly features, there’s a community designed with you in mind. This approach is especially clear in their recent expansion into the Sarasota-Manatee area, where their newest developments showcase a thoughtful blend of home design and community planning—making it easier than ever to find a place that truly feels like home.
“We have many families moving to the Sarasota-Manatee area— not just from other states, but from other parts of Florida too,” says Crescini. “They’re asking themselves, ‘What will my life look like here?’” says Crescini. “Often, people first experience the area while on vacation and start imagining what it would be like to live that lifestyle every day. The big question becomes: how can I build a new life here that feels like an extension of that vacation—and how can the community I choose support the hobbies and activities my family and I love?” Each of our communities has its own unique personality and energy. They don’t just offer a house—they tell a lifestyle story that helps residents feel truly at home in their new community. In the upand-coming neighborhood of Parrish, Homes by WestBay is proud to
build in a diverse selection of new home communities, each with its own distinct identity. First, there’s Crosswind Ranch, which Crescini describes as WestBay’s gateway into the Sarasota-Manatee market. A master-planned community, Crosswind will include amenities like a resort-style pool and pickleball courts, and it’s designed for people who enjoy a quieter, more independent living experience. People interested in a more amenitized neighborhood might be better suited for Longmeadow at North River Ranch, this community features miles of nature trails and bike pump track, the “Bark Park” for your 4-legged family members, pickle ball courts, Camp Creek clubhouse and cafe to socialize at and Headwaters Swim Center to cool off and relax. Finally there’s Oakfield, a community featuring a private, membersonly club. This gated community will have it all, from the resort pool to pickleball and tennis to casual dining options, complete with a lifestyle director. This is the community for the people who want to be involved in their neighborhood and play where they live.
Moving farther south, Homes by WestBay also builds in Star Farms in Lakewood Ranch another highly amenitized property with the newly opened Palm Bar and grill, beautiful resort pool, pickleball and basketball courts, trails and dog park that’s ideal for active families. And for families who want to experience luxury living in a community of single-family homes with a private, amenity rich gated neighborhood – Everly at Wellen Park is for you. This community is a quiet enclave of just over 200 homes with a social hall featuring a kitchen and reception area, resort pool, spa and private cabanas, fitness center, yoga deck, pickleball courts, fishing area and much more.
