Proven Experience in Construction

The owners of Florida Built Solid bring decades of hands-on expertise in both commercial and residential construction across Southwest Florida. As specialized structural contractors, they’ve delivered concrete frame construction, exterior masonry finishes, and custom stonework for a wide range of projects—from luxury waterfront homes to large-scale commercial developments.

One of their most distinguished achievements was the $20 million renovation of the historic Sarasota Opera House, completed in 2007 under the former company name Elegant Finishes Masonry & Concrete. This highly complex project included:

  • Pouring concrete 20 feet below sea level inside a 1926 structure
  • Placing and finishing over 600 cubic yards of concrete using a line pump
  • Stabilizing two compromised concrete columns while they supported the building’s full weight
  • Installing new foundations, formed concrete radius walls, reinforced block walls, elevated concrete decks, and a new orchestra pit
  • Completing auditorium slabs, balcony seating, and intricate concrete radius stairs

Despite over 300 change orders and significant setbacks, the team—led by Project Manager Dave Otterness of Willis A. Smith Construction—implemented a 24-hour construction schedule to meet the deadline. The project was completed on time with exceptional results and remains one of the most technically challenging endeavors in the company’s history.

Beyond this landmark renovation, Florida Built Solid has provided structural services for schools, churches, hotels, and office complexes from Charlotte County to Tampa. Their residential portfolio includes numerous high-end waterfront homes, renovations, and remodels for some of the region’s most respected builders.

The following are three adjoining individual projects. The projects are in different phases of redevelopment and renovation work. These projects consist of five beach homes and a garage on 4.5 acres on the Gulf of America. 

7700 Manasota Key Rd. / 2022-current (National Register of Historic Places) 

Project Scope:

  • Site Grading and Drainage Improvements 
  • Tree Removal / Replacement
  • Whole House Remodels on two homes and a garage
  • Landscaping Enhancements
  • New Kitchens & Baths 
  • Restoration of a terrazzo floor
  • New drywall and paint throughout
  • New roof framing and concrete lanai
  • New Roofs and MEP systems
  • New Hurricane Windows and Doors 
  • New paver stone patios
  • Installation of helical piers / Grade Beam & Shear Wall 
  • Asphalt Repair and shell driveways and paths
 
September / October of 2024 two major hurricanes caused major damage to the properties beach dune and swimming pool. The swimming pool was demolished and removed and the beach dune shored up with a temporary Trap Bag system. The storms caused major delays in construction and impacted the projects sequencing. The project is being closed out in phases and is now slated for a February 2026 completion. 

 

7720 Manasota Key Rd. / 2021- 2024 (National Register of Historic Places) 

Project Scope:

  • Selected Tree Removals / Clearing 
  • New Paver Stone Driveway with Masonry Piers and Gates
  • Major Landscaping Package with Lighting
  • Limited Interior renovations of two beach cottages 
  • New High- Performance roofs
  • Selected Hurricane Window replacements 
  • Exterior Stairs Removal & Replacements
  • Remove and replace wooden dune walkover 
 
Two major hurricanes came ashore with major storm surge September / October 2024 that caused major dune erosion to the properties 201′ shoreline, and the loss of the wooden walkover.  The upside to this particular property is its dune elevation. The dune effectively protected both structures allowing only minimal cosmetic damage. Meaning a couple of gutter downspouts were blown off etc. and beach sand was blown against the main house. As such, we have begun a “Major Redevelopment” design phase for this property to enhance its functionality and value. 
 
2026 – 2027 Redevelopment Scope: 
(Phase 1)
  •  3,000CY beach dune sand renourishment & vegetation 
  • New wooden dune walkover 
(Phase 2)
  • Conversion of guest cottage to Pool Cabana
  • New Swimming Pool with aluminum fencing and paver stone patio 
(Phase 3)
  • Extensive remodel and expansion to the main house 
  • New garage with elevator / new storage areas
  • Main floor – large master bedroom suite with spa / steam room
  • New hurricane sliding glass doors with gulf view
  • New hurricane windows & doors
  • Major renovation / expansion of kitchen with updated appliances
  • New MEP systems
  • New entry stairs 
  • New siding and paint
 
7740 Manasota Key Rd, / 2024- Current 
Project Scope:
  • Major Structural Repairs 
  • Whole House remodel on a beach home
  • Major renovation of a Cathedral Living Room with Fireplace
  • New Drywall & Painting 
  • New MEP systems
  • New Hurricane windows & doors 
  • New Foyer Doors 
  • New stone entry with stairs and retaining walls