by Scene Magazine
The Bay Park Conservancy, overseeing The Bay initiative, has hired Jon F. Swift Construction as the construction manager to bring Phase 1 to fruition. Recognized as one of the region’s leading commercial contractors, serving Sarasota and Manatee County, the company will be overseeing the development of The Bay Park in its initial stages.
Swift Construction has expertise in building parks, having worked on Bayfront Park in Longboat Key and the Siesta Beach Park improvements. They also demonstrated the ability to work in an urban environment where people work and live adjacent to the site such as their work with the Lemon Avenue and First Avenue Streetscapes in downtown Sarasota. Both of these are vital components to bringing Phase 1 of The Bay Park to fruition.
“The Bay team is excited to bring a skilled leader in the industry on board as we refine and bring the vision for Phase 1 to life,” said Bill Waddill, Chief Implementation Officer of The Bay Park Conservancy. “Jon F. Swift Construction has built a strong relationship with neighbors and the community, has worked closely with the City of Sarasota and earned its trust, and saw the importance of understanding the environment they’re working with to minimize disruption to daily lives. We’re excited to partner with this strong community player as we realize the possibilities of Phase 1.”
Jon F. Swift Construction will be overseeing the development and construction of Phase 1, including the creation of walkways and paths and the spiral Sunset Boardwalk overlooking Sarasota Bay. The Jon F. Swift team has already brought innovative construction methods forward that will promote sustainability throughout the construction phase.
“We are excited about the opportunity to build Phase 1 of The Bay Park for our community,” said Jason Swift, President of Jon F. Swift Construction and Project Manager for Phase 1 of The Bay. “Our team is ready to get started to make the community’s vision a reality.”
The Bay initiative has been a collaborative partnership between the community, the City of Sarasota, and a series of citizen-lead volunteer groups, the latest of which is The Bay Park Conservancy. The Bay Park Conservancy continues to work closely with its partners from Agency/Sasaki, ATLARGE, and now Jon F. Swift Construction, as well as with its many supporters and volunteers in the community.
