Discover the secrets behind Bluewater Construction’s hurricane-proof luxury homes
Based in Florida, Bluewater Construction (Bluewater) is renowned for delivering the highest level of craftsmanship and unparalleled service while providing complete transparency throughout the building process. With a focus on exceptional detail, continuous communication, and lasting relationships, the company prides itself on its ability to handle the most challenging projects.
“My father-in-law started this business in 2001, after gaining valuable experience working for another high-end custom home builder and for his father before that. Not many people succeed in the high-end custom home market, and he was one of the first to establish himself on Longboat Key and Siesta Key. This specialization makes our niche even more distinct, as these are barrier islands where we focus exclusively on luxury waterfront construction,” opens Mike Marciniak, Owner and President.
As our interview begins, Mike talks us through Bluewater’s early days and evolution in the custom home building sector. “Before graduating with my finance degree, I worked at Merrill Lynch, but when my uncle, a real estate developer, asked me to assess his operation, I decided to pursue real estate instead. I got my dad on board, and we started acquiring and renovating affordable housing, which marked my entry into construction. Out of necessity, we established a property management company, which involved managing various construction projects. Our last acquisition included several duplexes, and I saw potential to build something new in some vacant land we owned. After discussing it with my father-in- law, who became my partner, he helped me navigate the permitting process. He gave me the freedom to learn on my own and I successfully built several duplexes. I eventually obtained my contractor’s license to formalize my role in the business.
“During the pandemic, my father-in-law fell ill and wanted to exit the business. He was considering selling it, and I offered to buy it, leading us to become partners. This marked the beginning of my journey in custom home building, with a mission to build upon the foundation he established. Technology is playing a huge role in custom home building these days by enhancing efficiencies. While my father-in-law was resistant to the adoption of new solutions, just before his retirement, I hired a project manager, Garrett Gregory, with 14 years of experience who shares my vision for incorporating technology to boost efficiencies wherever possible. Over the past five months, we have focused on improving the project management side of the business,” Mike adds.
Recently, Bluewater completed a project on Longboat Key that is particularly significant to Mike. “We are fortunate to have worked on this project as it was for an outstanding client and the evolution of this endeavor has been truly amazing. It began with a project at the south end of Longboat Key, where the clients told us that if we did an excellent job, they would consider us for another property they had purchased at the north end. We successfully completed the renovation on the south end, transforming the home into a beautiful modern Mediterranean property. Once that project was finished, we did start work on the north end house. We introduced the client to several architects, including Sweet Sparkman, whom we thought would be a good fit. Although we had never worked with them before, Jerry Sparkman, the owner, visited the site and shared his vision for the property, which was a dated 16,000 square foot Mediterranean home situated on nearly two acres of beachfront. Over the course of a year, the project progressed through design and development. By the end, very little of the original structure remained, so we suggested that it would be more practical to start with a new foundation to give the client exactly what they wanted. Ultimately, they decided to maintain the existing footprint due to regulations from the Department of Environmental Protection regarding construction seaward of the coastal construction control line. However, they added a pool house structure and increased the size of the main house. This resulted in what we are now building, which in my opinion is one of the greatest projects along our coast,” he describes.
Sustainable practices
Building along the Florida coast offers many benefits, but it also requires important considerations due to the extreme weather events that can impact the area. Mike explains how Bluewater ensures its homes are hurricane-proof. “What is remarkable about this major project on Longboat Key is the foundation, which boasts 270 driven piles, each 12 inches in diameter and extending about 35 feet deep. Underneath the sand, there is approximately 1000 yards of concrete, making the house an absolute fortress. During the latest hurricane, we experienced three feet of water rushing across the lot, yet there was zero damage to the structure. I think this resilience is one of the key factors that attracts our clients. Recent hurricanes have been traumatic for many people, and this has caused some volatility in the market.
“I believe that the modern construction standards we adhere to are designed to withstand worst-case scenarios. We are very conscious of ensuring that what we build is durable and has a minimal environmental impact, especially in the event of flooding. Flooding is a significant issue here, with debris and contaminants originating from the ground floor of homes getting washed away during heavy rains, resulting in pollution in Sarasota Bay and the Gulf. If all homes had been built to modern standards, ground floors below the base flood level would not be made of the materials that contribute to these problems. Unfortunately, these are the materials that end up flooding streets, entering homes, and ultimately polluting the bay. It is a serious issue that needs addressing,” he expands.
With strong craftsmanship at its core, Bluewater effectively leverages technology integration and sustainable construction practices, positioning itself as a trailblazer in Florida’s luxury waterfront home building landscape. By embracing innovation and adapting to industry challenges, Bluewater consistently enhances the custom home building experience for its clients, providing them with the peace of mind that their homes will withstand the test of time and extreme weather.