LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – Halfacre Construction Company, a Lakewood Ranch-based commercial construction company, is celebrating its 50-year anniversary of quality construction projects and service to the southwest Florida community.
In 1970, Bill Halfacre, an engineer by profession, founded Halfacre Construction Company as a full-service general contractor. The firm was quickly established as a design-build company capable of supplying a variety of building solutions to the west coast of Florida.
John Cox, Jack Cox’s father, later purchased the commercial construction company in 1984 and continued the rich tradition of providing exceptional value to its clients. Jack Cox started supervising and managing projects the same year his father purchased the company.
Jack Cox assumed the role of president in 2001. In 2007, he became the sole owner of Halfacre Construction, bringing 25 years of experience and leadership to the top of the organization. Reed Giasson and Tom Rees became vice presidents and partners of the firm in 2018.
“Our team is so proud to continue the strong legacy left by my father,” said Jack Cox. “Nearly five decades later, with millions of square feet built, Halfacre Construction Company continues to stand strong as the area’s oldest, private commercial construction company. The majority of our clients represent repeat customers, and we cannot thank them, our employees and this community enough for their continued support. As Sarasota and Charlotte Counties look forward to centennial celebrations next year, we are humbled to have been part of those community legacies with several long-lasting projects over the past 50 years.”
Today, the firm employs 30, many who have been with the company for more than 20 years. Since its founding, Halfacre Construction Company has completed thousands of projects.
“It’s an honor to be with a company that has contributed to the community for half a century,” said Rees. “Over that period of time, Halfacre Construction Company has become a diverse organization that bolsters the economic development of the region with several large job-creating projects. Our team consists of women and minorities making great strides in a largely male-dominated commercial construction field. Moving forward, we aim to continue this trend among our workforce.”
Some of the construction firm’s clients include Sun Hydraulics, Port Manatee, SKY Family YMCA and Charlotte County, Manatee County and Sarasota County governments and school districts, among many others. Halfacre Construction Company completed the 139-foot airport tower at the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport, the newest tower at the Punta Gorda Airport and several other additions over the years. The construction team has also helped with several historical renovations, including the Edson Keith Estate at Phillippi Estate Park, First Baptist Church of Palmetto, First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton, Manatee County Courthouse and Terrace Administration Building.
Committed to giving back to the community, Halfacre Construction Company continually gives in-kind services and contributions to local nonprofits, such as Loveland Center, First Step of Sarasota, The Haven, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, Suncoast Charities for Children, Special Olympics Florida – Sarasota County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, SKY Family YMCA, United Way Suncoast, Senior Friendship Centers of Sarasota, HOPE Family Services and St. Jude Catholic Church.
Jack Cox and the company’s employees also volunteer for a variety of nonprofits. He has served on the board of directors for The Argus Foundation, Cadence Bank, Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, Charlotte County Economic Development Council, Sarasota County Economic Development Council, Suncoast Charities for Children, Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children, Inc., the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Construction Industry Licensing Board and FCCI.
“Over the past 50 years, we have worked on large-scale, multimillion-dollar projects, such as the current $26 million RL Anderson Administration Center for Sarasota County, and smaller projects under the $5 million mark,” said Giasson. “As we look forward to the next 50 years, our goal is to continue to grow our team, add more large-scale projects to our portfolio and remain a driving force for a diverse workforce in the region.”
About Halfacre Construction Company
As the area’s oldest, most established, locally owned and operated private commercial construction company, Halfacre’s foundational strengths stand as evidence that its commercial and industrial construction projects will be delivered on time, within budget, with the utmost integrity and with the expertise and financial strength needed for success. Halfacre Construction also offers its expertise as a green building provider with the resources available to build viable, effective alternatives to reduce energy consumption and preserve natural resources. Staff includes U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) certified professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in green building practices and who possess a thorough grasp of the LEED Green Building Rating System. For more information, please visit www.HalfacreConstruction.com.