Manasota Key


The northern section of Manasota Key is undergoing severe dune recession driven by high‑energy Gulf wave action, storm surge, and a chronic sediment‑transport imbalance. As a result, several residential structures now face foundation exposure and elevated structural risk due to the loss of protective dune mass.

Built Solid Homes, LLC, under the direction of Gary A. Wood, is serving as project manager for a coalition of affected property owners. The project objective is to develop a scientifically supported, environmentally compliant dune‑stabilization and long‑term coastal‑resilience strategy for this vulnerable shoreline segment.

Following Hurricane Milton, the initial emergency response included the installation of TrapBag erosion‑control systems on multiple properties. These systems provided immediate toe protection and successfully prevented further structural undermining.

To transition from emergency stabilization to long‑term resilience, the project team engaged two leading coastal engineers—Dr. William B. Stoddard, P.E. and Dr. Ping Wang, P.E. Their scope includes detailed hydrodynamic modeling, sediment‑transport analysis, and wave‑impact assessments to evaluate nearshore processes, identify erosional drivers, and design a mitigation plan that supports natural dune rebuilding.

The engineering approach intentionally avoids the use of vertical concrete seawalls, which have historically produced adverse flanking‑erosion effects and accelerated shoreline loss on adjacent parcels. Instead, the project emphasizes nature‑based solutions, including dune reconstruction, native‑vegetation restoration, and wave‑energy attenuation strategies that align with state and federal coastal‑regulatory frameworks.

Homeowners have expressed concerns regarding property stability, redevelopment feasibility, and long‑term marketability under current erosion conditions. Accordingly, the project’s long‑term goal is to deliver a permittable, sustainable, and system‑wide dune‑restoration design that stabilizes the shoreline and supports future residential investment.

It is our broader objective that the resulting design framework will serve as a scalable solution for dune‑erosion challenges across the entire Key and potentially beyond.

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 
  • Whole House Remodels for two beach homes and a garage
  • Landscaping Enhancements
  • High-end custom cedar outdoor shower enclosures 
  • Restoration of a terrazzo floor
  • New roof framing and concrete lanai
  • New Roofs and MEP systems
  • New Hurricane Windows and Doors 
  • New paver stone patios
  • Installation of foundation 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 slated for completeion June 2026. 

 

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 – 2029 Redevelopment Scope: 
(Phase 1)
  •  3,000 CY beach dune sand renourishment & plantings 
  • New wooden dune walkover 
(Phase 2)
  • New Cabana
  • New Swimming Pool with aluminum fencing and paver stone patio 
(Phase 3)
  • Exterior & Interior upgrades to the main house 
  • New modern kitchen & appliances
  • Large Master Bedroom w/ Steam Room and private balcony
  • New Garage & Elevator
  • Expansive Sliding Glass Doors with gulf view
  • New MEP systems
  • New entry stairs & decks
  • New fresh coastal painting
 
7740 Manasota Key Rd, / 2024- Current 
Project Scope:
  • Major Structural Repairs 
  • Installation of foundation helical piers 
  • Temporary Erosion Control Trap Bag system
  • Whole House Remodel  
  • New MEP systems
  • New Hurricane windows & doors 
  • New Foyer with new Millwork 360 Hurricane Doors 
  • New “Grand Entrance” stairs and walks utilizing Quarziti 2.0 Porcelain Stone 
  • New Retaining walls with Precast wall caps
  • Seaside Paver Patios & outdoor shower enclosures
 
The project is slated for completion August 2026